Part 5

There was to belong to the Castle or Principal Convent a Church of marvellous Structure; it was design’d Fifty Cubits in breadth, without any Pillars, a Hundred Cubits long, and in height Twenty-five; likewise an Hospital, where the Widows of the Holy Chevalry should attend upon the Sick and Infirm; a Baptistery or Font, for the Baptizing the Children of the Knights; a stately Palace, with a great Hall and large Consistories, to contain the Prince and Council with their Retinue; with a large and delightful Cloister for the Canons and Clerks; together with a very spacious Palace, to entertain the Princes of the _West_ when they came that Way, either to War, or upon Pilgrimage: In fine, there was to have been Three chief Halls, wherein they might dine together; with distinct Lodgings and Habitations, Wine-Cellars, Granges, Granaries, Stables for Horses and Cattel, Easements, Mills, Cisterns, Baths, and all other Necessaries for the Chevalry. Their Habit was to denote the Passion of Jesus.

THE Dress they were obliged to was a hansome Cloth Coat of a civil Colour, reaching down half way their Legs, and girt with a large Girdle of Silk or Leather Two Fingers broad, the Buckle of Black Horn, the Tongue and Garnishing of the Holes, Tin; to have Red Chaperons or Caps, representing the Blood of our Saviour; over their said Coats, a Mantle of White Cloth or Serge, which from the Shoulders downward was to be open on both Sides along the Arms, and in that Part before the Breast a _Cross_ of red Cloth or Serge Two Fingers broad, extending to the Breadth and Length of that Part of the Mantle; the _Cross_ of the Prince’s Mantle was to be edged round with a Gold Fringe about half an Inch broad; there were to be some other small Distinction as to the Shape of the Cross upon the White Habit to be used by this Holy _Chevalry_. Their Arms in a Banner were _Argent_, upon a _Cross Gules; a Compass of Four convex semi-circles, conjoyning Four intervening Angles alternately sable_ (in Allusion to the Agony of our Lord) charged with an _Agnus Dei Or, the Compass and Cross both fimbriated Gold, with a little red Bordure_.

IN Times of extraordinary Danger, and great Battles, they were to have another singular and solemn Banner; every Knight was to have his Esquire armed at all Points, a little Valet for his Lance and Helmet, a bigger to carry his Mail, and a third to lead his Sumpter; Five Horses, and Four Servants were to attend him in all Warlike Expeditions, and Two or Three Horses and Servants in all Times of Peace. The Number of these Knights of the _Holy Chevalry_ was 1000 or 1100.

33. _The Order of the_ Brician _Knights in_ Sweden.

WAS founded, _A. D._ 1366. by an holy and famous Queen of that Kingdom which they repute St. _Bridget_, the Aim of whose Profession was to oppose Heresy, secure the Confines of the Kingdom, bury the Dead, succour Widows and Fatherless, and to keep up Hospitality. Their chief Ensign was a _Blue Octogonal Cross, and under it a Tongue of Fire_, the Symbol of Love and Charity.

34. _Knights of St._ Maurice _in_ Savoy.

THIS Order took its rise upon the Retreat of _Amadeus_ VIII. Duke of _Savoy_, into the Desart of _Ripaille_, near the Lake of _Geneva_, and was conferr’d by him, _A. D._ 1434. on Ten of his Courtiers, who retir’d with him, as well as to preserve the Memory of St. _Maurice_, the Patron of _Savoy_. Nine Years after its Institution, the Founder was elected Pope, _A. D._ 1439. and assumed the Name of _Felix_ V. Nine Years after that he resigned the Chair, and retir’d to his Solitude in _Ripaille_, where he died, _Jan._ 7. 1451. and lies buried at _Lausanna_. The Order continued not long after his Death; but Duke _Emanuel Philibert_ restored it, _A. D._ 1572. and the Dukes of _Savoy_ are their Grand Masters.

35. _Knights of the_ Holy Ghost,

WERE instituted by Pope _Paul_ II. _A. D._ 1468. under the Title of Brethren of the Hospital of the _Holy Ghost_, They wore upon their Habits a _White Cross forme_.

36. _Knights of St._ George _in_ Austria _and_ Carinthia.

THE Emperor _Frederick_ III. others say _Rudolphus_ of _Hapsburgh_, first Founder of the Greatness of the House of _Austria_, instituted this Order, A. D. 1470. chiefly to guard the Frontiers of _Germany_, _Hungary_, _Austria_, _Stiria_, and _Carinthia_, and to suppress the Insolency of the Turks, since which these Knights have gallantly behaved themselves. The Great Master was advanc’d to the Honour of a Prince; and the Castle of _Mildstad_ in _Carinthia_ was given him for his Seat, where was founded a Cathedral Church of Canons, under the Rule of St. _Augustin_. Their Ensign is the Arms of St. _George_, a _red Cross_, and their Habit white; they profess Conjugal Chastity and Obedience, and have the Emperors for their Protectors.

THERE are also _Cavalleros de San Jorge en Alemania_, an Order erected by the Emperor _Maximilian_, 1494. upon the like Design with the former; it was confirmed by Pope _Alexander_ VI. and is under the same Profession and Protection as the other. There Ensign is a _red Cross_, with a _Crown of Gold_ on the top of it; they were otherwise called _crowned Knights_; for after they had served a Year, they and their Heirs have a peculiar right of Adorning their Shields and Helms with a Crown; the Occasion was upon a notable Victory obtained against the _Turks_, who confessed that a Man on Horseback supposed to be St. _George_, put them into that Fear and Disorder as to quit the Field.

37. _Knights of St._ George _at_ Rome.

THESE were instituted by _Alexander_ VI. 1498. or, as others say, by Pope _Paul_ III. at whose Death it became extinct. They dwelt at _Ravenna_, their Province, and were to secure the _Adriatick Sea_ from Pyrates.

38. _Knights of St._ Peter _at_ Rome.

POPE _Leo_ X. _A. D._ 1520. instituted this Order to fight against the _Turks_, and defend the Sea Coasts. Their Number was Four Hundred; they wore the Image of St. _Peter within an Oval of Gold hanging at a Golden Chain_.

39. _Knights of St._ Paul _at_ Rome,

WERE instituted by _Paul_ III. 1540. and while he was Pope, he made Two Hundred of them. Their Ensign was _St._ Paul’_s Image hanging at a Golden Chain_.

40. _Knights called_ Pios _at_ Rome.

POPE _Pius_ IV. erected this Order 1560. He created of them at first 375. but they encreased to 535. He granted them very considerable Endowments, and preferr’d them before the Knights of the Empire, and _Malta_, because they were his Courtiers, and had the Charge of carrying his Chair on their Shoulders when he went abroad.

41. _Knights of St._ Stephen _at_ Florence.

THIS Order was founded in imitation of the Knights of _Malta_, 1561. by _Cosmo de Medicis_ II. Duke of _Florence_, afterwards first Duke of Tuscany, in honour of St. _Stephen_, Pope and Martyr, the Patron of the City of _Florence_, and in memory of the Battle on the 6th of _August_, (St. _Stephens-day_) at _Marciano_, where overthrowing the Assertors of Liberty, he laid the Foundation of his Grandeur. _Pius_ IV. confirmed it under the Rule of St. _Benedict_, which was afterwards enlarged with many Emoluments and Privileges, by the succeeding Popes. The Knights vow’d Conjugal Chastity and Charity, in relieving the Afflicted, Obedience to their Masters the Great Dukes of _Tuscany_. The chief Place of their Residence was at _Pisa_, where the Founder erected a Church and Convent, as a Nursery for Persons skilful in Maritime Affairs, but since it is transferred to _Cosmopoli_ in the Isle of _Ilva_. Their Habit is a long Mantle of White Chamlet trimmed with Red, and on the left part of their Breast a _Cross_ (like that of _Malta_) _of red_ or _crimson Satin border’d with Gold_; it is daily worn on their Cloaks, and on their Military Garments, and about their Necks in a Ribbon on Festival Days. This Order (like the _Maltese_) also consists of Knights, Priests and Servants. The Priests wear the _Cross of red Taffaty_ without a Bordure, the Servants the _Cross_ of St. _Anthony_ only. The Statutes were reformed by _Ferdinand_ Duke of _Tuscany_, Son to the Founder, and approv’d, 1590.

42. _Knights of St._ Maurice _and St._ Lazarus _in_ Savoy.

POPE _Gregory_ XIII. having, at the Request of _Emanuel Philibert_, Duke of _Savoy_, restor’d the Order of St. _Lazarus_, and the Order of St. _Maurice_, _A. D._ 1572. and constituted this Duke Grand Master, the same Year, for their greater Honour, he united them under the Title of St. _Maurice_ and St. _Lazarus_, and appointed the Dukes of _Savoy_ Hereditaries and Masters, and oblig’d them to furnish out two Gallies for the Service of the Papal See, to be employ’d against Pyrates. Upon this Union, the Knights had assign’d them for Habit a Gown of Crimson Tabby, with wide Sleeves, a long Train, and edg’d with white Taffaty, and a Cordon with a Tassel of White and Green fix’d to the Collar. The Badge is, _A green Cross ancree of St._ Laurence, _plac’d Saltirewise, surmounted with the white Cross pornelle of St. Maurice_, which the Knights wear either in a Gold Chain, or any colour’d Ribbon. And the said Duke founded for the Knights two fair Convents, one at _Nice_, the other at _Turin_, and bestow’d on them all the Revenues within his Territories, formerly appertaining to the Order of St. _Lazarus_. The Dukes of _Savoy_, as Grand Masters, use this Title.

43. _Knights of_ Loretto.

THIS Order, about the Year 1587. was instituted by _Sixtus_ V. who erected the Church of our Lady at _Loretto_ into a Cathedral and Bishop’s See, and gave the Knights for their Ensign, _the Image of our Lady of Loretto_, hung in a Gold Chain. This is not quite extinguish’d.

44. _Knights of the Blessed Virgin_ Mary _of Mount_ Carmel.

THO’ the Grand Mastership of St. _Lazarus_, and its Commandaries in all Dominions, were confirm’d by Pope _Gregory_ XIII. upon the House of _Savoy_, yet under King _Henry_ III. some Knights in _France_, of that Order, refus’d to joyn with their Fellows, under the Obedience of the Duke of _Savoy_. King _Henry_ IV. desirous to have a new order, bearing the Denomination of _The Blessed Virgin_, &c. apply’d himself to Pope _Paul_ V. and obtain’d what he su’d for _A. D._ 1608. (besides other Pensions out of certain Ecclesiastical Benefices in _France_) the Commandaries and Hospitals of St. _Lazarus_ in that Kingdom, and the _Knights of St._ Lazarus that remain’d in _France_, were incorporated with them under two Titles; their Seal being inscrib’d, _Sigillum Ordinis & Militiæ Mariæ Virginis de Monte Carmeli, & Sancti Lazari in Hierusalem_. The Order consists of One Hundred choice _French_ Gentlemen, whose Offices are to attend on the King in every warlike Expedition. They vow Chastity and Obedience, and profess to fight against the Enemies of the Romish See. The Feast of the Patroness is the 16th of _July_; _Philibert Nerestang_, a valiant Knight of St. _Lazarus_, was elected their first Master 1608. Their Badge is a Cross of 8 Points of tawny Velvet or Sattin, with a white Border sow’d on the left Side of their Cloaks, and the Image of the Virgin _Mary_ of _Mount Carmel_ plac’d in the Middle, within a Rundle encompass’d with Rays of Gold. They also wear about their Necks, in a tawny Silk Ribbon, the like Cross of Gold; but the Image of the said Knights is enamel’d on both Sides. There Investiture is like that of _Malta_.

45. _Knights of the most Glorious Virgin_ Mary _of_ Rome.

_A. D._ 1618. _Pedro_, _John Baptista_, and _Bernardo_, sirnam’d _Petrignaneos_ (three Brethren of _Spelta_ in _Italy_) invented this Order: To which was added, the Rule of St. _Francis d’Assise_, whereof the Popes are Great Masters. _Paul_ V. confirm’d them, and gave these Knights the Palace of St. _John Lateran_ for their Convent, and the City and Port of _Civita Vecchia_ to make their Arsenal; with an Island adjacent, together with the Government of his Gallies. Their Institution was for the Exaltation of the _Roman_ Church, and to check or suppress the _Turks_ roving in the Mediterranean. There are three Sorts of this Order, 1. _Knights Gentlemen_, Laicks. 2. _Knights Gentlemen_, Priests and benefic’d. 3. _Knights Chaplains_, or _Servants of Arms_. All of these wear on the left Side of their Mantles their Badge, which is a _blew Cross floree Azure_, border’d with _Silver_, having 4 _Mullets_, or _Stars_, at the End of each Flower, to signifie the Four Evangelists; in the Middle is a Circle (extended round underneath the Arms of the Cross) set with 12 Rays for the 12 Apostles, inscrib’d, _In hoc signo vincam_; and within it (taking up the Center of the Cross) is a Cypher of _M. S._ i. e. _Sancta Maria_, crown’d with Chaplets of Flowers, and Stars of Gold set over the Chaplet.

46. _Knights of the_ Annunciade, _and St._ Michael _the Archangel in_ Mantua, _or of the Christian Militia in_ Moravia.

BY these Names they have been promiscuously called. It was instituted 1618. by _Charles Gonzaga_, Duke of _Mantua_ and _Nevers_, in Conjunction with _Adolph_, Count of _Altham_ his Brother, and _John Baptist Petrignan Sfortia_. To give it the greater Lustre, they divided the World among them; _Charles_ took the North and West Parts, _Adolph_ the Eastern, and the other had the South, where they were personally to found Convents and invest Knights. Duke _Charles_ began his Institution of this Order under the Rule of St. _Francis_, in _Olmutz_ the Metropolis of _Moravia_, the Year aforesaid, and dedicated it to the blessed Virgin and St. _Michael_: But what Progress the others made in their pious Resolutions, History is silent. It has been likewise styl’d, _Conceptionis Ordo & Militis Virginis annunciatæ_. _Anno_ 1612. several illustrious Princes of divers Countries entered themselves into that Order at _Vienna_. It was approv’d by Pope _Paul_ V. and confirm’d by Pope _Paul_ VIII. 1624. The Design of its Institution was, to establish Peace and Concord among Christian Princes and their Subjects; to release Captives, and deliver the Oppressed out of the Hands of the Infidels.

On some unhappy Difference among the illustrious Founders, in a short time it moulder’d away and became ineffectual, that the Mahometans (for whose Destruction it was design’d) heard only the Report of it.

CAP. III.

§ 1. HAVING particulariz’d the Religious Orders, I shall proceed to those accounted absolutely Military. Among them,

1. _Knights of the_ Round Table _may, for Antiquity, challenge the first Place_.

The Founder was _Arthur_ King of _Britain_, crown’d in the Year of our Lord 516, at the Age of 15 Years; of whose incredible Courage and Gallantry, tho’ some have stretch’d too far, yet _William_ of _Malmsbury_ is of Opinion, he was worthy to have been celebrated by true and faithful Historians, and not false and spurious Tales. He it was that long prop’d up his declining Country, and inspir’d Martial Courage into his Subjects, the _Saxons_, in twelve pitch’d Battles having overcome, and conquer’d divers Countries. He liv’d in so great Repute and Renown, that worthy Knights came from all Parts to his Court, as a Seminary of Military Discipline, to demonstrate their Valour in point of Arms. This gave him Occasion to select out of these, and his own Subjects, some say Twenty Four of the most Valiant, which he united in a Fellowship; and to avoid all Controversy upon Precedency, caus’d a Round Table to be made, whence the Order had its Appellation. He admitted not only _Britains_, but Strangers; and their Qualifications were to be Persons of Nobility, Dignity, and renown’d for Vertue and Valour. The Place where they were instituted was _Windsor_; and those others of Note, where he and his Knights assembled, were at _Caerleon_ in _Monmouthshire_, _Winchester_, and _Camelot_ in _Com’ Somerset_; and their time of convening was _Whitsuntide_. In _Winchester_ Castle was a large Round Table, call’d (and affirm’d to be) King _Arthur_’s; or at least set up in the room of one more ancient, which was destroy’d in the rebellious Times of Forty One, with other Reliques there. The Articles of their Profession (Number 12) are set down by Sir _William Segar_. We find no authentick Proof what Badge they bore, notwithstanding the Report that King _Arthur_ had a Shield nam’d _Pridwin_, wherein the Virgin _Mary_ was depicted. His Sword and Lance had also their Names, one being call’d _Caliburne_, the other _Irone_ or _Rone_. It’s not remember’d that this Order surviv’d the Founder, but rather that it expir’d with him, most of these Knights perishing with him at the Battle of _Kamblan_, now _Camelsford_, in _Cornwall_, where tho’ he kill’d his Enemy _Mordred_, yet he dy’d _A. D._ 542.

IT may be noted, that the like Round Table grew in Estimation shortly after the _Norman_ Conquest, being permitted at Haslelades, Tilts and Turnaments, _temp. Steph._ and _R. I._ And _Roger Mortimer_, Earl of _March_, kept the Celebration of the Round Table (consisting of One Hundred Knights, and as many Ladies) with Tilting at _Kenelworth_-Castle, in _Com’ Worcest’_ 7 _Ed._ I. And King _Edward_ III. designing to restore it, held a Just at _Windsor_ in the 18th Year of his Reign; and in the 19th ordain’d it annually to be kept there at _Whitsontide_. But it was thought fit upon divers Accounts to forbid these Assemblies, and in particular 16 _H._ III. at _Shrewsbury_, when the King went to meet _Llewellin_ Prince of _Wales_, and in 36 _H._ III. and at many other times.

2. _Knights of the_ Oak _in_ Navarre,

WERE instituted by _Garcia Ximenes_ of the Blood of the _Goths_, who had formerly retir’d from the World to a solitary Life, but relinquish’d it to command an Army rais’d by the _Navarrois_, to deliver themselves from the Oppression of the _Moors_. As he was marching to encounter them, _A. D._ 722. there appear’d to him from the Top of an Oak the Sign of the Cross, ador’d by an infinite Number of Angels. On giving Battle to the Infidels he gain’d a remarkable Victory, and the People elected him their King; and he in thankfulness to God erected this Order, investing his Nobles therewith, and oblig’d them to defend the Christian Faith, and acknowledge Obedience to his Successors, Kings of _Navarre_. Time has eclips’d this Order.

3. _The Order of the_ Gennet,

WAS Founded by _Charles Martel_, in Memory of the famous Battle near _Tours_, _A. D._ 726. where he overthrew 385000 _Saracens_ and _Moors_, with their General _Abdiramo_; and to reward those who had well-behav’d themselves in this Action. The great Number of rich Gennet Furr, (Ermine has since gain’d the better value) as also the Creatures themselves taken alive among the Spoils, was the Occasion of assuming the Name: But others impute it to Gennets, a kind of neat-shap’d Horses, whereof not unlikely a great Part of the Founder’s Cavalry consisted. The Knights were Sixteen in Number, and were accounted the first Order of this Nature among the _French_, which continu’d till the Institution of the _Star_, when it was laid aside, tho’ some _French_ Authors question if ever the Order was in being.

4. _The Order of the_ Crown-Flower,

ERECTED by _Charles_ the Great, Son of King _Pepin_, _A. D._ 802. to reward the _Frizons_, who had behav’d themselves valiantly in his Armies, and to encourage others to emulate their Vertue. It was so call’d from its Ensign, _viz._ an Imperial Crown embroider’d with Gold. The Knights were invested with the Military Belt and a Box on the Ear.

5. _The Order of the_ Dog _and_ Cock.

THAT there was such an Order in _France_ is related by several Writers, but they give no certain Account of its Institution.

6. _The Order of St._ Andrew, _or the_ Thistle, _in_ Scotland,

IS reported by _John Lesley_, Bishop of _Ross_, to take beginning from a bright Cross in Heaven, in Fashion of that whereon St. _Andrew_ suffer’d Martyrdom, which appear’d to _Hungus_, King of the _Picts_ (and to the _Scots_ whom _Achaius_ King of _Scotland_ sent to his Assistance) the Night preceding the Battle with _Athelstan_ King of _England_; over whom prevailing, they went in Solemn Procession to the Kirk of St. _Andrew_, to thank God and his Apostle for their Victory, promising that they and their Posterity would ever bear the Figure of that Cross in their Ensigns and Banners. _Favin_, in his _Theatre of Honour_, relates it to be instituted upon the famous League, Offensive and Defensive, made between _Achaius_ and _Charlemain_ King of _France_; to preserve the Memory of which Alliance, _Achaius_ added the _Tressure of Flowers de Lys_ to the Lyon, and took for Device the _Thistle_ and _Rue_, which he compos’d into a Collar of his Order; and for his Motto, _Pour ma Defence_: Yet doth _Menenius_ make these the Symbols of two different Orders, one of the _Thistle_, whence the Knights were so styl’d, and the Motto, _Nemo me impune lacessit_; the other call’d _Sertum Rutæ_, or _The Garland of Rue_: Nevertheless to both these Collars hung one and the same Jewel, _viz._ the Figure of St. _Andrew_, bearing his Cross before him. _But there are some_, saith the same Author, _that refer the Institution of the_ Thistle (the Badge of the _Scotch_ Kingdom from the Times of _Achaius_) _to the Reign of_ Charles VII. _King of_ France, _when the Amity was renew’d between both Kingdoms_. Lastly, Others place its Foundation 1500. Their principal Ensign is a Gold Collar, compos’d of Thistles interlink’d with Anulets of Gold, and pendant thereto St. _Andrew_ with his Cross, and this Epigraph, _Nemo me impune lacessit_. Their solemn Meeting was annually on St. _Andrew_’s Day, in the Church of the Town dedicated to his Name: During the Festivity, the Knights were richly habited, and wore their Parliament Robes, having fix’d on their left Shoulders an Azure Roundle, charg’d with a Saltire Argent, or St. _Andrew_’s Cross enfil’d in Centre, with a Crown compos’d of _Flower de Luces Or_. For the ordinary and common Ensign, the Knights us’d a Green Ribbon, whereat hung a Thistle of Gold, crown’d with an Imperial Crown, within a Circle of Gold, containing the last nam’d Epigraph; and now of late they have sew’d to their left Breast an Irradiation (like that of _The Knights of the Garter_) over a Saltire Silver, the Irradiation charg’d with a Blew Roundle of St. _Andrew_’s Cross. Their Number consisted of Thirteen, in Allusion to our blessed Saviour and the Twelve Apostles.

7. _Knights of_ our Lady of the Star,

OWE their Original to _Robert_ the Devout of _France_, _A. D._ 1022. to manifest his strict Devotion to the blessed Virgin. They were in Number Thirty, inclusive of the Chief. Their Seat was in the noble and ancient House of St. _Owen_, call’d _de Chichey_, near St. _Denys_ in _France_. This Order was of no long continuance, for being much sully’d and disgrac’d (during the Civil and Foreign Wars) by the Imitation of Persons that had neither Birth nor Merit to recommend them, King _Charles_ VII. took Occasion to efface it _A. D._ 1455. by delivering up, in a Chapter, the Ensign that he wore to the Chevalier _du Guet_, Captain of the Night-watch in _Paris_, the Lords and Princes throwing it off after it had receiv’d that Mark of Infamy; tho’ some alledge it declin’d upon the Erection of _The Order of St._ Michael, as the _Star_ supplanted that of the _Gennet_.

8. _The Order of the_ Lilly _in_ Navarre, _or of St._ Mary _of the_ Lilly,