CHAPTER XII

THE ORDERS OF CHIVALRY

The Order of the Garter—Its date and origin—Gentlemen of the Blood—The three Reproaches—St. George’s Chapel—The Garter of blue and gold—The Robes and Star—The Order of the Thistle—Its ancient origin—The Mantle and Riband—An expensive Order—The Order of St. Patrick—“Quis separabit”—The Mantle, Collar, and Star—The Order of Merit—Its origin—Very select—Confers no precedence—The Order of the Bath—The Most Honorable Order—Its great age and origin—To every knight a bath—Originally one, now three grades—Civil Knights—The Star of India—Cause of its creation—The three grades—The insignia—St. Michael and St. George—Curious origin of the Order—Its growth and expansion—“Auspicium Melioris”—The Badge—Order of the Indian Empire—Date and reason for its institution—The Mantle, Collar, Star, and Badge—The Royal Victorian Order—Five grades and grand chain—The Order of the British Empire—Had its origin in the Great War—Open to Ladies as well as Gentlemen—Five grades—The Badge and ribbon—The Crown of India—The Ladies’ Order—Very select indeed—The Badge of diamonds, pearls, and turquoises—The Victoria Cross—“For Valour”—Costs threepence—The most highly prized decoration—Its precedence—The Distinguished Service Order—Its chequered career—The good effect of the Great War—The Military Cross and Distinguished Service Cross—A product of the Great War—The D.F.C. and A.F.C.—The D.C.M. and C.G.M.—The M.M. and D.S.M.—The increase of Orders and decorations during the past century.

TOGETHER with the King’s Treasure in the Jewel House are kept the insignia of the Orders of Chivalry as well as decorations for bravery in battle.

The oldest of these is the Order of the Garter, which was created by Edward III as far back as the year 1348. It is rather English that so ancient and highly esteemed an honour should owe its origin to quite a trivial incident. A lady, the Countess of Salisbury, who was dancing with the King at a Court Ball, dropped her garter. In this less emotional age nobody would be greatly amused if a lady dropped her garter; probably few would even notice it, unless perchance it happened to be set with diamonds. But in 1348 very small jokes apparently went a long way, and the dropping of this particular lady’s garter caused vast amusement amongst the gallants. A garter is a garter, and there is evidently nothing either indecent or improper or even amusing about it; it is merely an article used by a few people now, and most people of both sexes in those days, to keep their stockings from slipping down.

However, there was the garter on the floor, and the fine gentlemen sniggering at it, whilst the poor lady who owned this harmless article was covered with confusion. In this tremendous crisis the King with a courtesy lacking amongst his courtiers stepped forward, picked up the garter, tied it round his own knee, and uttered the well-known rebuke, “Honi soit qui mal y pense.” For English Kings spoke French in those days.

Edward III. was a gentleman, and it is not a little interesting to find that the oldest Order, not only in England but in the world, owes its origin to a little act of courtesy. In ancient days the Order was termed a Fraternity of Knights, and these were chosen by the King from amongst the most noble of those about the Royal person. They were not necessarily warriors of the sword, but must be Gentlemen of the Blood, such as the King thought fit to wear the same emblem as himself. A Gentleman of the Blood, it is explained, was one who could claim three descents in the _noblesse_, both on his father’s and also his mother’s side.

In bestowing the Garter the exhortation used was: “Sir, the loving Company of the Order of the Garter hath received you their Brother, Lover, and Fellow, and in token and knowledge of this, they give you and present you with this present Garter, the which God will that you receive and wear henceforth to his praise and pleasure and to the exaltation and honour of the said Most Noble Order and of yourself.”

No person who had been convicted of error against the Christian faith, or of high treason, or of cowardice in face of the enemy could become a Knight of the Garter. And if being already a Knight he was guilty of either of these three “Reproaches,” his spurs were cut off, his banner removed, and he was summarily expelled from the Order. The only other grave offence mentioned is for appearing without his Garter, the penalty for which was a fine of one mark! Evidently, however, it was found that the Garter could not conveniently be worn with long boots, so by special enactment a Knight so booted might wear a blue silk riband instead.

Later on the Order somewhat changed its character, for it came to be bestowed not only on persons of high lineage as such, but also on those who had reached places of eminence in the public service, like Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, whose father was a shearer. As we come still further down in the ages we find it established, as at present, that though a number of vacancies in the Order are reserved for peers of the realm, yet it is also conferred as the very highest distinction attainable on soldiers, sailors, and statesmen who have done very conspicuous service to the State, whatever their lineage.

Exclusive of Royal personages, there are only twenty-five Knights of the Garter. The King is Sovereign of the Order, and some fourteen foreign Kings, English and foreign Princes, are amongst the Royal Knights. These include the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Duke of Connaught, Prince Arthur of Connaught, the King of Spain, the King of Norway, the King of Italy, and the King of Denmark.

Until recently the German Emperor figured amongst the Knights, but his banner was taken down and his name removed from the Order in knightly disapproval of the unknightly manner in which the Germans were held to have waged war on land and sea. The name of the Emperor of Russia has also disappeared from the roll, through his tragic death. Amongst the great soldiers who won their spurs in the field were the Duke of Marlborough, the Duke of Wellington, Earl Roberts, and Earl Kitchener. The only two Ladies of the Order are Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra.

The Chapel of the Knights of the Garter is St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, and there may be seen the stalls of the Knights with their banners suspended over them. When a Knight dies or is degraded, his banner is removed and that of his successor is hoisted in its place, whilst a small brass plate is left as a lasting record of each succeeding Knight in each of the stalls.

The Garter itself is of blue ribbon edged with gold, and has a buckle and pendent of gold richly chased. Round the Garter in gold is the motto of the Order, “Honi soit qui mal y pense.” The Garter is worn below the left knee by a Knight, and round the left arm above the elbow by a Lady.

The Mantle or Robe is of blue velvet, of a shade which has come to be known as garter blue, on the left breast of which the Star is embroidered. It is lined with white taffeta, and has a crimson velvet hood. The surcoat is also of crimson velvet, lined with white taffeta.

The Hat is a very imposing affair made of black velvet and of a curious shape. The plume is of white ostrich feathers with a tuft of black heron’s feathers in the centre. It is fastened to the hat by a band of diamonds.

The Collar consists of a string of gold and enamelled red roses, from which hangs a presentment of St. George attacking the dragon. Across his breast the Knight wears the broad riband of the Order, from which is pendent a lesser presentiment of the same incident, which is known as the Badge.

The Star is eight-pointed and made of silver, though it is not unusual for a Knight, or his generous friends, to substitute a diamond star. Such a diamond Star was presented by his friends to Lord Roberts, and the Mary’s of the Empire gave a similar token of their regard to Queen Mary.

A Knight of the Garter is the only Knight who wears his Star in evening dress at a private dinner party. All other Knights only wear their stars on such special occasions as are laid down, but always when asked to meet royalties. In this connection it may be interesting to mention that though a Knight may belong to many Orders, he only wears the Star of the senior one at these parties. If he were in uniform he would, of course, wear all he possessed, as may be gathered from the photographs of celebrated admirals and field-marshals which are to be seen in the illustrated papers.

The Order of the Thistle claims a very ancient origin, for though it was only organised as a knightly fraternity by James II in 1687, the Royal Warrant issued by that monarch mentions that “His Majesty’s royal predecessor, Achaius King of Scots, did institute the most ancient and the most noble Order of the Thistle, under the protection of St. Andrew, Patron of Scotland: in commemoration of a signal Victory obtained by the said Achaius over Athelstan, King of the Saxons, after a bloody battle, in the time of which there appeared in the heavens a White Cross in the form of that upon which the Apostle Saint Andrew suffered martyrdom.” When James II abdicated, the Order fell into desuetude, but was again revived by Queen Anne in 1703.

The Mantle is of green velvet, with the Badge of the Order embroidered on the left side. The Riband of the Order is green. The Star of this Order consists of a St. Andrew’s Cross laid on a silver star. In the centre of this combination is a Thistle of green and gold upon a field of gold, surrounded by a circle of green, bearing the motto of the Order, “Nemo me impune lacessit.” The Collar is formed of thistles intermingled with sprigs of rue, and from it pendent is the Badge or Jewel, representing St. Andrew wearing a green gown and purple surcoat, and bearing before him a white enamelled cross.

The Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen Knights, one of the most recent of whom, it may be remembered, is Field-Marshal Earl Haig.

The Thistle was a most expensive Order in ancient days, the fees on admission amounting to £347, a very considerable sum at that time. Edward VII reduced this to £50, which is the sum now paid by a Knight to the Treasury on admission to the Order.

The Order of St. Patrick is of more recent origin, and owes its inception to George III in 1783. It is an Irish Order modelled on the Fraternity of the Knights of the Garter, and was intended to emphasise the unity of the United Kingdom. To further which idea the new Order was given the motto, “Quis separabit?” A pertinent inquiry to which Sinn Feiners and other extraordinary persons have since made constant endeavours to return a disloyal reply.

The Mantle is of Irish tabbinet of a very beautiful shade of light blue, and is lined with white silk. On the right shoulder is a blue hood of the same material lined also with white silk. On the left side is embroidered the Star of the Order. The Collar is of gold composed of roses and harps alternately, and at the bottom is a harp surmounted by an Imperial Crown. The Badge is of gold of an oval form, in the centre of which is a trefoil with three crowns, standing on the cross of St. Patrick and surrounded with a wreath of shamrock. Round the wreath is the motto of the Order.

The Star consists of the Cross of St. Patrick gules, on a field argent, surmounted by a trefoil vert, charged with three Imperial Crowns with a circle of azure containing the motto, “Quis separabit?” and the date “MDCCLXXXIII” in letters of gold. The whole is encircled by four greater and four lesser rays of silver. This Star also can at the expense of the Knight or his friends be fashioned in diamonds. The Riband is light blue and is worn across the breast from left to right, the Badge being worn at the tie over the left thigh.

The Order of Merit has a somewhat curious origin. There were, and are, certain Englishmen of the very highest eminence who are averse to being other than plain “Mr.” to the end of their days. Peerages, baronetcies, and knighthoods have no attraction for them. Such men were Mr. Joseph Chamberlain and Mr. Gladstone, and such to-day is Mr. Arthur Balfour. The feeling is a noble one and quite in accordance with the best traditions of the English character. King Edward VII, in the hope of finding an acceptable road, therefore instituted the Order of Merit, which carries no title with it and no precedence. To make the Order exceedingly select and highly prized the number of members may not exceed twenty-four, and it is open only to those who have performed exceptional meritorious services in the navy, army, art, literature, and science. The King may also bestow the honour as extra members on foreigners of distinction.

The Badge of the Order consists of a Cross of red and blue enamel of eight points, with the addition of cross swords in the case of a naval or military officer. On it is a laurel wreath upon a centre of blue enamel, and the motto of the Order “For Merit,” in letters of gold. On the reverse, within laurel leaves on blue enamel, is the cipher of King Edward in gold. Above is the Imperial Crown enamelled in proper colours. The riband of the Order is parti-coloured, garter blue and crimson.

One of the latest recipients of the Order is Mr. Lloyd George, and other distinguished members are Field-Marshal Viscount French, Viscount Morley, Sir William Crookes, Thomas Hardy, Sir Archibald Geikie, Mr. Arthur Balfour, and Field-Marshal Earl Haig.

The Order confers no precedence, but the initials O.M. are authorised to be placed after the G.C.B. and before all other initials. What happens when the wife of an O.M. meets at a dinner party the wife of a G.C.S.I. opens up a vista of precedental problems which the Lord Chamberlain’s office could alone solve.

Next to the Garter the Order of the Bath is the most ancient and most honourable. Indeed, the Bath is entitled “The Most Honourable Order,” and though it has precedence below the Garter, Thistle, and St. Patrick, it is in some respects superior to these, for it can only be earned in reward for services rendered. It is also older than any other Order in the world except the Garter, being some fifty years older than the Order of the Golden Fleece. It was said by a foreigner, that any English title or decoration could be bought except the Order of the Bath. That is a somewhat sweeping assertion, though we ourselves allow that one of the blots on English public life is that peerages, baronetcies, and knighthoods can be, and are, bought from the political party in power. Happily it is still, as from the beginning, impossible to buy the Order of the Bath. Probably this fact, as well as its ancient and knightly origin, gives the Order its high standing, and we may venture to hope that it will never be otherwise.

It is not perhaps generally known that the Order of the Bath literally came from the common or domestic hip-bath. Long before this Order was instituted it was customary for warriors, who led in those times very strenuous days and nights, fighting, eating and drinking, and making love, to take a warm bath the night before they were knighted. This ablution had partly a temporal and partly a spiritual significance. It was not, however, till 1399 that Henry IV determined to make a permanent institution of an Order for Knights of the Sword, and named it the Order of the Bath.

Space does not allow of giving the full ritual, which may be read elsewhere,[22] but the actual taking of a warm bath was one of the leading features. This bath was taken in the large hall adjoining St. John’s Chapel in the White Tower, Tower of London. Whilst the Knight was in his bath the King came in accompanied by prelates and noblemen, and dipping his finger in the water made a cross on the Knight’s back.

A curious complication arose in this connection when a Queen, in the person of Mary I, came to the throne, for naturally she could not go about making crosses on the backs of naked young Knights. But both in Queen Mary’s reign and in that of Queen Elizabeth the difficulty was tided over by delegating a nobleman of high rank to act for the Queen.

On the King’s departure the Knight was put into a bed to dry and warm, bath towels apparently being little known in those days. Having thus become dry and warm the Knight put on a monk’s frock and then proceeded into St. John’s Chapel, where he watched his arms all night. On the morrow he rode in procession with other Knights of the Bath before the King to Westminster. This custom has long been discontinued; the Knight takes his bath at home as usual, and then proceeds to Buckingham Palace and is there Knighted by the King.

Originally there was one grade in the Order, that of Knight, but now there are three grades: Grand Cross, Knight Commander, and Companion. Up to 1847 only soldiers and sailors distinguished in war could be appointed, thus keeping up the knightly heritage; moreover they must have been mentioned in despatches, and must be field officers or of corresponding rank in the navy. In 1847 the Order was made more elastic so as to include civilians who had done eminent service to the State, and also it was opened to distinguished foreigners. The insignia, however, for a civilian member is different from that of a military member, though the ribands are the same. Here has resulted a very curious anomaly. After the Waterloo campaign the Order of the Bath was swept and garnished, so to speak, and amongst other innovations the insignia was remade in the shape of an eight-pointed cross, much on the lines of the Legion of Honour, inaugurated by Napoleon I. When the civil division was introduced in 1847 the insignia assigned was an oval gold medallion, having a trefoil in open work in the centre. This insignia, thus revived, must have been the old and original emblem worn by Knights of the Bath from very ancient days. An old engraving for instance of the Black Prince shows this very form of medallion round his neck.

A Grand Cross of the Bath wears a robe of red silk with the badge of the Order embroidered on the left side, and the collar of the Order. He also alone wears the broad riband across his chest with the badge at the tie, and a special Star. A Knight Commander wears a smaller star on the left side of his coat, and the insignia of the Order round his neck. A Companion wears only the insignia, of a smaller size, round his neck. Members of the three grades carry after their names the initials G.C.B., K.C.B., and C.B.

Next in precedence to the Bath comes the Star of India, though it dates only from 1861, an interval of nearly 500 years. The precedence thus given was probably a matter of policy after the Indian Mutiny, the Order having, it is expressly stated, been inaugurated for the purpose of rendering high honour to conspicuous loyalty and merit amongst the princes, chiefs, and people of the Indian Empire. The Order is, however, open not only to Indians, but to Englishmen who have performed distinguished service in, or connected with, India.

As in the case of the Bath, this Order is divided into three grades: Grand Commander, Knight Commander, and Companion. It will be noticed that the word “Commander” is used instead of “Cross” in the highest grade. This was out of deference to the Mahomedan subjects of the sovereign, for to a Mahomedan the cross is a Christian symbol, and as such, like ham and bacon, a thing to be avoided.

The Robe of the Grand Commander is of light blue silk with the Badge of the Order embroidered on the left side. The riband, stars, and insignia are worn by the three grades as described for the Order of the Bath.

The insignia is a very beautiful and valuable jewel. It consists of an onyx cameo, having in the centre the effigy of Queen Victoria. This is set in an oval gold band which contains the motto, “Heaven’s Light our Guide,” in diamonds. The three grades are distinguished by the initials G.C.S.I., K.C.S.I., and C.S.I. On the death of a member of the Order, his insignia have to be returned, unless his heirs consent to purchase them.

After the Napoleonic wars, for some reason which seems now somewhat obscure, the King, or the Government, or both, appear to have been at their wits’ end to discover an appropriate medium by which marks of the royal favour might be suitably conferred upon the natives of Malta and the Ionian Islands. Out of the travail thus begotten emerged the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. Indeed, so pronouncedly foreign was it intended to be that instead of Companions the members were termed Cavalieri of the Order. After struggling along for fifty years in Malta and the Ionian Islands, an Order of little repute or standing, Queen Victoria decided to give it a wider scope and to throw it open to the whole Empire. After this happy inspiration the Order grew and prospered, first as a purely civil and colonial decoration, but latterly chiefly as a military Order, second only in value and public estimation to the Order of the Bath.

The mantle or robe of a Grand Cross is of Saxon blue satin, lined with scarlet, having on the left side embroidered the Star of the Order. The Collar is suitably formed of a chain of Lions of England and Maltese Crosses, alternately. The Star has seven rays of silver, between each of which is a small ray of gold; over all the Cross of St. George, gules. In the centre of the said star is a circle azure whereon is inscribed in letters of gold the motto of the Order, “Auspicium Melioris,” and the figure of St. Michael with flaming sword trampling on Satan. “Auspicium Melioris” may freely be translated, “There is a good time coming,” or perhaps more sedately, “The promise of a better age.”

On one side of the Badge may be seen St. George slaying the Dragon, and on the other St. Michael trampling on Satan. The members of the three grades wear their insignia as laid down for the Bath, and are styled G.C.M.G., K.C.M.G., and C.M.G.

The Order of the Indian Empire was instituted by Queen Victoria on January 1st, 1878, to commemorate the proclamation of Her Majesty as Empress of India, a title then first added to the British Crown. It was to be bestowed as a reward to those who from time to time were held to have rendered important services to the Indian Empire. At first it was bestowed mostly on civilians, but latterly its scope has been broadened, and it is now given for military services as well.

It may be noticed that whereas the Order of the Bath, which was a purely military Order, was after nearly five hundred years opened to civilians, Orders like the Star of India, St. Michael and St. George, and the Indian Empire, started on exactly opposite lines; they were intended for civilians only. But happily now all these Orders are open alike to soldiers, sailors, and civilians who have done in their own lines good service to their King and Empire, and that is really all that matters.

The robe or mantle of a Grand Cross is of purple satin lined with white silk, having on the left side embroidered the Star of the Order. The Collar is Oriental in treatment forming a chain of elephants, lotus flowers, peacocks in their pride, and Indian roses, all in gold. The elephants nearly caused an upheaval in a later reign, and the story shows how easily insurrections are caused amongst so seemingly a docile people as the Indians. When the design for the coinage of George V was being decided upon it seemed not inappropriate that the King should be shown crowned, and wearing the mantle of the Order of the Indian Empire with the Collar round his neck. Rupees to the number of many hundred thousands were consequently struck with this presentiment of the King on them. Hardly were these in circulation when some lynx-eyed political agitator discovered that the King was wearing the effigy of a pig round his neck, and as a pig, even in silver, is anathema to a Mahomedan it was put about by pernicious persons that a calculated insult had thus been thrust in the most blatant and enduring form on the whole Mahomedan population. It was quite useless for the Government to assert and vow that the animal portrayed was not a pig but an elephant, and that if they looked at the original chain there could be no possible doubt about it. The Mahomedan agitators were impervious to persuasion, nothing in the wide world would persuade them that it was not a pig, probably secretly inserted by some subtle Bengali employed at the mint. Their co-religionists refused to accept or use this rupee in trade, and so the Government had to recall the whole issue from circulation and had it melted down and recoined with the obnoxious chain eliminated.

The Star is of silver, ten pointed, and has in the centre a medallion of Queen Victoria, around which is a dark blue garter surmounted by an imperial crown. In gold on the garter is the motto of the Order, “Imperatricis Auspicus,” which being broadly interpreted is “Honored by the Empress.”

The Badge is heraldically described as a Rose enamelled gules barbed vert, having in the centre the effigy of Queen Victoria. The subaltern who knows nothing of heraldry, and describes things bluntly as they strike him, wavers between likening it to a jam tart or a squashed tomato, when suddenly faced with this emblem on the broad chest of his general. Many, however, think this a very effective decoration emblematic of the Victorian era.

There are, as in the case of the Bath, three grades of this Order, the hall marks of which are G.C.I.E., K.C.I.E., and C.I.E., and each of these in their degree wear stars and insignia in diminishing degree as with other Orders.

The Royal Victorian Order was created by Queen Victoria in 1896 for bestowal by the sovereign upon those whose personal services it might be desired to recognise. There are five classes in this Order ranging from Knights Grand Cross to Members of the Fifth Class, so that all social grades can receive a suitable decoration. The Prince of Wales may be at one end and a Highland gillie at the other. King Edward added a Royal Victorian Chain to the Order which is only bestowed on very special occasions. There is no mantle or robe to this Order. The Badge is in the form of a cross of white enamel, in the centre of which is a medallion having Queen Victoria’s cipher in the middle, and the word Victoria on a blue enamel garter round the cipher. Above is an imperial crown in enamel proper. The Stars of the Grand Cross and Knight Commander of the Order are of silver and of different patterns and sizes.

The Order of the British Empire was instituted by George V during the Great War, for the purpose of rewarding those engaged in war work away from the fighting line. Men and women are equally eligible for all the five classes of this Order. It is understood that after the services rendered in the late war have received recognition the Order may fall into abeyance and no further addition made to its members. The Star is of silver with a medallion in the centre in red enamel on which is the figure in gold of Britannia seated. Around is the motto of the Order, “For God and the Empire.” The Badge is in the form of a cross of grey enamel and in the centre is the same medallion as on the Star. The ribbon of civil members is purple, and that for military members the same, but with a red line down the centre.

The only Order reserved entirely for Ladies is the Crown of India. It was inaugurated at the same time as the Order of the Indian Empire, and to commemorate the same event, the assumption of the title of Empress of India by Queen Victoria. The Ladies eligible for this Order are princesses of the Royal House, the wives or female relatives of Indian Princes, and other Indian ladies of high degree. Amongst Englishwomen eligibility is restricted to the wives, or in the case of a bachelor the sister, of the Viceroy of India, the Governors of Bengal, Madras and Bombay, and the Secretary of State for India. The Order is therefore very select indeed, and one may make a long night’s march through the ballrooms and dining-rooms of the world without seeing one. The decoration itself is a beautiful one and worthy to be worn by any lady, however great. The Badge consists of an oval buckle set round with pearls closely touching. In the centre is the cipher of Queen Victoria, the “V” being set with diamonds, the “R” with pearls, and the “I” with turquoises. Above the oval buckle is an Imperial Crown enamelled proper. The Badge hangs pendant from a light blue silk bow. The Order is worn on the left breast.

A quiet-looking and quietly dressed lady was one day looking at the Crown Jewels, and especially the Orders. When she came to the Crown of India the official showing her round made the time-honoured joke that to obtain this beautiful jewel she had only to marry a Viceroy. “I have already done so,” remarked the quiet lady, and passed on. She was the wife of a late Viceroy.

The most highly prized decoration in the Army or Navy is the Victoria Cross. This was instituted by Queen Victoria after the Crimean War for the purpose of rewarding individual cases of conspicuous gallantry in presence of the enemy. Hitherto the only war decoration that could be won by an individual soldier or sailor was the Order of the Bath, and by the rules of that order no officer below the rank of major, or of equivalent rank in the Navy, could be recommended for it. Queen Victoria’s intention was that the Victoria Cross should be open to all from admiral or general to bugler boy or sailor boy. “Neither rank, nor long service, nor wounds, nor any other circumstance or condition whatsoever save the merit of conspicuous bravery (in the presence of the enemy) shall be held to establish a sufficient claim to the honour.”[23]

The Victoria Cross, like all decorations, has had its ups and downs, but there is not the least doubt that during the Great War it has upheld its highest traditions. During its middle history the decoration was perhaps more popular with the public than with the military, for soldiers in action saw how often it was a pure matter of luck that one should get the Cross and another not. The interpretation of the Warrant also varied, for whereas some generals in the field were very chary about recommending anyone, others were most liberal. In the South African War a sumptuary law was passed that no one above the rank of captain should be recommended, and thus several well-known officers of higher rank were ruled out and given the Bath instead. This probably came from reading the first part of the Warrant which emphasises the eligibility of the junior ranks for the Bath, without reading the context above quoted.

Again at one period nobody could hope to get the Victoria Cross unless he had assisted a wounded man under fire; it came for a time at any rate to take the position of a life-saving medal on land, as is the Humane Society’s medal for saving life from the water. Indeed so obsessed did some become with this strange doctrine that Lord Roberts himself had the greatest difficulty in obtaining the Victoria Cross for two very gallant officers at Kabul in 1879, because their gallantry had no connection with carrying wounded men out of action.

With these vagaries before them it is not to be wondered at that the Victoria Cross for some years lost its value amongst officers, indeed it was openly discussed whether it would not be wiser to reserve the Cross for the N.C.O.’s and men in the ranks only, and to make all officers ineligible. This on the grounds that all, or anyway the majority of British officers, are brave and that it was a pity to draw invidious distinctions. The Great War has, however, as we have seen, thoroughly rehabilitated the Victoria Cross, for though there certainly are hundreds who with better luck would have received it, yet those who have obtained it have set a very high standard of gallantry in face of the enemy.

The Cross itself is familiar to all. It is a plain bronze Maltese Cross, with a Lion standing on a Crown in the centre, and the words “For Valour” inscribed beneath. The actual cost of the Cross is threepence. The ribbon is red for all branches of His Majesty’s Service whether on sea, or land, or the air. When the ribbon is worn in undress a miniature V.C. is placed on it, and should there be clasps to the V.C. for each one a miniature is added. Until recently the Navy had a blue ribbon, but when the Air Force came into being the King thought it better to have one and the same ribbon for all.

In precedence the Victoria Cross ranks before all decorations and medals and is worn on the right of all. Thus in addressing a letter to one who has the Victoria Cross the letters V.C. precede all others, even if the addressee is a Knight of the Garter or a Grand Cross of the Bath. All those not of commissioned rank who are decorated with the Victoria Cross are given a special pension of £10 a year, and for each bar £5 extra per annum.[24]

The Distinguished Service Order was inaugurated in 1886 by Queen Victoria, and at the time the general impression in the services was that it was intended to be in the nature of a second grade of the Victoria Cross. This was a mistake, for the Order was really instituted as a second grade to the Bath. Experience in our numberless small wars had shown that many junior officers performed distinguished service, but being ineligible for the Bath got nothing. The new Order was to be granted to officers irrespective of rank for “meritorious and distinguished service in war.”

From the very beginning, in the Burmah War of 1886-87, a very wide interpretation of these words was used, and though the D.S.O. was given for deeds of gallantry and devotion in action it was also given to those who had done meritorious service far far away from the sound of guns. With this precedent the Order ran downhill at a great pace till it got to be known as the “Doing Something-or-Other Order.” All sorts and conditions of people got it, sometimes with but the faintest glimmer of merit or distinction. The Great War has, however, to a great extent improved the status of the Order, and if only the present high standard is maintained it will undoubtedly rise to the position it was originally intended to occupy.

The decoration is in the form of an eight-pointed gold cross the wings of which are covered with white enamel. In the centre is the Imperial Crown in gold on a red enamel background round which is a wreath of green enamel laurels. The ribbon is crimson with narrow borders of blue. If an officer gets a clasp to his D.S.O. a small silver rose is placed on the ribbon when worn in undress uniform and an additional rose is added for each subsequent clasp. The decoration is open to officers of all ranks both in the Army and the Navy.

A decoration which came into being during the Great War is that of Companions of Honour. This decoration, like the Order of Merit, is bestowed on those who for various reasons are averse to receiving any reward from the Sovereign which carries a title.

The Military Cross and its naval equivalent, the Distinguished Service Cross, were products of the Great War. In former wars we had engaged a few tens of thousands of fighting men, but in the Great War we had seven million soldiers and sailors engaged all over the world.[25] In the great battles that took place during four and a half years of this gigantic conflict thousands of officers distinguished themselves, yet all could not be given the Victoria Cross or the Distinguished Service Order. A third decoration for gallantry thus became imperative. The Military Cross for the Army and the Distinguished Service Cross for the Navy were the outcome of this demand, and all officers and warrant officers are eligible for them; they are both of silver, but differ somewhat in design. The ribbons are somewhat similar, but in the case of the Military Cross the centre stripe is purple and the two outside ones white; whilst with the Distinguished Service Cross, the white stripe is in the middle and the two outer ones are purple. When an officer or warrant officer earns one or more clasps, a small silver rose is placed on the ribbon for each clasp.

During the Great War the gallantry and achievements of the Air Force called imperatively for special recognition. This was met by instituting two decorations open only to the Air Force. These are the Distinguished Flying Cross, for bestowal upon officers in the Royal Air Force for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy; and the Air Force Cross, for bestowal on officers of the Royal Air Force for acts of courage or devotion to duty when flying, although not in active operations, against the enemy.

We now come to those decorations which are reserved for warrant and non-commissioned officers and the rank and file, and for which no officer as such is eligible. Naturally any soldier or sailor who had won one of these decorations when in the ranks or the lower deck would carry it on with him and wear it on all occasions if he subsequently received a commission. The first of these is for the Army, the Distinguished Conduct Medal, familiar to all as the D.C.M.; and for the Navy the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, generally known as the C.G.M. The second pair under the category are the Military Medal for the soldiers, and the Distinguished Service Medal for the sailors. These are known as the M.M. and D.S.M.

All these four medals are round silver insignia of the familiar size and shape of a war medal. On one side they have the King’s head and shoulders, in a Field-Marshal’s uniform, for the Army, and in that of an Admiral of the Fleet for the Navy. On the other side is the designation of the medal. Should a soldier or a sailor be granted one of these medals a second time the fact would be marked by the addition of a silver clasp.

The ribbons of these decorations are: For the D.C.M. red and blue. The D.S.M. (Naval) has blue and white. The ribbon for the Military Medal is red white and blue, and that of the C.G.M. (Naval) blue and white.

It will be noticed that since 1856 the number of British Orders and decorations has very greatly increased. At that date there were only the Garter, the Thistle, St. Patrick, the Bath, and the Michael and George, and only the last two of these was open to ordinary persons. Now there are upwards of twenty Orders and decorations open to those who do good and valiant service for the Empire in peace and war. As is only natural, opinions are divided on the subject. Several millions of His Majesty’s subjects who have not received one of these insignia of honour decry the whole system, and say it is debasing to wear decorations for doing one’s duty. Several millions more hope, given the opportunity, to earn one of them; whilst the few thousands who have received them feel, in a greater or less degree, a certain warm sense of gratification in that their King and country have discovered what fine fellows they are.

The increase in the number of Orders and decorations is mainly due to the great extension of the Empire, the wars both great and small that have been waged during the past seventy years, and the impossibility of rewarding the greatly increased numbers of those whom the King delighteth to honour with practically only one Order open for a restricted distribution, the Order of the Bath. After so great a war as the Great War, wherein many millions of men of British blood were engaged, naturally all the now existing Orders are full to overflowing with members and supernumerary members, but as the river runs low after the heavy rains are over, so will the flow of honours decrease to the small stream which in peace time can alone keep up their value.

APPENDIX A

KEEPERS OF THE JEWEL HOUSE[26]

Abbot and Monks of Westminster, 1042-66, in the reign of Edward the Confessor.

First official Keeper of the Regalia, 1216, in the reign of Henry III.

Bishop of Carlisle, 1230, in the reign of Henry III.

John de Flete, 1337, in the reign of Edward III.

Robert de Mildenhall, 1347, in the reign of Edward III.

Thomas Chitterne, 1418, in the reign of Henry VI.

“The two Cary’s,” both Privy Councillors.

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, 1531-34, in the reign of Henry VIII.

John Williams, Lord Williams, 1539-44, in the reign of Henry VIII.

Richard Wilbraham of Woodhey, Cheshire, 1547 (?) to 1553, in the reign of Edward VI.

Marquis of Winchester, 1553, in the reign of Edward VI. Handed over the Crown Jewels to Lady Jane Grey.

John Astley, 1558-95, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

Sir Henry Mildmay, 1622(?)-1660, in the reigns of James I, Charles I, and interregnum.

Sir Gilbert Talbot, 1661-91, in the reign of Charles II, James II, and William and Mary.

Sir Francis Lawley, 1691-97, in the reign of William and Mary.

Heneage Mountague, 1697-98, in the reign of William and Mary.

Charles Godfrey, 1698-1716, in the reigns of William and Mary, Queen Anne, and George I.

Hon. James Brudenell, 1716-30, in the reigns of George I and George II.

Charles Townshend, Lord Lynn, 1730-39, in the reign of George II.

William Neville, Lord Abergavenny, 1739-45, in the reign of George II.

John Campbell, Lord Glenorchie, 1745-56, in the reign of George II.

Sir Richard Lyttleton, 1756-63, in the reigns of George II and George III.

Henry Vane, Earl of Darlington, 1763-82, in the reign of George III.

_In 1782 the Office was suppressed and its duties transferred to the Lord Chamberlain (Stat. 22, Geo. III, c. 82). The Office was again revived early in the nineteenth century. At the Coronation of George IV, Thomas Baucutt Mash acted as “Officer of the Jewel House.”_

Lieut.-Colonel Charles Wyndham (late Scots Greys), 1852-72, in the reign of Queen Victoria.

Colonel John Cox Gawler (late 73rd Foot), 1872-82, in the reign of Queen Victoria.

Lieut.-General George Dean-Pitt, C.B., 1882-83, in the reign of Queen Victoria.

Captain Arthur John Loftus (late 10th Hussars) 1883-91, in the reign of Queen Victoria.

Lieut.-General Sir Michael Biddulph, G.C.B., 1891-96, in the reign of Queen Victoria.

Lieut.-General Sir Frederick Middleton, K.C.M.G., C.B., 1896-98, in the reign of Queen Victoria.

General Sir Hugh Gough, V.C., G.C.B., 1898-1909, in the reigns of Queen Victoria and Edward VII.

General Sir Robert Low, G.C.B., 1909-11, in the reign of Edward VII.

General Sir Arthur Wynne, G.C.B., 1911-17, in the reign of George V.

Major-General Sir George Younghusband, K.C.M.G., K.C.I.E., C.B., 1917 (present holder), in the reign of George V.

APPENDIX B

A letter written by Queen Anne Boleyn, when a prisoner in the Tower in the early part of May, 1536, to Henry VIII asking for mercy. This letter was apparently intercepted by Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, and never reached the King. After Essex in his turn had been executed, some years later, Queen Anne Boleyn’s letter was found in his portfolio amongst other papers.

From Queen Anne Boleyn to Henry VIII:

“SIR,—Your Grace’s displeasure and my imprisonment are things so strange unto me as what to write or what to excuse I am altogether ignorant.

“Whereas you send unto me (willing me to confess a truth, and so to obtain your favour) by such an one whom you know to be mine antient professed enemy. I no sooner conceived this message by him than I rightly conceived your meaning: and if, as you say, confessing a truth indeed may procure my safety, I shall with all willingness and duty perform your command.

“But let not your Grace ever imagine that your poor wife will ever be brought to acknowledge a fault where not so much as a thought thereof proceeded. And to speak a truth, never prince had a wife more loyal in all duty and in all true affection, than you have ever found in Anne Boleyn; with which name and place I could willingly have contented myself, if God and your Grace’s pleasure had been so pleased. Neither did I at any time so far forget myself in my exaltation or received queenship, but that I always looked for such an alteration as now I find: for the ground of my preferment being on no surer foundation than your Grace’s fancy, the least alteration, I knew, was fit and sufficient to draw that fancy to some other subject. You have chosen me from low estate to be your queen and companion, far beyond my desert or desire. If then you found me worthy of such honour, good your Grace, let not any light fancy or bad counsel of mine enemies, withdraw your princely favour from me; neither let that stain, that unworthy stain, of a disloyal heart towards your good Grace, ever cast so foul a blot on your most dutiful wife and the infant princess your daughter.

“Try me good King, but let me have a lawful trial; and let not my sworn enemies sit as my accusers and my judges; yea, let me receive an open trial, for my truth shall fear no open shame. Then shall you see either my innocency cleared, your suspicions and conscience satisfied, the ignominy and slander of the world stopped, or my guilt lawfully declared; so that whatsoever God or you may determine of me, as your Grace may be freed from an open censure; and mine offence being so openly proved, your Grace is at liberty, both before God and man, not only to execute your worthy punishment on me, as an unlawful wife, but to follow your affection already settled on that party for whose sake I am now as I am, whose name I could some good while since have pointed unto; your Grace not being ignorant of my suspicion therein.

“But if you have already determined of me; and that not only my death, but an infamous slander, must bring you the joying of your desired happiness; then I desire of God that He will pardon your great sin therein, and likewise mine enemies, the instruments thereof; and that He will not call you to a straight account for your unprincely and cruel usage of me, at His general judgment seat, where both you and myself must shortly appear; and in whose judgment I doubt not, whatever the world may think of me, mine innocence shall be openly known and sufficiently cleared.

“My last and only request shall be, that myself may only bear the burden of your Grace’s displeasure, and that it may not touch the innocent souls of those poor gentlemen, who, as I understand, are likewise in straight imprisonment for my sake. If ever I have found favour in your sight, if ever the name of Anne Boleyn hath been pleasing in your ears, then let me obtain this request; and I will so leave to trouble your Grace any further; with mine earnest prayers to the Trinity to have your Grace in His good keeping, and to direct you in all your actions. From my doleful prison in the Tower, this 6th of May. Your most loyal and ever faithful wife.

“ANNE BOLEYN.”

APPENDIX C

Complete list of the Regalia in the Jewel House in A.D. 1920.

I. _Crowns and Diadem_—

1. King Edward the Confessor’s Crown.

2. The Imperial State Crown.

3. The Imperial Indian Crown.

4. Crown of Queen Mary of Modena.

5. Crown of Queen Mary, Consort of King George V.

6. Diadem of Queen Mary of Modena.

7. Crown of the Prince of Wales (as eldest son of the King).

II. _Sceptres and Rods_—

1. The King’s Royal Sceptre.

2. The King’s Sceptre with the Dove, or Rod of Equity.

3. The Queen’s Sceptre with the Cross.

4. The Queen’s Sceptre with the Ivory Dove.

5. James I’s Sceptre with the Dove.

6. St. Edward’s Staff

III. _Orbs_—

1. The King’s Orb.

2. The Queen’s Orb.

IV. _Rings_—

1. The King’s Coronation Ring.

2. The Queen’s Coronation Ring.

3. Queen Victoria’s Coronation Ring.

V. _Swords_—

1. The King’s Jewelled State Sword.

2. The Sword of State.

3. The Sword Spiritual.

4. The Sword Temporal.

VI. _Spurs and Bracelets_—

1. St. George’s Gold Spurs.

2. Gold Bracelets.

VII. _Maces_—

1. Charles II.

2. Do.

4. Do.

5. William and Mary.

6. Do.

7. Do.

8. George I.

VIII. _Ecclesiastical Plate_—

1. The Ampulla, or Golden Eagle.

2. The Anointing Spoon.

3. The Royal Baptismal Font of Charles II.

4. Alms Dish of William and Mary.

5. Chalice Do.

IX. _State Trumpets and Banners_—

1. Fifteen Silver State Trumpets.

2. Twenty Bannerets.

X. _Royal Gold Plate_—

1. Queen Elizabeth’s Salt Cellar.

2. King Charles II’s Salt Cellar (State Cellar).

3. Do.

4. Do.

5. Do.

6. Do.

7. Do.

8. Do.

9. Do.

10. Do.

11. Do.

12. Do.

13. Do.

14. King Charles II’s Wine Fountain.

15. Twelve Salt Spoons.

16. Two Tankards (George IV).

XI. _Other Plate and Valuables_—

1. The Maundy Dish of Charles II.

2. King James II’s Monde.

3. Model of Koh-i-Nur Diamond with original setting.

4. Model of Cullinan Diamond as found.

5. Steel hammer and chisel, used in cutting the Cullinan Diamond.

APPENDIX D

“OF THE JEWELL HOUSE”

Copy of MSS. written or dictated by Sir Gilbert Talbot, Kt., appointed Keeper of the Jewel House, A.D. 1660-61, by Charles II. The original is in the possession of Mrs. Ethel M. Lowndes, The Bury, Chesham, Bucks.

Of the Jewell House With the ancient rights belonging to the Maister & Treasurer thereof.

The Maister of y^e Jewell H. holdeth his place by Patent, for life under the Broad Seale of England to enjoy all the perquisites and privileges w^ch any of his predecessors at any time enjoyed which are as follows:

1. A Fee of 50£ per. an. out of the Exchequer.

2. A Table of 14 double dishes per diem.

3. 300£ per. an. out of y^e New years guift money.

4. The carrying of Presents to Embassadours.

5. The small presents at New yeare’s Tide.

6. Anciently Treasurers of y^e Chamber w^ch office was a branch of y^e Jewell H.

7. Frequently Privy Counsaillers as Cromwell & y^e two Caryes.

8. Right to buy, keep & present all his Ma^tys Jewells (when given).

9. Choice of his under Officers.

10. Choice of the King’s and Queene’s Goldsmiths & Jewellers.

11. 20£ in gold, upon signing of the Goldsmiths Bill.

12. Lodgings in all y^e King’s Houses.

13. A close waggon (when y^e Court removeth) for his owne goodes; and two carts for his officers.

14. Precedence in Courts & Kingdome.

15. Priviledg of the drawing roome.

16. Robes at the Coronation.

17. In Procession place before all the Judges.

18. He putteth on, and taketh off the King’s Crowne.

19. He keepeth all the Regalia.

20. He hath lodgings etc. in y^e Tower.

21. A servant there to keep y^e Regalia.

22. He hath noe superior officer.

23. He fournisheth plate to Embassad^rs and all the greate officers.

24. He remandeth it when Embassad^rs returne; & officers remove or dye.

25. He provideth a Garter & plaine George for Kn^ts of y^e Garter.

26. The total of his Retrenchm^ts w^ch will serve to justify y^e following preambe from vanity.

_Note._—The above rights and perquisites were handed over by Sir H. Mildmay to Sir Gilbert Talbot in A.D. 1660.

_Note._—These were the rights, privileges and emoluments of his predecessors, and Sir Gilbert Talbot goes on to relate how they had been curtailed and withdrawn.

S^r Gilbert Talbot entered into the service of K. Charles y^e j^st at Venice an: 1637, and served his Ma^ty XI yeares first as Resident at 40^s. p. diem till the yeare 44, then as Envoye at 5£ per diem; besides extraordinairies in both qualityes.

But by reason of the war, his Ma^ty was not able to send him any supply in soe much that he was forced to spend of his owne, and borrow of y^e English and Dutch merchants to the value of 13000£ which his then Ma^ty promised to repay with y^e interest w^ch hath since trebled y^e principall.

But y^e war still growing more obstinate and S^r G. Talbot not able to continue the expence begged leave of his Ma^ty to returne into England to represent his condition w^ch was graunted him for 6 moneths; in Aug^st 44, he found the K^g at Bucannon and followed his Ma^ty in the Army; till in 45 he was sent back to Venice, upon an extraordinary occasion; with leave to returne when he should think fitt, because his Ma^ty was not yet able to maintain him abroad.

At his returne into England, in 46 his Ma^ty was pleased (a little before he went to the Scottish Army thus to recommend him to the Prince (now K^g).)

Son here is a gentleman who hath served me faythfully many yeares; and I have never bin able, hitherto, to doe anything for him. I therefore charge you to take notice of him & to see him well rewarded if I should not live to doe it myself.

The K^g going away to the Scotts; the Prince into y^e West, and Oxford surrendered S^r G. Talbot had his liberty upon those Articles. But the Pr: being forced to fly: the K^g sold into the hands of the English: and afterwards barbarously murdered; Sir G. Talbot offered to goe over to y^e p^resent King in Paris; but was commanded to stay in London to corrispond with S^r Rob^t Long then Secretary, and to act for his Ma^tyes service on this side of y^e water. For w^ch being afterwards discovered by Tom Cooke, he was made close prisoner in Glocester; and there examined by Comis^srs upon 6 articles of high Treason (as they were pleased to terme them). But they having noe proofes to make good any one article ag^st him he had his liberty upon bayle; went over into France to his Ma^ty and followed him in all his exile, till his restauration.

When every man (upon the prospect of his Ma^tys recall) was putting in for employment. S^r G. T.; by the assistance of the D. of Ormond, obtained the graunt of Maister of the Jewell-house forfeited by the treason of S^r Hen: Mildmay and the reversion graunted by the Martyr King to S^r Rob^t Howard (brother of the old E. of Berkshire) vacated by his death.

Upon his Ma^tys returne S^r G. Talbot sent to S^r Hen: Mildmay (at the time prisoner in Dover Castle) to lett him understand that the K^g had bestowed the Jewell-house upon him; and to know if he would peaceably surrender his Patent? he returned answere That he could not give in the patent because it lay buryed amongst many confused papers But he was ready before a Maist^r of Chancery to make a formall resignation of the place which he accordingly performed

And promised moreover that if S^r G. T. would obteine from his Ma^ty a pardon of his life he would give him half his estate. Whereunto S^r G. T. reply’d that since he had soe freely resigned his office, he would endeavour to serve him, without any other condition: but desired him to send him a note of all the perquisites belonging to the place, w^ch he did and they are those w^ch are specifyed in y^e j^st page and shall hereafter be enlarged upon as they lye in order.

S^r G. Talbot’s patent being passed (not w^thout strong opposition from the L^d Chancell^r Hyde, who had shewed himself his enemy upon other occasions; and had designed the Jewell-house for a Presbyterian friend) he took possession of his lodgings; and entered upon the execution of his office.

When the Chancell^r found that he could not obstruct the patent, his next endeavour was to clip the profitts of the place, and therein his malice prevailed as will appeare when y^e perquisites are treated of.

* * * * *

The perquisites belonging to y^e M^r are as follows:

1. A Fee of 50£ per an payable half yearely out of the Exchequer: which y^e Maist^r used to call for but once in two yeares, that he might receive i00£ together: but when S^r George Downing became Secretary, to the L^ds Commiss^rs of the Treasury, he (because there is a small fee due to the Secretary for drawing up the order to the Exchequer) enioned[27] all fees to take out separate orders for every half yeare: w^ch exacting invention is still kept on foote: although the fee for every order is exorbitant.

2. A Table of 14 double dishes per diem with bread beer wine etc., or 35^s. per diem board wages, if not served in kind. But y^e L^d Chanc^r who sought all occasions to preiudice the Maist^r of the Jewell H. put the K^g upon retrenchm^t of some of the tables: and went in person to the Greenecloth (although altogether unqualifyed as being noe Officer there) and cutt off the Maist^rs table, and y^e Groome-porters, for company, that it might not look like personall malice; in lieu whereof they allowed each of them i20£ p. an: board wages: and for this they pleaded noe other ground, or shadow of reason, but because it appeared in theyre books, that once when the treasury was exhausted S^r H. Mildmay proposed to the K^g the retrenchment of the tables & desired his Ma^ty to begin with his. This the L^d Chancell^rs Law, & S^r H. Woods philosophy made an argument to cutt off the dyet from the Jewell H.

And although S^r G. Talbot’s patent gave him all the rights that any of his Predecessors at any time enioyed, there was noe releife to be had in theyre Chancery.

S^r G. Talbot this theyre proceeding to his Ma^ty, but the Chancellor yet swayed all things absolutely; and there lay noe appeale from him.

For one yeare after they allowed him his dyet, at the greate Festivalls (Christmass, Easter, and Whitsontide): but that was thought too much and retrenched likewise.

3. 300£ p. an: out of the money presented by the Nobility, to the King, at new-yeare’s-tyde; which usually amounted to 3000£. And the profitt ariss to the Maister by 12^d in the £, and the advantage of the gold; for it was ever given away and payd in silver, till Mr. May came to the privy Purse, who gott it annexed to his office: by w^ch meanes that branch was cutt off from y^e Maist^r of the Jewell H. because the K^g was neither to pay poundage, nor allowance for gold, and y^e Maist^r had noe consideration for it, till upon the tender of severall petitions, his Ma^ty in an. 77 gave him, by Privy Seale 400£ p. an: out of the new-yeare’s-guift money, during pleasure.

4. The Maist^r of the Jewell H. received the value of 300£ p. an. (communibg annis) by carrying presents to Embassadours, till the j^st D. of Buckingham (who was an enemy to S^r H. Mildmay) prevailed w^th the K^g first, to make all his presents in iewells (and not in plate as had ever, till then, bin accustomed) and next to send them by the Maister of y^e Ceremonyes (an office erected but in K^g James his time).

Thus S^r H. Mildmay (by his professed ignorance in iewells, had the buying of the iewells taken from the place, & usurped into the hands of the L^d Chamberlan and the presenting of them, by his provocation of the D. of Buck: transferred to the M^r of y^e Ceremonyes. Nay, and the keeping of all the private Jewells, is now in the hands of the page of his Ma^tys closet: although the L^d Chamberlaine in what he buyeth, nor the sayd page in what he keepeth, hath any check upon him to controll the account of the one, or the guardianship of y^e other, whereas the account of the Jewell H. is under the inspection of the L^d Treasurer, or a body of Comiss^rs when the K pleaseth to appoint them.

Thus while S^r G. Talbot is Maister and Treasurer of his Ma^tyes iewells & plate, he is made a stranger to all but y^e Regalia, which alone is in his keeping.

v. The Maist^r of the iewell H. hath 28 ounces of gilt plate every new year: and the small presents w^ch are sent to y^e K^g anciently valued at 30 or 40£ together with the purses wherein the Lords present theyre gold (w^ch were wont to be worth 30 or 40^s each. These the L^d Manchester (when L^d Chamberlaine) claimed as due to him: but S^r G. Talbot proved them to be his right: yet told his L^p that if he liked any of them he should have them, as a guift, not as a due.

The E. of St. Alban, who succeeded him, revived y^e same pretence, but was opposed by the Maist^r and desisted. Yet usually the Maist^r gives the L^d Chamberl: 5 or 6 at the Cupboard, as he doth to other Officers & freinds y^t ask.

The profitt of allowance upon the ounces (issued out by guift from his Ma^ty) S^r G. T. gave (for his time) to his under Officers: and the carrying of presents to Resid^ts & Agents when made in plate, chaines or medals.

vi. Anciently the M^r of y^e iewell H. was Treasurer of the Chamber, till that branch was taken over, and made an office apart: and is now five times more beneficiall than the iewell house: all the regulation of expence being applyed to the remaining parts of the perquisites of the iewell house; the fees of y^e treasur^r of the Chamber and M^r of y^e ceremonyes being left entire.

vii. The Maisters of the iewell H. have bin frequently privy Counsaillers, such was Cromwell[28] in y^e time of H. 8. And appointed L^d Deputyes of Irel^d as the two Caryes.

viii. It belonged to the M^r of y^e iewell house to buy, keep, & present all y^e iewells and plate that belonged to his Ma^ty but now that right is invaded, see number 4.

ix. The Maister hath the choice of all his inferior Officers; and y^e power of suspending or displacing them upon their misbehaviours.

When he first took possession of his Office, he called to one of his Yeomen for the books which were in y^e keeping of old Layton, who then attended in his moneth; the peevish old man who had lived long in y^e office refused to deliver them whereupon Sir G. Talbot shewed him the words of his patent; but he remained obstinate and insolent & S^r Gilbert suspended him for waiting and acquainted his Ma^ty with it who very well approved of what he had done: but y^e passionate old man for very vexation of spirit dyed. His sonne had the impudence to claime his father’s place; and upon refusall to threaten an appeale to the K^g wherewith S^r G. Talbot acquainted his Ma^ty who sayd, if he came, he should receive an answere.

After this Serg^t Painter (without any application to S^r Gilbert) went boldly to the K^g and begged the reversion: and his Ma^ty graciously graunted it. Painter thus armed came to S^r Gilb^t and demanded to be admitted. S^r Gilbert asked whence he derived his claime? he sayd: the K^g given it to him.

S^r Gilbert reply’d, he would receive y^e K^gs pleasure from himself; and going to his Ma^ty asked him, if he had appointed Painter to succeed Layton: he sayd, yes. S^r, sayd S^r Gilb^t it belongeth to me, to choose my owne Officers, because y^e trust of all y^e Ma^tys plate is by me committed to them. Well, sayd y^e K. for this time let it pass, and I will invade y^e right noe more. S^r Gilbert desired to know if his Ma^ty would be security for all y^e plate intrusted in his hands? Noe indeed will I not said the K^g and if that be requisite I recommend him not. S^r sayd S^r Gilbert this expostulation is onely to show my right; and y^e danger of admitting any without security: but since y^r Ma^ty hath made choice of him, he shall stand, and accordingly he admitted him.

x. The appointment of y^e Goldsmiths and Jewellers both to the K^g and Queene valued at 800£ each: (as the yeomens & Groomes places are when vacant).

When his Ma^ty[29] came first into England Coronell Blage (a groome of y^e bedchamb^r) begged the nomination of the Goldsmith & contracted w^th alderman Backwell for 800£ but the alderman, when he understood y^t it was the Maist^rs right, quitted his bargaine & M^r Blage deserted his pretension.

xi. The Maister used to receive 20£ in gold from the goldsmith upon y^e signing of his annuall bill: (and this was transmitted in the list of perquisites from S^r H. Mildmay to S^r G. Talbot; yet would he never require the same, least it might look like a bribe to y^e Maist^r to cast a favourable eye over the account).

xii. He hath right to lodgings for himself, officers & servants in all y^e K^gs houses. Those in Whitehall were, when the K. came in, rude, dark & intermixed with the Queene’s servants.

The present dining roome was a kind of wild barne, without any covering beside rafters and tiles. The Maisters lodgings were two ill chambers, above stayres, and the passage to them dark at noone day; his dining room was below. Sir G. T. being desirous to improve his lodgings proposed to his Ma^ty an exchange betwixt that wilde roome, and his dining-roome. The K. commanded the L^d Chamberl: to view, and report w^ch he accordingly did: and told his Ma^ty that S^r G^s proposall was fayre; and much to the advantage of the Queen’s servants, whereupon leave was given him to build; and when he had finished S^r E^d Wood came & claimed his former lodging as being y^e Q^s serv^t.

S^r Gilb^t told him he was y^e K^gs servant, and had built by his authority: and therefore presumed he had good title to y^t apartment, and that the lower roome was his, if he pleased to like it, he replyed had he would try his power; and went with a complaint ag^st S^r G^t to y^e K^g who made him answere that if he would not of the ground roome, he should have none. The angry K^t finding the power of which he had boasted fayle him, sayd; he would then have none. The K^g took him short at his word. And S^r Will^m Throgmorton y^e K^t Mareschall being by, begged y^e chamber, and enjoyed it for a yeare. But y^e nature of his place drawing greate concourse of people thether, S^r G. thought it unsafe for y^e plate, represented y^e danger to his Ma^ty who thereupon caused the K^t Mareschall to be warned out. And least the chamber might draw ill company againe he begged it for his Officers, who have enjoyed it ever since.

xiii. Vpon all removalls of y^e houshold the Maister of the Jewell H. had ever a close waggon allowed him: for the transport of his servants and goods: and his officers had a waggon, and a cart for the plate.

xiv. The M^r of y^e Jewell H. was ever esteemed the j^st K^nt Bachelour of England and took place accordingly.

He hath precedence of y^e establishm^t of the household, before the Maist^r of y^e greate Wardrobe: and before y^e Judges in all publeck processions being ever next to the privy Counsaillers.