Raniro_, King of _Leon_, who about the Year 826. at _Clavigio_, by the
Assistance of St. _James_ (said to appear upon a white Horse, bearing a
Banner with a _red Cross_) and gain’d a mighty Victory over a great
Army of the _Moors_. Some place the Institution about the Year 1160.
others 1175. whereas it was only then confirm’d, and their Rule of
Living prescrib’d by Pope _Alexander_ III. there being a Fraternity of
Knights in Spain, _A. D._ 1030. under a _Master_ and _Governor_, with
Revenues.
AND altho’ this Order at first were dispos’d to vertuous Courses, and
valiantly to encounter the _Moors_, Enemies to the _Cross_ of _Christ_,
yet in time they became scandalously perverted, but were afterwards
reduc’d to a better Life, and approv’d on by the said Pope _Alexander_,
who receiv’d them into the Protection of the Papal See, and gave them
the Rule of St. _Augustin_, the Form of holding Chapters, of electing
their _Masters_, of _Treves_, and thirteen Commendadores of Houses, and
of the Visitors; and in short very large Privileges, together with the
Monastery of St. _Lorjo_, situate in _Galicia_ near _Sanctiago_; and
the Prior and Canons thereof were incorporated into this Order.
THEIR Ensign is a _red Cross_, which the Knights wear upon their
Breast, terminating like the Blade of a Sword, the Hilt crosletted and
fashion’d after the ancient Manner; whereupon it was call’d _La Order
de Sanctiago de la Espada_.
THEIR Habit is a white Mantle close before, on the Breast whereon is
placed the said Cross, made of Silk or Cloth, and they are obliged to
wear it upon their Garments, Coats or Cloaks, tho’ they use Crosses of
Gold likewise.
WHEN the _Moors_ were driven out of _Spain_, and the principal Branch
of this Order expir’d, upon a Contest for the Place of Great Master,
the Crown of _Castile_ stepp’d in between, and by consent of the
Knights, obtain’d it under the Title of Administrator, which was
granted to King _Ferdinand_; and his Son _Charles_ V. annex’d it with
all its Rights, _&c._ to his Successors in the Kingdoms of _Castile_
and _Leon_. Since which, the Kings of _Spain_ now enjoy the
Administration of this Order, and carry that Title and Stile in the
Inscription upon the Great Seal thereof, which holds the Royal Arms of
_Spain_, upon a Cross that filleth all the Shield, with a Sword at each
of the four Corners.
15. _Knights of St._ Saviour _in_ Arragon.
THESE were instituted _A. D._ 1118. by Don _Alphonso_, call’d _Emperor_
of _Spain_, _King_ of _Navarre_, _Arragon_, &c. chosen out of the
_Spanish_ and _French_ Nobility that assisted in his Wars. He form’d
them into a Society, the better to enable him to drive the _Moors_ out
of _Saragossa_, and the whole Territory of _Arragon_. Their Rule of
living was the _Cistercian_, and somewhat conformable to the _Knights
Templars_. When the _Moors_ were driven out of _Spain_, their rich
_Commanderies_ were at length united to the Crown.
THEIR Habit was a white Mantle, on the Breast whereof was a _red Cross
Anchre_; but some say it was the Figure of our Saviour.
16. _Knights_ d’Avis _in_ Portugal.
DON _Alphonso Henriquez_, first King of _Portugal_, took from the
_Moors_, _A. D._ 1147. the City of _Evora_, and to strengthen it, sent
thither several gallant Commanders, who assum’d the Title of Knights of
St. _Mary_ of _Evora_, putting themselves under the Protection of our
blessed Lady. Not long after they were call’d _d’Avis_, from a Castle
upon the _Portuguese_ Frontiers, conquer’d from the _Moors_, whither
they transplanted themselves. It was confirm’d by Pope _Innocent_ III.
_A. D._ 1204. under the Rule of St. _Benedict_, and therefore in some
Papal Rules call’d of St. _Benedict d’Avis_. The _Knights_ profess
_conjugal Chastity_ and _Obedience_. _Anno_ 1213. they submitted
themselves to the _Rule_, _Statutes_ and _Visitation_ of the Order of
_Calatrava_; but in the Time of _John_ of _Portugal_ (natural Son to
_Pedro_ King of _Portugal_) seventh Great Master _d’Avis_, they cast
off their Acknowledgments to _Calatrava_, and never after submitted to
them; and afterwards, when the Crown of _Portugal_ fell into the Hands
of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, this Order was govern’d according to
the Statutes of _Portugal_.
Their Badge is a _green Cross, Flory_, (such as the _Knights_ of
_Alcantara_ us’d to wear.) They must be Gentlemen by Extraction, both
of the Father’s and Mother’s side.
17. _Knights of St._ Michael_’s Wing in_ Portugal.
About the Year 1165. others say 1171. Don _Alphonso_, who founded the
Order _d’Avis_, founded this also after his obtaining a notable Victory
over the _Moors_ and _Albara_ King of _Sevil_, in which Battle St.
_Michael_ the Archangel is said to appear on the right Side of
_Alphonso_, and fight against them.
Their Investiture, _&c._ was the same with _d’Avis_. It is now grown
out of Use, but the Mastership remains with the King of _Portugal_.
18. _Knights of St._ Gereon.
This Order was establish’d by _Frederick Barbarossa_ the Emperor;
others say by _Frederick_ II. and consisted only of the _German_
Nation. They follow’d the Rule of St. _Augustin_, and wore a white
Habit, whereon was sow’d a black Patriarchal Cross, set on a little
green Hill.
19. _Knights of St._ Julian de Pereyro, _or of_ Alcantara.
They had the first Appellation from St. _Julian de Pereyro_, a Town in
_Leon_, where they had a Monastery built for them by _Ferdinand_ II.
King of _Leon_ and _Galicia_, who in his Diploma of Privileges granted
thereunto 1176. stiled himself Protector of this Society of Knights. In
the Approbation-Bull of Pope _Alexander_ III. their Chief is called
Prior; but in that of Pope _Lucius_ III. he is stiled Master of
_Pereyro_. They used a Secular Habit, modest and grave, and the
Ecclesiasticks a Clerical Habit, with a Shred of Cloth and a Scapulary,
to distinguish them from other Seculars and Ecclesiasticks. They
observed the Rule of St. _Benedict_ moderated, as it was convenient for
the Exercise of Arms against the _Moors_, for which End it was
instituted. Their ancient Badge was a _Pear-tree Vert_, in Allusion to
the Name.
The Occasion of altering the first Appellation was upon change of their
Habitation. Pope _Adrian_ VI. annex’d this Mastership, together with
those of St. _James_ and _Calatrava_, to the Royal Crown of _Castile_
for ever.
20. _Knights of_ Trugillo _or_ Truxillo _in_ Spain.
This Order is so call’d from the City of _Trugillo_ in _Estremadura_,
but when, or by whom founded, or their Badge, is unknown. Some suppose
these Knights the same with that of _Alcantara_; ’tis evident they were
in being _A. D._ 1227. when ’tis pretended the Master of _Alcantara_
took _Trugillo_ from the _Moors_, and plac’d there a Brotherhood of
Knights. But it seems these Knights of _Truxillo_, were a distinct
Order several Years before, and ’tis not unlikely that they might be
incorporated into that of St. _Julian de Pereyro_, and by this Means
the Order of _Alcantara_ acquired the Towns of _Trugillo_, _Sancta
Cruz_, &c. which _Alfonso_ IX. King of _Castile_ had given them. They
were to be of Noble Descent, and make proof of their Gentility; they
were obliged to be near the King’s Person, and to attend him in all
Martial Expeditions, maintaining always Two Horses and Servants in
Readiness.
21. _Knights of_ Calatrava.
This Order was instituted in _Castile_ by _Sanchio_ III. and so called
from _Calatrava_, a Frontier Castle of _Castile_ and _Toledo_, which
the _Moors_ took, _A. D._ 714. compounded of the _Arabick_ _Cala_ a
Castle, and the _Spanish_ _Travas_ Manacles, with which the _Moors_
fettered the Christians; 400 Years after which, upon the Recovery of
the Town from the _Moors_, it was given to the Knights _Templars_; but
they, unable to stop the mighty Conquests of the _Moors_, the said
_Sanchio_ by Proclamation promis’d the Inheritance to any who would
undertake the Defence of it, being the Key of the Kingdom of _Toledo_.
At length _Raymond_ of _Barcelona_ (formerly a Knight, then a
_Cistercian_ Abbot) by the Perswasion of _Velasquez_, accepted the
Proffer, and had the Donation, _A. D._ 1158. and fortifying it by the
Help of his Associates, this Order arose, call’d at first _Militia de
Calatrava_. Upon the account of the Fertility of the Place, 20000 Men
and their Families were drawn from the neighbouring Countries to settle
there, so that the _Moors_ never after attempted it. They remain’d
under their own Masters till Pope _Adrian_ VI. annex’d it to the Crowns
of _Castile_ and _Leon_.
22. _Order of the Holy Ghost at_ Rome.
_Marquez_ calls them _Brothers of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost_, who
tho’ not invested with Swords and Spurs, are nevertheless reckoned
among the Military Orders, because bound to certify their Gentility
before Admittance. Their chief Seat is the Sumptuous Hospital of the
Holy Ghost, founded at _Saxia_ near the River _Tyber_ at _Rome_, by
Pope _Innocent_ III. _A. D._ 1198. or 1201. But the Ancient Foundation
was the Hospital of the _Holy Ghost_ at _Montpelier_ in _France_, tho’
this other became the Principal. They profess Chastity, Poverty, and
Obedience, living under the Rule of St. _Augustine_, and have a Master.
Their Ensign is a _White Patriarchal Cross with Twelve Points_, sowed
to their Breast, and on the left side of their Black Mantle.
In this Hospital, Care is taken for the nursing and bringing up exposed
Children, curing Infirmities, Entertainment of Strangers for Three
Days, relieving the Poor, and the like Works. Their Revenue is about
24000 Ducats _per_ Day, having great Commandaries in _Italy_, _Sicily_,
_Spain_, _France_, _Burgundy_, _Germany_, and elsewhere.
23. _Knights of St._ George d’Alfama.
So named from a Town in _Tortosa_, were instituted, _A. D._ 1201.
received Approbation from the Papal See, _A. D._ 1363. and _A. D._
1399. was united to the Order of our Lady of _Montesa_.
24. _Knights of_ Christ _in_ Livonia, _or of the Sword-bearers_.
_A. D._ 1186. _Mainard_ first preach’d Christianity to the _Livonians_,
and erected the Bishoprick of _Riga_; but his Successors meeting with
many Difficulties, _A. D._ 1200. _Albert_, then Bishop of _Livonia_,
instituted this Order in Imitation of the Knights _Teutonicks_, with
design to extirpate Idolatry, and promote the Gospel. He prescribed to
these Knights the _Cistercian_ Rule and Habit, _viz._ a long White
Mantle and Black Hood; on the Breast was the Figure of a _Red Sword_,
or rather _Two plac’d in Saltire_, whence they had the Title of
_Ensiferi fratres_, or _Brethren Sword-bearers_. Their Statutes were
something like the Knights _Templars_, and they vowed Obedience and
Chastity. Pope _Innocent_ III. confirmed this Order, which became fully
instituted, _A. D._ 1203. but because they could not of themselves
accomplish their End. About the Year 1237, they were united to the
_Teutonick_ Order, and submitted to their Rule and Habit, by whose Help
they overcame the _Livonians_, and brought them to the Christian Faith;
thenceforward the Great Master of _Livonia_ acknowledged him of
_Prussia_ their Superior, until _Walter de Pletemberg_, their Great
Master, separated this Order from their Obedience to the _Teutonick_.
Finally, _A. D._ 1561. _Gothard de Ketler_, the last Great Master,
following the Example of the Great Master of _Prussia_, became subject
to the Crown of _Poland_, surrendering to King _Sigismond_ II. the City
and Castle of _Riga_, and all the Lands, Charters, Privileges, _&c._ of
this Order, receiving in exchange the Dukedom of _Curland_, to him and
his Heirs for ever; so the Order expired after 357 Years continuance.
25. _Knights of_ Jesus Christ _in_ Italy _or_ France.
ST. _Dominick_ descended of the Family of the _Guzmans_ in _Spain_,
instituted this Order, _A. D._ 1206. principally to fight against the
_Albigenses_, then call’d Hereticks. He prescribed to them a White
Habit, and for their Badge a _Cross flory, quarterly, sable and
argent_. The Work being done with the _Albigenses_, they devoted
themselves wholly to spiritual Warfare; and afterwards, upon admitting
Widows and Virgins into their Order, they became called _Fratres seu
Sorores de Pœnitentia B. Dominici_, whose Rule Pope _Innocent_ VI.
confirm’d _circa An._ 1360.
26. _Knights of St._ Mary de Merced. _in_ Aragon.
_James_ I. of _Aragon_, being sometime a Prisoner to _Simon_ Earl of
_Montfort_ in _France_, where he suffered much Hardship, and being
moved with the insufferable Miseries the Christians endured under the
Slavery of the _Moors_, made a Vow to the Blessed Virgin, That when
delivered himself, he would endeavour the Redemption of such Christians
as the _Moors_ had made Captives, and accordingly laid up great Summs
for the Performance; and afterwards, by the Council of _Raymond de
Penafort_, his Confessor, and _Pedro Nolasco_, a Noble Chevalier, he
founded in _Barcelona_ this Order of _la Nueva Merced_, so named by the
Virgin, who, as they reported, appeared to them all in one and the same
Hour, directing the Institution. In _Anno_ 1358. I find it called also
_Ordo beatæ Eulaliæ_, from St. _Eulalia_ the Virgin and Martyr, buried
at _Barcelona_ in the Church bearing her Name. This Order began on the
Day of St. _Laurence_, in _August_, _A. D._ 1218. in the Fifth Year of
that King, which Day they annually commemorate. They were to gather
Alms, and go in Person to redeem Christian Slaves; which Work prospered
so well, that _Velasco_ (the first General or Head) set at Liberty 400
within the Space of Six Years after its Foundation. Their Habit was a
Coat and Scapular of course white Cloath, garnished with Cordons and
Ribbons, wherewith they fast’ned it about their Necks, and from the
upper-end thereof issued a Cap that covered half their Head: The Monks
wore their Coats and Scapulars reaching down to their Feet; but those
of the Knights were much shorter. _A. D._ 1251. King _James_, the
Founder, granted unto all the Fraternity, that they should wear upon
their Scapulars the Arms of _Aragon_, _viz._ _Or_ 4 _Pales Gules_, and
above that the White Cross of the Church of _Barcelona_ in a red Field,
with Two Coats joined together _per fess_ in one Shield, which came
afterwards to be encompassed with a _Bordure_, which the Knights wore
on their Scapulars, but the Monks on their Mantles, and both upon their
Breasts. Disputes arising among themselves, they were incorporated with
the Knights of _Montesa_; so that, ever since, the whole Fraternity
have been only Priests. The Master General hath his Residence at
_Barcelona_, by the Decrees of Pope _Clement_ V. and _John_ XXII. To
conclude, they now collect great Sums of Money, send out their Agents
yearly, chiefly to _Algiers_ and _Fess_, and for the Redemption of
Christian Captives, and have from the Time of their Institution
followed their proposed Ends with all religious Care and Faithfulness.
27. _Knights of the_ Rosary _in_ Toledo.
_Roderick_, Bishop of _Toledo_ in _Spain_, seeing the Country sore
oppressed by the _Moors_, assembled the Noblest of the City, and
proposed the Necessity of their Assistance to extirpate the _Moors_;
whereunto they being unanimously inclin’d, he gave Beginning to this
Order. By their Statutes, besides fighting against the _Moors_, they
are obliged to say, continually, the Rosary of our Blessed Lady. Their
Rule of Living was that of St. _Dominick_; and their Ensign the _Figure
of our Lady of the Rosary upon a Cross flory, quarterly, argent and
sable_.
28. _Knights of St._ Mary the Glorious, _in_ Italy.
Their Author was _Bartholomeo de Vincenza_, a Friar Preacher, or
_Dominican_, afterwards Bishop of that City. The End he chiefly
designed, was to procure Peace to _Italy_, then much disquieted by
Civil Wars. It was instituted, _A. D._ 1233. called _Generalis
Devotionis annus_, and approved and confirmed by Pope _Urban_ IV. _A.
D._ 1262. and the Rule of St. _Dominick_ prescribed them, who are
obliged to take into their Care Widows and Orphans, and endeavour to
beget Concord among such as are at Variance. Their Habit is a White
Tunick or Cassock, and a Mantle of Russet; some make their Badge which
they wear upon their Breast _a purple Cross patee bordered with Gold_,
others make it _a purple Cross patee, with Two Stars in chief_; but
_Marquez_, that has writ of the Order of Knighthood, gives it an
_Octogonal Cross_, like that of _Malta_. They profess Obedience and
Conjugal Chastity; but are forbid to wear Spurs or Bridles of Gold:
They are commonly called _Cavaleri de Madona_, and reside at _Bolonia_,
_Modena_, and other _Italian_ Cities; and because they have no
Monasteries, but dwell in their own Houses at Ease and Plenty, they
were called _Fratres Gaudentes_ or _Hilares_.
29. _Knights of St._ James, _in_ Portugal,
WERE instituted, _A. D._ 1310. by _Denys_ VI. King of _Portugal_, in
honour of St. _James_, under whose Protection he became victorious in
divers Battles against the _Moors_, and at length quieted his Kingdom
by the Assistance of these Knights. It was not long after its
Institution ere this Order flourished, through the Privileges the
Founder bestowed, and the Approbation of Pope _Nicholas_ IV. and others
his Successors. The Knights profess Conjugal Chastity, Hospitality and
Obedience, and none are admitted till they make proof of their
Gentility by Blood. Their Ensign is a _red Sword_, formed like that of
St. _James_ of _Galicia_; the Habit White, and the only difference
between them lies in a little Twist of Gold which these of _Portugal_
draw about their Sword. At _Alcasar de Sul_ was their Principal
Convent, which they afterwards removed to _Dalmela_, where it yet
continues. Their Statutes, _&c._ are much the same with those of St.
_James_ in _Galicia_, whereupon some erroneously have confounded them.
30. _Knights of our_ Lady, _and of St._ George _of_ Montesa.
THIS Order succeeded into the Lands and Possessions of the Knights
_Templars_ in _Valentia_, as the Knights _Hospitallers_ did into those
of the _Templars_ in _France_, _Italy_, and _England_; for _James_ II.
King of _Aragon_ and _Valentia_, refusing to give their Revenues to the
_Hospitallers_ (which as other Princes had done) gave them to the
Convent of _Montesa_, where had been placed both Knights and Friars of
the Order of _Calatrava_; and excusing himself to Pope _John_ XXII. _A.
D._ 1317. he instituted this Order in the City _Valentia_ (nevertheless
subject to that of _Calatrava_) and made choice of the Town of
_Montesa_, to give the Knights both Name and Habitation, whom he
obliged to defend his Kingdom against the _Moors_. Their College,
dedicated to St. _George_, was built the following Year, and their
Statutes confirmed by the said Pope _John_, who gave them the
_Cistercian_ Rule. Upon their Habit is White, and the Badge a plain
_red Cross_, which they wear on their Breasts. _A. D._ 1399. the Order
of St. _George d’Alfama_ was incorporated to it. And the Great Office
of Master hereof is in the King of _Spain_, who hath the Revenue of
Thirteen Commandaries belonging thereunto to the Value of 23000 Ducats
_per annum_.
31. _Knights of_ Christ _in_ Portugal.
THESE sprang also from the Ruin of the Knights _Templars_, whose
confiscated Estates King _Denys_, sirnamed _Penoca_, desired of Pope
_John_ XXII. might not be disposed out of his Kingdom, in regard of the
great Evils the Neighbouring _Moors_ in _Algarves_, did his Kingdom;
and forasmuch as the Town of _Castro Marin_ was a Frontier, and
commodious to resist the Enemy, he moved for Licence to institute an
Order of Knights therein, and offer’d his Holiness the Rents and
Jurisdiction thereof, which accordingly was granted by the Pope, and
dedicated it to the Honour of God, and the Exaltation of the Catholick
Faith, under the Title of the _Military Order of our Lord Jesus
Christ_, as is alledged from the miraculous Apparition of our Saviour
crucified, seen by the King when he went out to fight the _Moors_.
32. _Knights of the_ Passion of Jesus Christ.
THIS Order was erected by _Charles_ King of _France_, (tho’ it made no
Progress) and our King _Richard_ II. with a large Design exceeding all
other Religious Orders, except those of St. _John of Jerusalem_ and
Knights _Templars_. They were to renew the Memory of our Saviour’s
Passion, to extirpate Pride, Covetousness and Luxury, to make way for
the Reconquest of _Jerusalem_ and _Palestine_, and for the Subversion
and Confusion of Enemies of the Faith. A MSS. in the _Arundelian_
Library, reckons up Twenty Causes for the Necessity of its Institution,
which are too long to be inserted; and altho’ it was dedicated to our
Saviour, yet the Blessed Virgin was look’d upon as a principal
Mediatress and Advocate of this Holy Chevalry. Their Governments in the
principal Convent, were to be debated by Five Councils, in the Presence
of the Prince: 1. The _Quotidian_ Council, consisting of Twenty-four:
2. The Particular consisting of about Fourty: 3. The Grand Council
consisting of Eighty. 4. The General Chapter held every Year. And, 5.
The Universal Chapter to be held every Fourth or Sixth Years,
consisting of a Thousand Knights of the Chevalry. The Principal Officer
was the _Grand Justiciary_, the next the _Grand Bailiff_: In the Chief
City, and in every City and Castle of theirs, one was to administer
Justice called a _Potestate_. In the general Chapter was to be an
Officer called the _Senator_, and in the Universal Chapter a _Dictator_
with Coadjutors and Assistants.
IN the principal Convent were to be Ten Executers of Justice, and Four
styled Charitable Commissaries, whose Office was, to provide for Widows
and Orphans; and whereas this Order was made up of Eight several
Languages, and as many Notaries, who put on the Habit of the Brothers;
for the greater Regularity of their Order, they were to bind themselves
by Oath to the Observance of these Three Points, Obedience to
Sovereigns, Poverty of Spirit, and Conjugal Chastity. They were
allotted for their Maintainance, the Possession of Cities, Castles,
_&c._ Gold, Silver, _&c._ and all to be in common, _&c._
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_.