Part 44

When the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, do not Sup in St. _George_’s _Hall_ on the Eve of the Feast, on the following Night, the Officers of Arms have formerly had the Liberty to Eat there; and this Privilege was assigned them by Decree of a _Chapter_ held 16 _Eliz._ appointing them _that Table, which was before that time used by the Chancellor, Register_, and other _Officers_ of the _Order_: But how they came to lose this Privilege, is not mentioned; for now, instead of sitting in the great Hall, they are necessitated to Eat in such Rooms of the Castle as they can procure.

CAP. XXI.

_The Order of the Ceremonies on the Feast Day._

_The Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning._

§ 1. Notwithstanding the Celebration of the Feast takes up three Days, _viz._ part of the twenty second, all the twenty third, and part of the twenty fourth of _April_, yet the twenty third, St. _George_’s _Day_, is the Grand Part: The Ceremonies of which may be divided into Sacred and Civil, the first solemnized in the Chappel, the latter in St. _George_’s _Hall_.

In Order to which, _the Knights-Companions_ in full Robes repair to the Sovereign’s Privy Lodgings, at the Hour appointed; as also the Officers of the _Order_. In the mean time the rest of the Degrees and Persons, which made up the Proceeding on the Eve of the Feast, take their several Stations then appointed them, to attend the Sovereign’s coming out of the Presence-Chamber.

When the Sovereign, having the _Knights-Companions_, and Officers of the _Order_ before him, has entered the Presence, the Sword is delivered to the Nobleman appointed to bear it; and after the usual Salutations, the Proceeding sets forward to the Chappel in the same Order as on the Eve; the _Knights-Companions_ having their Trains born by some of their own Gentlemen.

At the Foot of the Stairs, entering the Cloister, or Stone Gallery, twelve Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber attend, with a rich Canopy of Cloth of Gold, who, when the Sovereign approaches, receive him under it, and bear it over his Head, till he comes to the _Choir Door_ of St. _George_’s _Chappel_; which Canopy is carried only on the Morning of the Feast Day, and not at any other time.

The Processional way to the Chappel, is the same they traversed on the Eve, if the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ proceed to the _Chapter-House_ first; for anciently it was the Custom to hold a _Chapter_ in the Morning of the Feast Day, either before Mattins, or after, before the Grand Procession set forward. This Course received interruption in Queen _Elizabeth_’s time, during which, no Chapter was held in the Morning, except in the 26, 31, and 38 Years of her Reign, and then only for admitting some Officers of the _Order_: But the time of holding this _Chapter_ was restored by King _Charles_ I. who several times held it before the first Service began; as in the 5, 14, and 15, of his Reign.

But if no _Chapter_ be held at this time, then, as soon as the Proceeding comes near the Chappel, instead of entering the Passage between the East-end of the Chappel, and King _Henry_ VIII’s Tomb House, as it does on the Eve, by reason the Sovereign goes first to the _Chapter-House_, it proceeds straight on to the South Door, and thence into the _Choir_: Yet King _Charles_ II. in the 15 of his Reign, appointed the whole Proceeding to pass by the said South Door, all along the South side of the Chappel, and then to enter at the West Door, which was then, and since observed.

When the Alms-Knights are come to the West Door of the _Choir_, they enter, and pass up above the Steps of the _Altar_, in the very same Manner and Order as they did on the Eve, and so exactly of the rest: Which being done, the Prelate begins the Morning Service, according to the Order observed in the Common-Prayer, only that the first Lesson being made proper to the Festival, is taken out of the 44 Chapter of _Ecclesiasticus_.

This Solemn Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning of the Feast Day, is, and has been, most usual performed on Foot; yet there are Instances heretofore, where the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ have proceeded on Horse-back, for the greater Splendor and Gallantry of the _Order_: As in 16 _Edw._ IV. when several Ladies rode in the Cavalcade, richly adorned, of which Habit mention is already made. So also 3 _Hen._ VII. when it was augmented by the Presence of the Queen, and the King’s Mother, attended by a splendid Train of Ladies: And again the 22 of the same King, when he held the Feast at _Baynard_’s-_Castle_, in _London_, he proceeded on Horse back to St. _Paul_’s: The like King _Henry_ VIII. did at _Windsor_, on the Feast of St. _George_, 11 of his Reign; and King _Philip_, 1 and 2 of _Phil._ and _Mar._ and Queen _Elizabeth_, in the 6 of her Reign, in her whole Habit of the _Order_; so did the Sovereign’s Lieutenant at the same Feast ride to the first and second _Vespers_, and to the Morning Service the Day after.

It was a Custom begun by Queen _Elizabeth_, and used when she celebrated St. _George_’s _Feast_, either at _White-Hall_, or _Greenwich_, for the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, and _Knights-Companions_, in full Robes, attended with the Officers of the _Order_, and of _Arms_, to meet in the Presence Chamber, about nine in the Morning of the Feast Day, and proceed thence as they did the Evening before, through the Guard Chamber, down into the great Hall, and thence into the Chappel, where they took their Stalls, as on the Eve; after which, Morning Prayer was performed as far as the Litany, and this was called the first Service; which done, they all descended from their Stalls, in the accustomed Order, and proceeded back to the Presence, and there waited the coming of the Sovereign, before whom they proceeded a second time to the _Choir_, where the Litany, and Grand Procession began, called the second Service, at which the Sovereign was usually Present; but seldom at the first Service.

The first Instance we have met with of this double Proceeding, is recorded in the _Blue-Book_ of the _Order_, 3 _Eliz._ and was continued throughout her Reign; and that of King _James_ I. not only when the Feast of St. _George_ was celebrated at _White-Hall_, or _Greenwich_, but also at other times, when celebrated at _Windsor_; and so 1 _Car._ I. But from that time, the Sovereign went to the Chappel at the beginning of Morning Service, which was continued without interruption: Which way has been ever since duly observed.

But when it was known that the Sovereign did not go in the Grand Procession, but his Lieutenant for him; then the Service was constantly gone through withal at once.

_The Proceeding to the second Service._

§ 2. When the Feast has been celebrated elsewhere than at _Windsor_, as soon as the Prelate was come down from the _Altar_, on finishing the first Service, the _Knights-Companions_ descended from their Stalls in usual Order; and then the Lieutenant, with the Officers of the _Order_, and of _Arms_, proceeded before him to the Presence, to conduct the Sovereign to the second Service; which second Proceeding was disposed in the same manner as was that to the first Service in the Morning; only in the latter, because the Sovereign proceeded, the Sword was also carried.

_Of the Grand Procession._

§ 3. We are now arrived at the Grand Procession of this most Noble _Order_, which is indeed the most Solemn, and Magnificent Part of the whole Ceremony, and has always been celebrated in the Morning of the Feast Day of St. _George_; or on such other Day, as the Sovereign hath appointed by Prorogation to hold the same. But as to the instant of Time when it began, it has sometimes been uncertain; with respect to the conveniency of the Church Service, when it was conceived most proper; which was generally at the end of the second Collect, and before the Litany: Nevertheless, in 6 _Eliz._ the Feast being then held at _Windsor_, it began presently after the _Te Deum_ was Sung; and the twentieth of the said Queen’s Reign, at _Greenwich_, after reading the second Lesson. And to come nearer our Times, the Grand Procession set forward, 8 _Car._ I. when the first Service was finished; and 17 _Car._ I. after the Sermon was ended: But at the Grand Feast, 13 _Car._ II. it was brought to its usual time, after the last Collect.

As to the Proceeding, or Processional way at _Windsor_, that has not been always the same; sometimes it was confined within the Walls of St. _George_’s _Chappel_, but at other times enlarged through the lower Court of the Castle; a few Instances of both Cases are remaining, but none of any ancient date.

What the Order and Manner of this Ceremony was, may be collected from what an old Relator says, of the Solemn Procession made the 29 _May_, 5 _Hen._ VIII. _That it was ordered as of old Time accustomed_.

First went the Alms-Knights, two and two on either side the _Choir_, then the Officers of Arms, next the _Knights-Companions_; after them the Officers of the _Order_, and then the Prelate bearing the Heart of St. _George_, under a Canopy honourably assisted, four Noblemen bearing each a Torch; and last of all the Sovereign.

And though here is no mention of any Ecclesiasticks, that joined themselves in the Proceeding; yet it cannot be supposed, that as part of the Divine Service was to be performed, but that some of the Chaplains and Priests were included. And we meet with one Instance, where the Priests not only went in the Grand Procession, but had a Place assigned in it; where the Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s _Chappel_, and _Choir_ of _Windsor_, now go.

But it must be confessed, that the Records of the _Order_ are very defective in this particular, relating to the Grand Procession, and speak of it only in general, or at most, take notice but of some of those Degrees that attend in it; and this but of late Time neither: Among which, 23 _Eliz._ it is said; _They all proceeded in Order, as the Custom was_; the Sovereign following in the Rear of the Procession.

As to Place and Precedency, it is in every respect the same, as in the Sovereign’s Proceeding to the Chappel, on the Eve of the Grand Feast; only here are some Persons added, which go not in that; Namely, the Gentlemen and Choiristers of the Sovereign’s Chappel at _White-Hall_; and the Petty-Canons, Vicars, and Choiristers of _Windsor_: The whole Order is as follows.

The Morning Service having proceeded to the second Lesson, and the Prelate conducted by the Serjeant of the Vestry from the _Altar_ to his Seat;

The Alms-Knights rise from their Seats, and pass to the middle of the _Choir_; and after their accustomed Reverences, go up to the sides of the _Altar_.

Next, in like manner, the Officers of Arms pass up.

Hereupon _Garter_ rises from his Seat, and makes his usual Reverences; then waving his Rod, summons the _Junior_ Knights to descend.

Whilst they and the rest of the _Knights-Companions_ are leaving their Stalls, with usual Reverences; the Gentlemen of the Chappel, Petty-Canons, and Vicars of _Windsor_, put on Copes, and make themselves ready to proceed.

Then the _Knights-Companions_ being all come down, stand each under his proper Stall.

Then the _Black-Rod_, _Garter_, and _Register_ rise, and stand before their Forms.

So do the Chancellor and Prelate.

This done, the Alms-Knights come down from the _Altar_, and passing into the middle of the _Choir_, make again their double Reverences, and proceed out of the _Choir_.

After them the Choiristers pass in a Body to the middle of the _Choir_, and having made their double Reverences, (as do all that follow,) proceed forth two and two.

So do the Vicars of _Windsor_.

Next, the four Petty-Canons come from their Seats, into the middle of the _Choir_; and there begin to Sing an Hymn.

Then follows the Serjeant of the Vestry, bearing his gilt Rod.

After him the Gentlemen of the Chappel at _White-Hall_.

Next the Virger of _Windsor Chappel_, bearing his Silver Rod.

Then the Prebends of _Windsor_.

After whom the Officers of Arms come down from the _Altar_, and pass on.

Then the _Knights-Companions_, the _Juniors_ first.

Then the _Black-Rod_, _Garter_, and _Register_.

The Chancellor and Prelate.

The Nobleman that bears the Sword of State.

Then the Sovereign, above in his Stall, makes a Reverence toward the _Altar_, and being descended, another below; then passes out, and enters under the Canopy, which waits for him at the _Choir Door_; the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold, if not a Knight of the _Order_, attending somewhat behind the side of the Canopy, on the Sovereign’s right Hand; and the Vice Chamberlain at the like distance on his left; as in the Grand Procession, 23 _Car._ II.

And lastly, The Band of Pensioners, who attend the Guard on each side the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, with their Captain at the Head of them.

In this Order, to this Day, they proceed with great Devotion; the whole _Choir_ Singing the Office appointed, which heretofore was the Litany; but is now generally a Thanksgiving Hymn.

The Grand Procession, when it has been celebrated at _White-Hall_, or elsewhere than at _Windsor_, is for the most part ordered after the aforesaid manner, as may be seen by the following Scheme.

Serjeant of the Vestry, with his gilt Rod. Choiristers in Surplices. Gentlemen of the Chappel in Copes. Subdean in a Cope. Officers of Arms. Knights Companions. Officers of the Order. The Sword. The Sovereign under a Canopy, with his Train born up. The Pensioners as before.

But in what this Grand Procession differs from that at _Windsor_, we shall here Note.

First, Here the Serjeant of the Vestry leads the Proceeding, and is followed by the Choiristers.

Secondly, The Prebends and _Choir_ of _Windsor_, and the Alms-Knights, are here wanting.

Thirdly, The Subdean and Dean of the Chappel are taken in, and proceed next to the Gentlemen of the Chappel, to whom the Sovereign’s Almoner has sometimes joined himself.

Fourthly, Whilst the _Knights-Companions_ are descending from their Stalls, the Gentlemen of the Chappel go into the Vestry, to put on their Copes; but the Dean of the Chappel hath his brought into the _Choir_, which he puts on below, under his Seat.

Fifthly and Lastly, In Queen _Elizabeth_’s Reign, the Ladies Attendants went with the Pensioners on either side the Sovereign.

To contribute more to the Pomp and State of this great Ceremony, a Canopy is born over the Sovereign’s Head, by Knights and Gentlemen of Quality, while he passeth in Procession, till he return to the _Choir Door_.

The Persons appointed to carry the Canopy, _Anno_ 11 _Hen._ VIII. were four Knights of the Body, when four other Knights bore four Wax Tapers; but since they are the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber in ordinary, who at the time of the Feast are in waiting, twelve of whom are appointed for this Service; the Sovereign hath also the long Train of his Mantle carried up by several of the young Nobility, who receive notice thereof by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold.

In like manner the Lieutenants, or Deputies to the Sovereign, have had their Train carried up in the Proceedings, by Persons of Distinction; and the Train of a Stranger King, personally present at _Windsor_, hath also been born up; and in like manner the Train of a Deputy from a Stranger King; and lastly, the _Knights-Companions_ have their Trains carried up by their own Gentlemen.

The Cloaths and Apparel of the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, and the great variety of rich Jewels which surround or adorn their Caps, or where else they may appear most conspicuous, shine with great Lustre.

The _Provincial Kings_, _Heralds_, and _Pursuivants_, habited in their rich Coats, and going together in one Body, appear also very conspicuous, from the Royal Arms of the Sovereign richly Embroidered on them with fine Gold, Purples and Twist; the Ground of the _Provincial King’s_ Coats are blue Velvet, the _Heralds_ blue Sattin, and the _Pursuivants_ blue Damask.

The Habit in which the Canons of the College proceed, is also peculiar; for though, as Clergymen, they are vested in Linen Surplices at all times of Divine Service, yet at this Solemnity they wear a Mantle over those Surplices, which is a Habit appointed for them, from the Foundation of the _Order_; these Mantles are of _Murry Taffety_, and on the right Shoulder is an Escutcheon of St. _George_’s _Arms_ within a Rundlet, Embroidered with Gold and Silk, which is bought at their own Charge.

The Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s Chappel, the Petty-Canons, and Vicars of _Windsor_, appear in Habits more glorious, being all (or the most part of them) vested in rich Copes of Cloth of Gold, or most costly Embroideries; but the Children of the Chappel and Choiristers, proceed habited in Surplices of white Linen; lastly, the Habits of the Alms-Knights [a Mantle and Kirtle] are not unremarkable both for Colour and Materials, which appear suitable to their Age and Degree. The Mantles are of Cloth, which the _Statutes_ appoint to be of a red Colour, with a Shield of the Arms of St. _George_, but without a Garter to surround them.

In this Grand Proceeding, the Habits entertain the Beholders with a very delightful Prospect, being so ordered, that the Grave are placed between those that are Rich and Gallant; and to add to the greater Shew of this Solemn Ceremony, the Registers of the _Order_ make mention of divers Persons of Rank and Quality, who put themselves on the Duty of Attendance on their Sovereign, because related to his Service, though in reference to the _Order_ not so concerned as to be taken into the Proceeding; such are divers of the Nobility, sometimes great Ladies, many considerable Officers of the Houshold, and other Courtiers, all richly habited and attired.

To complete the Pomp of this great Solemnity, we may (in the last Place,) fitly remember the Musick, as a part thereof, the _Choirs_ of the Sovereign’s Chappel at St. _James_’s, and at _Windsor_, being united, all Singing the sacred Hymn together, while the Grand Procession devoutly passeth; and on their return to the _Choir Door_, the Alms-Knights first advance into it, and after double Reverences ascend above the _Haut Pas_’s to the _Altar_.

Next the Choiristers, and in like manner the Vicars, Petty-Canons of _Windsor_, Gentlemen of the Chappel, and Prebends, go to their Seats.

Then the Officers of Arms pass up, and join to the Alms-Knights. After this the _Knights-Companions_ enter, and stand before their Stalls.

The like doth the _Black-Rod_, _Garter_, and _Register_.

As also the _Chancellor_ and _Prelate_.

Then doth the Sovereign take his Royal Stall.

The _Knights-Companions_ ascend their Stalls.

The Officers of the _Order_ sit down on their Forms, in the same Manner and Order, and with like Reverences, as at their Entrance into the _Choir_, on the Eve of the Feast.

Then the Prelate, with two Prebends, (appointed to read the Epistle and Gospel,) are conducted, the one by the Serjeants of the Vestry, the other by the Virger, up to the _Altar_, (which they approach with usual Reverences,) the Prelate passing to the North-side, and the Prebends to the South, to finish the remaining part of Divine Service.

Whereupon the Officers of Arms descend into the _Choir_; And

The Alms-Knights go down to their Seats, which, while they are so doing, the two Prebends put on their Copes at the South-side of the _Altar_. This done, the Prelate begins the second Service, which hath been celebrated, since the time of the Reformation, according to the Book of _Common-Prayer_, and is the same commonly used on any other Feast Day; excepting a peculiar Epistle and Gospel; the first being the thirty third Chapter of _Deuteronomy_, and the latter the fifth Chapter of St. _John_, beginning at the twenty fourth Verse, and ending at the thirtieth; which being read, the Creed is Sung.

We may here Note, that before the Reformation, it belonged to the Abbot of _Tower-Hill_ to read the Gospel, and to the Prior of _Medemenham_ in _Norfolk_, to read the Epistle.

_The Offering of Gold and Silver._

§ 4: This Ceremony, whether it be performed in the Sovereign’s Chappel at _Windsor_, or in any other Church or Chappel, is one and the same, (except the Sovereign’s Offering of Gold and Silver, instead of the _Bezant_,) which is peculiar to _Windsor_.

The accustomed time of Offering on the Feast Day, is mentioned _Anno_ 22 _Hen._ VIII. to be after the Sovereign’s return to his Stall from the Grand Procession, in the time of High Mass, and at this Day begins immediately after this first Sentence of the Offertory is pronounced by the Prelate.

_Let your Light so shine before men_, &c.

This said, the Organ begins to Play, and forthwith a Groom and Page of the removing Wardrobe, (with Reverence first made,) unrol a long Carpet, and spread it before the _Altar_; which being done, the _Alms-Knights_ first, next the _Pursuivants_, _Heralds_, and _Provincial Kings_, ascend in usual Order, and flank the Carpet on both sides. Then _Garter_ steps from his Seat, and after double Reverences, and the usual manner of waving his Rod, the _Knights-Companions_ descend in their accustom’d Order, and stand before their Stalls.

After this, _Black-Rod_ goes from his Seat to the _Altar_, towards which, making a single Reverence, he turns his Back, and immediately the Groom of the removing Wardrobe delivereth him a little Carpet, anciently of Silk, now of Cloth of Gold; and the said Groom holds on his Arms a Cushion of Cloth of Gold, for the Sovereign to Kneel upon, at the time of his Offering, which the _Black-Rod_ forthwith lays on the upper _Haut Pas_ before the _Altar_, and each of them, as well in delivering, as receiving the Cushion, kiss it.

After this, the Prelate of the _Order_ takes a gilt Bason to receive the Sovereign’s Offering, and stands before the middle of the _Altar_, with one of the Prebends to assist him, at which time the Sovereign arising makes his Reverence towards the _Altar_, and then descending, makes a little Reverence below, and ascends towards the _Altar_ with his Attendants, and being come into the middle of the _Choir_, he makes another Reverence, and at the first _Haut Pas_ his last.

He that bears the Sovereign’s Offering, is either the _Senior_ Knight, the Prince, or the greatest Estate among the _Knights-Companions_ then present, and no other Person, (of what Degree soever) if he be not of this Noble Fraternity, performs this Service.

The Sovereign being come to the upper _Haut Pas_ kneels, at which Instant _Black-Rod_ on his Knee delivers (with Assay) the Sovereign’s Offering to the _Senior_ Knight, or other Person nominated, and he kneeling presents it to the Sovereign, which he immediately Offers into the Bason held by the Prelate, and then ariseth, and is conducted and attended, as when he came up to Offer; at the Entrance into his Stall, he turns and makes a Reverence, and his Attendants also bow towards the _Altar_; and being attended into his Stall, doth the like again, and then reposeth himself in his Seat.

An Entry is made in the _Red-Book_, _Anno_ 6 _Car._ I. _That whereas in other Places_ (_besides_ Windsor) _the Sovereign is wont to Offer a certain Gold Piece, (vulgarly called a Bezant) to be redeemed afterwards at a certain Price; the Usher of the_ Black-Rod _having been admonished, that in these Services there is no Redemption to be made, should never present the Bezant at_ Windsor _to the Sovereign, but Gold and Silver of English Money._

When the Sovereign is absent, and the Lieutenant Offers for him, he performs the Ceremony as follows.