Part 4

THE Great Masters have their chief Seat and Convent at _Brianno_ near _Venice_, and is Hereditary in the Family of _Angelus Flavius Comnenus_. Among the rest of their Prerogatives, the Masters are _Commensales Pontificum_, i. e. may sit at the Table with the Pope, who defends them as Benefactors to the Church, and Founders of the _Lateran_ Cathedral at _Rome_. As Subjects to no Prince, they have Power of coyning Money: They give Titles of Counts and Princes to their own Fraternity, and take upon them the restoring to _Honours_, of legitimating _Bastards_, making _Doctors_, _Poets Laureats_ and _Publick Notaries_. This Order is under the Protection of the Virgin _Mary_ and Patronage of St. _George_; and they profess Obedience and conjugal Chastity; they wear a white Habit, on the left Side whereof is sowed a red or crimson Velvet Cross, Flory; in the middle is the _Labarum_ ⳨ imbroidered with the Letter A upon one Arm of the Cross, and Ω on the other. The Sides are wrought with Gold and Silk, but the _Labarum_ is all Gold. Amongst these Knights are three Degrees; the first call’d Collered or Grand Crosses, wearing a Collar form’d of _Labarums_, whereat hangs the Cross and St. _George_. The second are the Knights, and these wear the Cross above describ’d. The third are Servants, and they bear the Cross only, without the _Labarum_. The many Grand Priorates or Commanderies belonging to this Order, shew the Power they were formerly endow’d with.

14. _Knights of St._ James _in_ Galicia _or_ Sanctiago.

THIS is the principal Order in _Spain_, and had its Title of _Don Raniro_, King of _Leon_, who about the Year 826. at _Clavigio_, by the Assistance of St. _James_ (said to appear upon a white Horse, bearing a Banner with a _red Cross_) and gain’d a mighty Victory over a great Army of the _Moors_. Some place the Institution about the Year 1160. others 1175. whereas it was only then confirm’d, and their Rule of Living prescrib’d by Pope _Alexander_ III. there being a Fraternity of Knights in Spain, _A. D._ 1030. under a _Master_ and _Governor_, with Revenues.

AND altho’ this Order at first were dispos’d to vertuous Courses, and valiantly to encounter the _Moors_, Enemies to the _Cross_ of _Christ_, yet in time they became scandalously perverted, but were afterwards reduc’d to a better Life, and approv’d on by the said Pope _Alexander_, who receiv’d them into the Protection of the Papal See, and gave them the Rule of St. _Augustin_, the Form of holding Chapters, of electing their _Masters_, of _Treves_, and thirteen Commendadores of Houses, and of the Visitors; and in short very large Privileges, together with the Monastery of St. _Lorjo_, situate in _Galicia_ near _Sanctiago_; and the Prior and Canons thereof were incorporated into this Order.

THEIR Ensign is a _red Cross_, which the Knights wear upon their Breast, terminating like the Blade of a Sword, the Hilt crosletted and fashion’d after the ancient Manner; whereupon it was call’d _La Order de Sanctiago de la Espada_.

THEIR Habit is a white Mantle close before, on the Breast whereon is placed the said Cross, made of Silk or Cloth, and they are obliged to wear it upon their Garments, Coats or Cloaks, tho’ they use Crosses of Gold likewise.

WHEN the _Moors_ were driven out of _Spain_, and the principal Branch of this Order expir’d, upon a Contest for the Place of Great Master, the Crown of _Castile_ stepp’d in between, and by consent of the Knights, obtain’d it under the Title of Administrator, which was granted to King _Ferdinand_; and his Son _Charles_ V. annex’d it with all its Rights, _&c._ to his Successors in the Kingdoms of _Castile_ and _Leon_. Since which, the Kings of _Spain_ now enjoy the Administration of this Order, and carry that Title and Stile in the Inscription upon the Great Seal thereof, which holds the Royal Arms of _Spain_, upon a Cross that filleth all the Shield, with a Sword at each of the four Corners.

15. _Knights of St._ Saviour _in_ Arragon.

THESE were instituted _A. D._ 1118. by Don _Alphonso_, call’d _Emperor_ of _Spain_, _King_ of _Navarre_, _Arragon_, &c. chosen out of the _Spanish_ and _French_ Nobility that assisted in his Wars. He form’d them into a Society, the better to enable him to drive the _Moors_ out of _Saragossa_, and the whole Territory of _Arragon_. Their Rule of living was the _Cistercian_, and somewhat conformable to the _Knights Templars_. When the _Moors_ were driven out of _Spain_, their rich _Commanderies_ were at length united to the Crown.

THEIR Habit was a white Mantle, on the Breast whereof was a _red Cross Anchre_; but some say it was the Figure of our Saviour.

16. _Knights_ d’Avis _in_ Portugal.

DON _Alphonso Henriquez_, first King of _Portugal_, took from the _Moors_, _A. D._ 1147. the City of _Evora_, and to strengthen it, sent thither several gallant Commanders, who assum’d the Title of Knights of St. _Mary_ of _Evora_, putting themselves under the Protection of our blessed Lady. Not long after they were call’d _d’Avis_, from a Castle upon the _Portuguese_ Frontiers, conquer’d from the _Moors_, whither they transplanted themselves. It was confirm’d by Pope _Innocent_ III. _A. D._ 1204. under the Rule of St. _Benedict_, and therefore in some Papal Rules call’d of St. _Benedict d’Avis_. The _Knights_ profess _conjugal Chastity_ and _Obedience_. _Anno_ 1213. they submitted themselves to the _Rule_, _Statutes_ and _Visitation_ of the Order of _Calatrava_; but in the Time of _John_ of _Portugal_ (natural Son to _Pedro_ King of _Portugal_) seventh Great Master _d’Avis_, they cast off their Acknowledgments to _Calatrava_, and never after submitted to them; and afterwards, when the Crown of _Portugal_ fell into the Hands of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, this Order was govern’d according to the Statutes of _Portugal_.

Their Badge is a _green Cross, Flory_, (such as the _Knights_ of _Alcantara_ us’d to wear.) They must be Gentlemen by Extraction, both of the Father’s and Mother’s side.

17. _Knights of St._ Michael_’s Wing in_ Portugal.

About the Year 1165. others say 1171. Don _Alphonso_, who founded the Order _d’Avis_, founded this also after his obtaining a notable Victory over the _Moors_ and _Albara_ King of _Sevil_, in which Battle St. _Michael_ the Archangel is said to appear on the right Side of _Alphonso_, and fight against them.

Their Investiture, _&c._ was the same with _d’Avis_. It is now grown out of Use, but the Mastership remains with the King of _Portugal_.

18. _Knights of St._ Gereon.

This Order was establish’d by _Frederick Barbarossa_ the Emperor; others say by _Frederick_ II. and consisted only of the _German_ Nation. They follow’d the Rule of St. _Augustin_, and wore a white Habit, whereon was sow’d a black Patriarchal Cross, set on a little green Hill.

19. _Knights of St._ Julian de Pereyro, _or of_ Alcantara.

They had the first Appellation from St. _Julian de Pereyro_, a Town in _Leon_, where they had a Monastery built for them by _Ferdinand_ II. King of _Leon_ and _Galicia_, who in his Diploma of Privileges granted thereunto 1176. stiled himself Protector of this Society of Knights. In the Approbation-Bull of Pope _Alexander_ III. their Chief is called Prior; but in that of Pope _Lucius_ III. he is stiled Master of _Pereyro_. They used a Secular Habit, modest and grave, and the Ecclesiasticks a Clerical Habit, with a Shred of Cloth and a Scapulary, to distinguish them from other Seculars and Ecclesiasticks. They observed the Rule of St. _Benedict_ moderated, as it was convenient for the Exercise of Arms against the _Moors_, for which End it was instituted. Their ancient Badge was a _Pear-tree Vert_, in Allusion to the Name.

The Occasion of altering the first Appellation was upon change of their Habitation. Pope _Adrian_ VI. annex’d this Mastership, together with those of St. _James_ and _Calatrava_, to the Royal Crown of _Castile_ for ever.

20. _Knights of_ Trugillo _or_ Truxillo _in_ Spain.

This Order is so call’d from the City of _Trugillo_ in _Estremadura_, but when, or by whom founded, or their Badge, is unknown. Some suppose these Knights the same with that of _Alcantara_; ’tis evident they were in being _A. D._ 1227. when ’tis pretended the Master of _Alcantara_ took _Trugillo_ from the _Moors_, and plac’d there a Brotherhood of Knights. But it seems these Knights of _Truxillo_, were a distinct Order several Years before, and ’tis not unlikely that they might be incorporated into that of St. _Julian de Pereyro_, and by this Means the Order of _Alcantara_ acquired the Towns of _Trugillo_, _Sancta Cruz_, &c. which _Alfonso_ IX. King of _Castile_ had given them. They were to be of Noble Descent, and make proof of their Gentility; they were obliged to be near the King’s Person, and to attend him in all Martial Expeditions, maintaining always Two Horses and Servants in Readiness.

21. _Knights of_ Calatrava.

This Order was instituted in _Castile_ by _Sanchio_ III. and so called from _Calatrava_, a Frontier Castle of _Castile_ and _Toledo_, which the _Moors_ took, _A. D._ 714. compounded of the _Arabick_ _Cala_ a Castle, and the _Spanish_ _Travas_ Manacles, with which the _Moors_ fettered the Christians; 400 Years after which, upon the Recovery of the Town from the _Moors_, it was given to the Knights _Templars_; but they, unable to stop the mighty Conquests of the _Moors_, the said _Sanchio_ by Proclamation promis’d the Inheritance to any who would undertake the Defence of it, being the Key of the Kingdom of _Toledo_. At length _Raymond_ of _Barcelona_ (formerly a Knight, then a _Cistercian_ Abbot) by the Perswasion of _Velasquez_, accepted the Proffer, and had the Donation, _A. D._ 1158. and fortifying it by the Help of his Associates, this Order arose, call’d at first _Militia de Calatrava_. Upon the account of the Fertility of the Place, 20000 Men and their Families were drawn from the neighbouring Countries to settle there, so that the _Moors_ never after attempted it. They remain’d under their own Masters till Pope _Adrian_ VI. annex’d it to the Crowns of _Castile_ and _Leon_.

22. _Order of the Holy Ghost at_ Rome.

_Marquez_ calls them _Brothers of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost_, who tho’ not invested with Swords and Spurs, are nevertheless reckoned among the Military Orders, because bound to certify their Gentility before Admittance. Their chief Seat is the Sumptuous Hospital of the Holy Ghost, founded at _Saxia_ near the River _Tyber_ at _Rome_, by Pope _Innocent_ III. _A. D._ 1198. or 1201. But the Ancient Foundation was the Hospital of the _Holy Ghost_ at _Montpelier_ in _France_, tho’ this other became the Principal. They profess Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience, living under the Rule of St. _Augustine_, and have a Master. Their Ensign is a _White Patriarchal Cross with Twelve Points_, sowed to their Breast, and on the left side of their Black Mantle.

In this Hospital, Care is taken for the nursing and bringing up exposed Children, curing Infirmities, Entertainment of Strangers for Three Days, relieving the Poor, and the like Works. Their Revenue is about 24000 Ducats _per_ Day, having great Commandaries in _Italy_, _Sicily_, _Spain_, _France_, _Burgundy_, _Germany_, and elsewhere.

23. _Knights of St._ George d’Alfama.

So named from a Town in _Tortosa_, were instituted, _A. D._ 1201. received Approbation from the Papal See, _A. D._ 1363. and _A. D._ 1399. was united to the Order of our Lady of _Montesa_.

24. _Knights of_ Christ _in_ Livonia, _or of the Sword-bearers_.

_A. D._ 1186. _Mainard_ first preach’d Christianity to the _Livonians_, and erected the Bishoprick of _Riga_; but his Successors meeting with many Difficulties, _A. D._ 1200. _Albert_, then Bishop of _Livonia_, instituted this Order in Imitation of the Knights _Teutonicks_, with design to extirpate Idolatry, and promote the Gospel. He prescribed to these Knights the _Cistercian_ Rule and Habit, _viz._ a long White Mantle and Black Hood; on the Breast was the Figure of a _Red Sword_, or rather _Two plac’d in Saltire_, whence they had the Title of _Ensiferi fratres_, or _Brethren Sword-bearers_. Their Statutes were something like the Knights _Templars_, and they vowed Obedience and Chastity. Pope _Innocent_ III. confirmed this Order, which became fully instituted, _A. D._ 1203. but because they could not of themselves accomplish their End. About the Year 1237, they were united to the _Teutonick_ Order, and submitted to their Rule and Habit, by whose Help they overcame the _Livonians_, and brought them to the Christian Faith; thenceforward the Great Master of _Livonia_ acknowledged him of _Prussia_ their Superior, until _Walter de Pletemberg_, their Great Master, separated this Order from their Obedience to the _Teutonick_. Finally, _A. D._ 1561. _Gothard de Ketler_, the last Great Master, following the Example of the Great Master of _Prussia_, became subject to the Crown of _Poland_, surrendering to King _Sigismond_ II. the City and Castle of _Riga_, and all the Lands, Charters, Privileges, _&c._ of this Order, receiving in exchange the Dukedom of _Curland_, to him and his Heirs for ever; so the Order expired after 357 Years continuance.

25. _Knights of_ Jesus Christ _in_ Italy _or_ France.

ST. _Dominick_ descended of the Family of the _Guzmans_ in _Spain_, instituted this Order, _A. D._ 1206. principally to fight against the _Albigenses_, then call’d Hereticks. He prescribed to them a White Habit, and for their Badge a _Cross flory, quarterly, sable and argent_. The Work being done with the _Albigenses_, they devoted themselves wholly to spiritual Warfare; and afterwards, upon admitting Widows and Virgins into their Order, they became called _Fratres seu Sorores de Pœnitentia B. Dominici_, whose Rule Pope _Innocent_ VI. confirm’d _circa An._ 1360.

26. _Knights of St._ Mary de Merced. _in_ Aragon.

_James_ I. of _Aragon_, being sometime a Prisoner to _Simon_ Earl of _Montfort_ in _France_, where he suffered much Hardship, and being moved with the insufferable Miseries the Christians endured under the Slavery of the _Moors_, made a Vow to the Blessed Virgin, That when delivered himself, he would endeavour the Redemption of such Christians as the _Moors_ had made Captives, and accordingly laid up great Summs for the Performance; and afterwards, by the Council of _Raymond de Penafort_, his Confessor, and _Pedro Nolasco_, a Noble Chevalier, he founded in _Barcelona_ this Order of _la Nueva Merced_, so named by the Virgin, who, as they reported, appeared to them all in one and the same Hour, directing the Institution. In _Anno_ 1358. I find it called also _Ordo beatæ Eulaliæ_, from St. _Eulalia_ the Virgin and Martyr, buried at _Barcelona_ in the Church bearing her Name. This Order began on the Day of St. _Laurence_, in _August_, _A. D._ 1218. in the Fifth Year of that King, which Day they annually commemorate. They were to gather Alms, and go in Person to redeem Christian Slaves; which Work prospered so well, that _Velasco_ (the first General or Head) set at Liberty 400 within the Space of Six Years after its Foundation. Their Habit was a Coat and Scapular of course white Cloath, garnished with Cordons and Ribbons, wherewith they fast’ned it about their Necks, and from the upper-end thereof issued a Cap that covered half their Head: The Monks wore their Coats and Scapulars reaching down to their Feet; but those of the Knights were much shorter. _A. D._ 1251. King _James_, the Founder, granted unto all the Fraternity, that they should wear upon their Scapulars the Arms of _Aragon_, _viz._ _Or_ 4 _Pales Gules_, and above that the White Cross of the Church of _Barcelona_ in a red Field, with Two Coats joined together _per fess_ in one Shield, which came afterwards to be encompassed with a _Bordure_, which the Knights wore on their Scapulars, but the Monks on their Mantles, and both upon their Breasts. Disputes arising among themselves, they were incorporated with the Knights of _Montesa_; so that, ever since, the whole Fraternity have been only Priests. The Master General hath his Residence at _Barcelona_, by the Decrees of Pope _Clement_ V. and _John_ XXII. To conclude, they now collect great Sums of Money, send out their Agents yearly, chiefly to _Algiers_ and _Fess_, and for the Redemption of Christian Captives, and have from the Time of their Institution followed their proposed Ends with all religious Care and Faithfulness.

27. _Knights of the_ Rosary _in_ Toledo.

_Roderick_, Bishop of _Toledo_ in _Spain_, seeing the Country sore oppressed by the _Moors_, assembled the Noblest of the City, and proposed the Necessity of their Assistance to extirpate the _Moors_; whereunto they being unanimously inclin’d, he gave Beginning to this Order. By their Statutes, besides fighting against the _Moors_, they are obliged to say, continually, the Rosary of our Blessed Lady. Their Rule of Living was that of St. _Dominick_; and their Ensign the _Figure of our Lady of the Rosary upon a Cross flory, quarterly, argent and sable_.

28. _Knights of St._ Mary the Glorious, _in_ Italy.

Their Author was _Bartholomeo de Vincenza_, a Friar Preacher, or _Dominican_, afterwards Bishop of that City. The End he chiefly designed, was to procure Peace to _Italy_, then much disquieted by Civil Wars. It was instituted, _A. D._ 1233. called _Generalis Devotionis annus_, and approved and confirmed by Pope _Urban_ IV. _A. D._ 1262. and the Rule of St. _Dominick_ prescribed them, who are obliged to take into their Care Widows and Orphans, and endeavour to beget Concord among such as are at Variance. Their Habit is a White Tunick or Cassock, and a Mantle of Russet; some make their Badge which they wear upon their Breast _a purple Cross patee bordered with Gold_, others make it _a purple Cross patee, with Two Stars in chief_; but _Marquez_, that has writ of the Order of Knighthood, gives it an _Octogonal Cross_, like that of _Malta_. They profess Obedience and Conjugal Chastity; but are forbid to wear Spurs or Bridles of Gold: They are commonly called _Cavaleri de Madona_, and reside at _Bolonia_, _Modena_, and other _Italian_ Cities; and because they have no Monasteries, but dwell in their own Houses at Ease and Plenty, they were called _Fratres Gaudentes_ or _Hilares_.

29. _Knights of St._ James, _in_ Portugal,

WERE instituted, _A. D._ 1310. by _Denys_ VI. King of _Portugal_, in honour of St. _James_, under whose Protection he became victorious in divers Battles against the _Moors_, and at length quieted his Kingdom by the Assistance of these Knights. It was not long after its Institution ere this Order flourished, through the Privileges the Founder bestowed, and the Approbation of Pope _Nicholas_ IV. and others his Successors. The Knights profess Conjugal Chastity, Hospitality and Obedience, and none are admitted till they make proof of their Gentility by Blood. Their Ensign is a _red Sword_, formed like that of St. _James_ of _Galicia_; the Habit White, and the only difference between them lies in a little Twist of Gold which these of _Portugal_ draw about their Sword. At _Alcasar de Sul_ was their Principal Convent, which they afterwards removed to _Dalmela_, where it yet continues. Their Statutes, _&c._ are much the same with those of St. _James_ in _Galicia_, whereupon some erroneously have confounded them.

30. _Knights of our_ Lady, _and of St._ George _of_ Montesa.

THIS Order succeeded into the Lands and Possessions of the Knights _Templars_ in _Valentia_, as the Knights _Hospitallers_ did into those of the _Templars_ in _France_, _Italy_, and _England_; for _James_ II. King of _Aragon_ and _Valentia_, refusing to give their Revenues to the _Hospitallers_ (which as other Princes had done) gave them to the Convent of _Montesa_, where had been placed both Knights and Friars of the Order of _Calatrava_; and excusing himself to Pope _John_ XXII. _A. D._ 1317. he instituted this Order in the City _Valentia_ (nevertheless subject to that of _Calatrava_) and made choice of the Town of _Montesa_, to give the Knights both Name and Habitation, whom he obliged to defend his Kingdom against the _Moors_. Their College, dedicated to St. _George_, was built the following Year, and their Statutes confirmed by the said Pope _John_, who gave them the _Cistercian_ Rule. Upon their Habit is White, and the Badge a plain _red Cross_, which they wear on their Breasts. _A. D._ 1399. the Order of St. _George d’Alfama_ was incorporated to it. And the Great Office of Master hereof is in the King of _Spain_, who hath the Revenue of Thirteen Commandaries belonging thereunto to the Value of 23000 Ducats _per annum_.

31. _Knights of_ Christ _in_ Portugal.

THESE sprang also from the Ruin of the Knights _Templars_, whose confiscated Estates King _Denys_, sirnamed _Penoca_, desired of Pope _John_ XXII. might not be disposed out of his Kingdom, in regard of the great Evils the Neighbouring _Moors_ in _Algarves_, did his Kingdom; and forasmuch as the Town of _Castro Marin_ was a Frontier, and commodious to resist the Enemy, he moved for Licence to institute an Order of Knights therein, and offer’d his Holiness the Rents and Jurisdiction thereof, which accordingly was granted by the Pope, and dedicated it to the Honour of God, and the Exaltation of the Catholick Faith, under the Title of the _Military Order of our Lord Jesus Christ_, as is alledged from the miraculous Apparition of our Saviour crucified, seen by the King when he went out to fight the _Moors_.

32. _Knights of the_ Passion of Jesus Christ.

THIS Order was erected by _Charles_ King of _France_, (tho’ it made no Progress) and our King _Richard_ II. with a large Design exceeding all other Religious Orders, except those of St. _John of Jerusalem_ and Knights _Templars_. They were to renew the Memory of our Saviour’s Passion, to extirpate Pride, Covetousness and Luxury, to make way for the Reconquest of _Jerusalem_ and _Palestine_, and for the Subversion and Confusion of Enemies of the Faith. A MSS. in the _Arundelian_ Library, reckons up Twenty Causes for the Necessity of its Institution, which are too long to be inserted; and altho’ it was dedicated to our Saviour, yet the Blessed Virgin was look’d upon as a principal Mediatress and Advocate of this Holy Chevalry. Their Governments in the principal Convent, were to be debated by Five Councils, in the Presence of the Prince: 1. The _Quotidian_ Council, consisting of Twenty-four: 2. The Particular consisting of about Fourty: 3. The Grand Council consisting of Eighty. 4. The General Chapter held every Year. And, 5. The Universal Chapter to be held every Fourth or Sixth Years, consisting of a Thousand Knights of the Chevalry. The Principal Officer was the _Grand Justiciary_, the next the _Grand Bailiff_: In the Chief City, and in every City and Castle of theirs, one was to administer Justice called a _Potestate_. In the general Chapter was to be an Officer called the _Senator_, and in the Universal Chapter a _Dictator_ with Coadjutors and Assistants.

IN the principal Convent were to be Ten Executers of Justice, and Four styled Charitable Commissaries, whose Office was, to provide for Widows and Orphans; and whereas this Order was made up of Eight several Languages, and as many Notaries, who put on the Habit of the Brothers; for the greater Regularity of their Order, they were to bind themselves by Oath to the Observance of these Three Points, Obedience to Sovereigns, Poverty of Spirit, and Conjugal Chastity. They were allotted for their Maintainance, the Possession of Cities, Castles, _&c._ Gold, Silver, _&c._ and all to be in common, _&c._