in the lowest Stalls, and so continued throughout the series of his
Reign, and since, except the Prince of _Wales_, and _Charles_ Duke of
_York_, Sons to the said Sovereign: For the Prince was installed on the
second on the Sovereign’s side, and upon that Election of the Duke
of _York_, _Anno Jac._ I. the second Stall on the Prince’s side was
assigned him, and the Morrow after St. _George_’s _Day_, upon which
he was elected, he made a solemn Progression to the Chapel, in order
to take Possession of it. Upon _Whitsunday_ following, at a serious
Debate, it was determined in Chapter, that notwithstanding he was the
Sovereign’s Son, yet he shou’d have no more Preheminence than other
_Knights-Companions_, and that his Atchievements, which had been set
up over the second Stall on the Prince’s side, shou’d be removed to
that Stall next above the Viscount _Rochester_’s, and to be conserted
with the Earl of _Montgomery_, before whom he had the Preference, on
_Whitsun-Munday_, as they proceeded to the Chapter-House, in order
to their Installation. And where it was farther Decreed, _That all
Princes not Absolute, shou’d be installed thenceforth in the Prince’s
Place_. But after this had passed, Endeavours were used to advance
the Duke into the Stall he was first appointed to, and the Kings of
Arms were consulted upon this Point; who certified, that _Richard_
Duke of _York_, second Son to King _Edward_ IV. was installed in the
fourth Stall on the Prince’s side, and had Precedence of the Duke of
_Suffolk_, and the Earls of _Dowglass_ and _Essex_, who were elected
long before him: That _Henry_ Duke of _York_, second Son to King
_Henry_ VII. was installed in the third Stall on the Sovereign’s side,
and had the Preference of the Duke of _Buckingham_, and the Earls of
_Oxford_ and _Derby_, his Seniors; and in the last Place, that _Henry
Fitz Roy_, Duke of _Richmond_, base Son of King _Henry_ VIII. had Place
and Precedence before the Dukes of _Norfolk_ and _Suffolk_, and other
_Knights-Companions_. Upon which Grounds it was thought requisite that
the Issue of the Sovereign should enjoy the same Privileges in this
Affair, as those Princes that were Strangers; and therefore at another
Chapter assembled at _White-Hall_, on _Easter-Monday_, being the 13th
of _April_, _Anno_ 10 _Jac._ I. the Order which passed the Year before,
for making the Duke a Puisne, was abrogated, and he was translated to
the second Stall on the Prince’s side, and paired with Prince _Henry_,
as may be seen by the Stalls then settled, and entered into the Blue
Book of the Order.
We need not bring any more corroborating Circumstances of the
Observation of the Chapter Act, made _Anno_ 6 _Elizabeth_, as it
relates to _Knights-Subjects_, which has been punctually performed; but
since Strangers are therein excepted, it will not be amiss to note,
that the Rule and Practice continued as was established by King _Henry_
VIII. _viz._ that they were installed in Seats next to the Sovereign,
according to the illustriousness of their Dignity and Birth.
We shall mention one Instance, of the manner of placing both Strangers
and Knights-Subjects at one and the same Time. At the first coming of
King _Charles_ I. to the Crown, there were of both Conditions to be
installed in one Day, to wit, the Duke of _Brunswick_ a Stranger
Prince, the Earls of _Salisbury_ and _Carlisle_, _Knights-Subjects_,
elected by King _James_ I. in the 22d Year of his Reign, and on the
15th of _May_ following, the Earls of _Dorset_ and _Holland_ were
elected with the Viscount _Andover_, and the Duke of _Chevereux_ the
4th of _July_ after. And when the removal of Stalls was propounded for
the Admission of these seven elect Knights, it was agreed too, that the
Dukes of _Brunswick_ and _Chevereux_ shou’d be installed in the
uppermost Stall among Strangers, as King _Henry_ VIII. had before
ordained, but the _Knights-Subjects_ in the lowermost Stalls, according
to the pristine Practice, as appears from the Decree, _Anno_ 6
_Elizabeth_, and from the settlement of Stalls then made, and thus
intituled. ·
A remove of _Banners_ and _Stalls_, at the Feast of St. _George_, and
Installation holden at _Windsor_, the 13, 14, 15 Days of _December_,
_Anno_ 1625. At which time were installed the Dukes of _Brunswick_,
and _Chevereux_, the Earls of _Salisbury_, _Carlisle_, _Holland_,
_Dorset_, and the Viscount _Andover_, as follows.
_CHARLES Rex._
1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The King of_ Denmark
2. _The Prince Palatine_ 2. _The Duke of_ Brunswick
3. _Duke_ Chevereux 3. _Earl of_ Northumberl.
4. _Earl of_ Worcester 4. _Lord_ Sheffeild
5. _Earl of_ Suffolk 5. _Earl of_ Sussex
6. _Earl of_ Darby 6. _Earl of_ Marr
7. _Earl of_ Pembrook 7. _Earl of_ Montgomery
8. _Earl of_ Arundel 8. _Earl of_ Somerset
9. _Earl of_ Kelly 9. _Viscount_ Wallingford
10. _Earl of_ Rutland 10. _Duke of_ Buckingham
11. _Earl of_ Leicester 11. _Earl of_ Salisbury
12. _Earl of_ Carlisle 12. _Earl of_ Dorset
13. _Earl of_ Holland 13. _Viscount_ Andover
After the Restauration of King _Charles_ II. to his Crown and Kingdoms,
when several _Knights-Companions_, both Strangers and Subjects, were to
be installed, a Debate arose in the Chapter held at _White-Hall_, the
10th of _April_, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ II. about placing their Atchievements
over their Stalls; upon which the following Order was issued out.
CHARLES Rex.
_Whereas divers elect Knights and Companions of our most Noble Order of
the Garter are, by our special Appointment, to be installed in the
Chapel of our Castle of_ Windsor, _upon the 15th Day of this Instant;
and that some of them who are Strangers, do not as yet, nor are likely
to appear, either in their own Persons, or by their sufficient Proxies
at the said Instalment, and so might run the hazard to lose the Benefit
and Advantage of their Pre-election, in Point of Rank and Precedency,
in respect of some of our Subject-Knights, who, though since elected,
will be first installed, without some Expedient taken therein to
prevent it. There being no reason, (nor is it our intention) that those
noble Persons shou’d suffer that prejudice, for want of that usual
formality, and for which they are not in the fault, but others, who,
according to the Statutes and ancient Custom, were to give timely
Advertisement to the said Foreign elected Knights, and to Summon them
by themselves or Proxies, to assist at the said Instalment: Our Will
and Pleasure is, you proceed forthwith to the placing of the Hatchments
of all the respective Knights and Companions of our said Order, whether
installed or elect, Subject or Stranger, over the Stalls, which we do
in manner as followeth assign, and appoint them in our aforesaid
Chappel._
1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _Void_
2. _The Duke of_ York 2. _The Elector Palatine_
3. _Prince Elector of_ Brand. 3. _Prince of_ Orange
4. _Prince_ Rupert 4. _Prince_ Edward
5. _Earl of_ Salisbury 5. _Earl of_ Barkshire
6. _Earl of_ Northumberl. 6. _Duke of_ Espernon
7. _Duke of_ Ormond 7. _Duke of_ Buckingham
8. _Earl of_ Southampton 8. _Marquiss of_ Newcastle
9. _Earl of_ Bristol 9. _Prince_ Tarente
10. _Count_ Marshin 10. _Duke of_ Albermarle
11. _Earl of_ Sandwich 11. _Earl of_ Oxford
12. _Duke of_ Richmond 12. _Earl of_ Lindsey
13. _Earl of_ Manchester 13. _Earl of_ Strafford
_And for so doing, this shall be your sufficient Warrant, any Statute,
or Custom, to the contrary notwithstanding: Given under the Signet of
our said Order, at our Court at_ White-Hall, _the_ 10th _of_ April,
1666.
To our Trusty and Well-beloved
Servant, Sir _Edward _By the Sovereign’s Command_
Walker_, Kt. Garter, and
Principal King of Arms, Hen. de Vic.
of our most Noble Order
of the Garter.
By which we find the Stranger Princes are placed in the upper Stall,
nearest the Sovereign, according to their Dignities and Degrees, and
all the _Knights-Subjects_ as to the Time of their Elections. It is to
be observed upon this Settlement, that though the Earl of _Southampton_
did not receive his Garter and George, till the Sovereign, upon his
happy arrival in _England_, conferred it upon him with his own Hand;
yet, according to the Time of the Election, Place and Precedency were
allowed him; which was in _January_, _An. Dom._ 1649. in the Isle of
_Jersey_, some few Days before Duke _Hamilton_ and the Marquiss of
_Newcastle_ were elected.
It was ordered by the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, convened in
Chapter on the 10th of _January_, _Anno_ 14 _Car._ II. _That
thenceforward all Princes Strangers, of what Condition soever, shou’d
have Precedence among themselves, according to the Seniority of their
Elections and Installations_. Upon which the Sovereign, under the
Signet of the Order, authorized the Garter, upon the 30th of _March_,
to set up their Atchievements in St. _George_’s _Chapel_, in the Order
here exhibited.
_CHARLES Rex._
1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _Void_
2. _Duke of_ York 2. _Prince Elector Palatine_
3. _Prince_ Rupert 3. _Prince of_ Orange
4. _Elector of_ Brandenbur. 4. _Prince of_ Denmark
5. _Earl of_ Salisbury 5. _Earl of_ Barkshire
6. _Earl of_ Northumberl. 6. _Duke of_ Ormond
7. _Duke of_ Buckingham 7. _Earl of_ Southampton
8. _Marquiss of_ Newcastle 8. _Earl of_ Bristol
9. _Prince_ Tarente 9. _Count_ Marshin
10. _Duke of_ Albermarle 10. _Earl of_ Sandwich
11. _Earl of_ Oxford 11. _Duke of_ Richmond
12. _Earl of_ Lindsey 12. _Earl of_ Manchester
13. _Earl of_ Strafford 13. _Duke of_ Monmouth
But upon mature Consideration of a Law made by _Henry_ VIII. for
placing of Strangers, and for another founded by Queen _Elizabeth_ for
_Knights-Subjects_; the Sovereign, by the consent of the most Noble
Companions present, at a Chapter held the 19th of _November_, 1699. was
pleased to Ordain, first, _That the Prince of_ Wales, _and such
Emperors and Kings that shou’d be of the Order, shou’d be placed in the
nearest Stalls to that of the Sovereign, according to their Elections
and Installations_.
Then, _That all other Sovereign Princes, and Princes of the Blood,
shou’d be placed in their Stalls next_ unto the King’s, _according to
the Seniority, in the Order_. And thirdly, That all other his Majesty’s
Subjects and Strangers, not of the Dignity above-mention’d, shou’d be
installed in the lowest Stalls, according to their Antiquity in the
Order, and the ancient Practice.
And whereas the Stall termed the Prince’s had been long vacant, the
Sovereign King _Charles_ II. by the advice of the most Noble
Companions, at the same Chapter, was pleased to order, _That the
present King of_ Sweden _shou’d, by his Proxy, be placed in that Stall,
and his Atchievements hung up thereon accordingly, in convenient Time_.
Which order was strictly put in Execution, and the Stalls at the Feast
of St. _George_, _Anno_ 23 _Car._ II. were thus ranged.
_CHARLES Rex._
1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The King of_ Sweden
2. _King of_ Denmark 2. _The Duke of_ York
3. _Prince Elector Palatine_ 3. _Prince_ Rupert
4. _Prince of_ Orange 4. _Elector of_ Brandenbur.
5. _Pr. Elector of_ Saxony 5. _Duke of_ Ormond
6. _Duke of_ Buckingham 6. _Duke of_ Newcastle
7. _Earl of_ Bristol 7. _Prince_ Tarante
8. _Count_ Marshin 8. _Earl of_ Sandwich
9. _Earl of_ Oxford 9. _Duke of_ Richmond
10. _Earl of_ Strafford 10. _Duke of_ Monmouth
11. _Duke of_ Albermarle 11. _Void_
12. _Void_ 12. _Void_
13. _Void_ 13. _Void_
§ 7. Having dispatch’d the ancient Law of Succession into void Stalls,
and of Translation from one to another; we come now to consider what is
farther to be prepared for the Knight elect, against the Day of the
great Solemnity, at his own Expence; the chief of which are;
1. A Mantle or upper Robe, with its Appurtenance.
2. A Collar of the Garter and Great George.
3. A Cap of black Velvet, adorned with Plumes.
4. A Helmet, Crest, Mantlings, and Sword.
5. A Banner of his Arms.
6. A Plate of his Arms and Stile.
7. A Cushion, to carry his Robes and Collar upon.
8. Lodging Escutcheons.
Though the Kirtle on the Surcoat was anciently given by the King to the
_Knights-Subjects_, yet we do not find the Mantle of the Order was, nor
indeed of a later Date, unless now and then, as a distinguishing mark
of Favour. But the Sovereign always bestows the Mantle upon Strangers,
as well as the whole Habit, when he has elected them into the Society
of the Order. And upon sending of the whole Habit over by Garter to the
King of _Portugal_, _Anno_ 13 _Hen._ VI. the Mantle, Surcoat, and Hood,
were accompted for in the Great Wardrobe, and is to this Day practised.
However of late the Sovereign hath been pleased, now and then, to
confer the Mantle upon a _Knight-Subject_. Witness King _James_ I.
_Anno_ 21. did to _James_ Marquiss of _Hamilton_; and King _Charles_ I.
_Anno_ 4. to _Theophilus_, Earl of _Suffolk_, and the Year ensuing to
_William_, Earl of _Northampton_: And _Anno_ 14. Sir _James Palmer_, by
his Sovereign’s Direction, paid for the Velvet and Taffety of the Earl
of _Kelly_’s Mantle and Surcoat, to Sir _Peter Richaut_, and put it
upon the Account of the extraordinary Expence of the Order.
King _Charles_ II. as a signal Mark of his Favour, caused seventeen
Mantles (with the usual Liveries of Surcoat and Hood,) to be made ready
against the grand Feast of St. _George_, _Anno_ 13. which he confered
not only among the new elect Knights, but upon the Earls of
_Salisbury_, _Barkshire_, and _Northumberland_, that were three Senior
_Knights-Companions_.
The Collar of the Order, and the great George, the elect Knight is to
provide himself, unless where the Sovereign is pleased to bestow the
Mantle, which is always accompanied with the Collar, and then a like
Warrant issues to the Master of the _Jewel-House_, as was used for
providing the seventeen Collars, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ II.
The black Velvet Cap before-mentioned and described, with the Helm,
Crest, and Mantlings, together with a Sword and Girdle, are to be got
in readiness by the care and direction of the Garter, but at the
Expence of the Knights elect; all which are to be set over his Stall,
as soon as his Installation Fees are paid.
This Honour, that every _Knight-Companion_ shall have his Helm, Crest,
and Sword, affixed over his Stall at the Chappel of St. _George_, is
particularly provided for in all the several Bodies of Statutes; and
are ordained to remain there during the Lives of the Possessors, _In
Memory of him that bears them, and a Testimony of the Defence of the
Church, as the Oaths of Military Orders require_.
The Helms upon this Occasion are composed of Steel, and of a more than
ordinary proportion; those for Sovereign Princes are framed open, with
large Barrs; but those for the _Knights-Subjects_ are made close. About
King _Henry_ VIII’s Reign, the _Knights-Subjects_ Helms were parcel
gilt with fine Gold in Oil, wrought with curious Works, and burnished
with fine Gold. But in the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_, and since that
Time, it hath been the Custom to gild their Helms all over, and place
the Arms of St. _George_ in the Middle before the Vizors.
The Mantlings that hang down on either side of the Helm, together with
the Wreath, are in some places called Appendixes, and are all of
Tissue, or Cloth of Gold, and formerly lined with Sarcenet; but in the
Reign of Queen _Mary_ they were exchanged for white Satin, for so were
the Mantlings of _Anthony Brown_, Viscount _Montague_, and _William
Howard_, Lord Admiral, lined.
At the bottom of these Mantlings hang a pair of gilt Knobs burnished
with Gold, from which spring out Tossels either of Gold or Silver,
(consentaneous to the Metal in the Knights Court of Armour) mixed with
Silk of the chief Colour in his Arms.
Upon the Helm and Mantlings, is placed a Wreath of corded Silk, of the
Knight’s Colours, which was formerly of Sarcenet, but now of Taffety.
The Crest of the Knight is placed either upon these Wreaths, or Issuant
out of a Crown, or Ducal Cap, turned with Ermin; and of what kind
soever the Crest is, the same is neatly carved in Wood, and either
gilt, or wrought in; Directly before the Helm, an armed Sword hangs
down, the Pomel, Cross, and Chape are gilt; the Scabbard is made of the
same Tissue or Cloth of Gold as the Mantlings are, as is the Girdle
that belongs to it; but the Buckles and Pendants are of Copper Gilt.
The Custom of setting up the Helm, Crest, and Sword, over the Stall of
the Knights, is as ancient as the Institution of the Order; but when
the Banners were first hung up, we have not so clear a Conviction; for
neither the Statutes of Institution, nor those of _Henry_ V. make
mention of them.
The first time they occur to us, we find to be in _Anno_ 2 _Hen._ VI.
in the black Book of the Order, where the Banners of the King of
_Portugal_ is particularly spoke of, among the Atchievements then set
over the Stall. But they are more particularly mentioned in the Body of
King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes.
The Fashion of the Sovereign’s and all the _Knights-Companions_ Banners
are square; yet it does no where appear what the exact Standard was;
yet we find them in the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_ to be two Yards and
a Quarter Long, and a Yard and three Quarters Broad, besides the
Fringe, which is composed of Gold, or Silver and Silk, of the Colours
in the Wreath; and on them are wrought, upon Taffety-Sarcenet, double
Sarcenet, or rich Taffety, with fine Gold Colours on both sides, the
Paternal Coat of the _Knights-Companion_, together with his Quartering,
or so many of them as he pleases to use, and the Garter is to take care
they be warrantably Marshalled.
And because a single Coat was not conceived to stand fair enough in a
Banner of this proportion, the Sovereign hath been pleased to grant a
new Coat, to bear in Quarters his Paternal one, if he wanted it; as
King _James_ I. did to _Robert Carr_, Viscount _Rochester_; to whose
Paternal Coat he first added a Lion Passant, Gardant Or, in the dexter
Part, as an especial Gift of his Favour, and then invented a new Coat,
to be born in Quarter therewith, _viz._ Quarterly Or and Gules, a Lyon
Rampant Sable over all, _June_ 8. _Anno_ 9 _Jac._ I.
These Banners of Arms are fixed to the End of long Staves, painted in
Oil, formerly of the Colour of the Wreaths, but now Red; their Ends are
put into Sockets of Iron, well fixed in the Wall, directly over the
_Knights-Companions_ Helms and Crests, and frequently lined with
Fustian to preserve them.
There is moreover to be provided a Copper Plate Gilt, whereupon are
engraved, the Escutcheon of the Knights elect Arms in Colours
Enamilled, with his Quartering, Helm, Crest, and Supporters, and
underneath, his Style and Titles of Honour, encircled with a Garter.
Which Plate the Garter usually takes Care to provide, and is to be
fixed on the back of the Knights Stall, assigned for his Installation.
A Velvet Cushion is likewise to be provided, to carry the Knight’s
elect Mantle, Collar, Hood, and Book of Statutes, before him, in the
Progress into the Choire, in order to his Installation. At the
Installation of the Lord Treasurer _Weston_, and the Earls of _Exeter_
and _Lindsey_, who were installed, _Anno_ 6 _Car._ I. the materials and
garnishing of these Cushions are recited severally, to contain one Yard
and a Half of Crimson Velvet, one Ell of rich Taffety for their Lining,
four Yards of Fringe, and four great Tossels.
Lastly, There have frequently been made ready a convenient Number of
Lodging Escutcheons of the elect Knights Arms, invironed with a Garter,
and his Stile and Titles placed underneath; it having been an ancient
Custom, for the Knights to distribute these Escutcheons at the Inns, in
their Passage to, and at _Windsor_, as a Memorial of their Installation.
What falls under the Care of the Garter to prepare and make ready, the
Expence sometimes has been cast up, and the Account stated and defraid
before-hand; by which means, he was in a better capacity to furnish out
the Ceremony, for so did the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_,
_Anno_ 34 _Eliz._
Besides these mentioned to be prepared and provided either by the
Chancellor of the Order, or the Garter, the Knight elect must take care
of other Affairs more particularly relating to himself and his retinue;
such as are Apparel, the Number of his Attendants and Servants, with
their Cloaths and Liveries, his Coach and Saddle Horses, both for
himself and them, with other material Circumstances, to set off his
Cavalcade and Proceeding with greater Pomp and Gallantry. The
Provisions for Dyet at _Windsor_ (if the Feast be kept at the elect
Knight’s Charge and Expence,) are to be considered of, and very often
some Clark of the Sovereign’s Kitchin is to be consulted, in the
management of that Affair.
The Hall or Room where the grand Dinner is to be kept, as well as the
Chapter-House and Chappel, ought chiefly to be decked and adorned with
rich and sumptuous Furniture, against this Solemnity, over and above
what is commonly used. The Hall or Dining-Room is to be set off with
rich Hangings; and if the Sovereign or his Lieutenant hold the Feast,
there must be placed a Cloth of State at the upper End of it. The
Chapter-House is also to be hung, and a rich Carpet spread upon the
Table, set about with Velvet Chairs and Cushions; and because in the
late Times of Rebellion and Plunder, this Place was not exempt, and
nothing was found there upon the Restauration; King _Charles_ II. in a
Chapter convened the 1st of _January_, _Anno_ 14th of his Reign, caused
Directions to be given to the Master of the Wardrobe, to provide Velvet
for Chairs, to furnish the Chapter-House, and Cushions to be used in
the Choir of St. _George_’s _Chappel_, which accordingly were prepared
against the following Feast.
Against the Installation of _Philip_, King of _Castile_ and _Leon_,
_Anno_ 22 _Henry_ VII. The Table in the Chapter-House was covered with
Cloth of Gold, and the Forms with Baudkin; before the Sovereign was
laid a Cushion of Cloth of Gold, whereupon a Crucifix lay, and the
Evangelist turned open to a place of the Cannon, with several Tapers
burning on either Side. At the upper End of the Table, towards the
Right Hand, was set a Chair for the Sovereign, under a golden Canopy,
with Cushions of Cloth of Gold, and on the Left Hand a Stool with like
Embellishments, for the King of _Castile_.
In St. _George_’s _Chappel_, the High Altar is to be richly adorned
with Plate, the Sovereign’s Stall with a Canopy, and other usual
Ornaments, and the Stalls of the _Knights-Companions_ present at the
Ceremony, with Velvet Cushions. As to the Furnishing of other Places in
the Castle of _Windsor_, on so solemn an Occasion, we shall relate the
Account of the Ceremony of the Installation of the King of _Leon_ and
_Castile_, just now mentioned. The Words are these:
#To wit of the gret rich Cobbord, which continually stode in the gret
Hall, which was all guilt Plate, or of the gret and rich Beds of
Estate, Hangings of rich Cloth of Gold, or of the rich and sumptuous
Clothes of Arras, with divers Clothes of Estate, both in the King’s
Loggings, and in the King of# Castile’s #Loggings, so many Chambers,
Haulls, Chappels, Closettes, Galleries, with odir Loggings, so richly
and very well appointed, with divers odir things, that I suffice or
cannot discern, and as I suppose few or none that there were, that ever
saw# Castell #or odir Loggings, in all things so well and richly
appointed, and the great continual fare, open Houshold, so many Noble
Men soo well appareilled and with soo short Warnying, heretofore, as I
think hath not been seen.#
CAP. XII.
_The Personal Installation of a Knight-Subject._
§ 1. Formerly the Knights elect proceeded from _London_ to their
Installation at _Windsor_, in the nature of a Solemn and stately
Cavalcade, which was performed on Horse-back, with the greatest
Grandeur, and exceeding Pomp, whether we refer to the great Number of
their Honourable Friends, who, on gallant Coursers, rode along with
them; or the multitude of their own Attendants well mounted, the
magnificence of whose Apparel, Jewels, Gold Chains, rich Embroideries,
and Plumes of Feathers, of their Lord’s Colours, struck Amazement, and
even dazled the Eyes of the Spectators.
Equivalent to this Pompous Show was the Feast, which contained in it
all manner of Stateliness and Plenty, as well of Provision, as other
Incidents that might increase its Glory, in which the elect Knights,
who kept it at their own Expence, strove not only to out-vie their
Predecessor, but to Excel one another; That all Embassadors and
Strangers esteemed it one of the goodliest and noblest Sights, that was
to be exhibited in Christendom.
But to make the splendor of the Cavalcade no less conspicuous to the
City of _London_, than to the Town and Castle of _Windsor_, the Knights
elect have taken up their Lodgings, sometimes in the _Strand_,
sometimes in _Salisbury-Court_, in _Holborn_, or within the City; and
for intent they chose to pass through some Eminent Streets, that the
People might the better Survey them, and receive the greater
Satisfaction. To illustrate which Matter, we shall descend to some
Particulars.
_Anno_ 34 _Eliz._ _Gilbert_, Earl of _Shrewsbury_, in order to his
Cavalcade, was lodged in Mr. _Gresham_’s House, (now known by the Name
of _Gresham-College_,) whence he Rode through the City, accompanied
with many of his Honourable Friends, and a numerous and gallant Train
of Attendants and Servants, to _Charing-Cross_, where he met _George_,
Earl of _Cumberland_, (his Companion elect) and thence both Rode
together towards _Windsor_; within a Mile or two of which Place, Garter
King of Arms met them, and Marshalled their Attendants in Order; and
then the elect Knights proceeded with their gallant Train through the
Town into the Castle in this Order.
1. Trumpets, two and two.
2. Gentlemen in Blue Coats and Gold Chains.
3. Gentlemen of Note.
4. Garter.
5. Gentlemen Ushers.
6. The two elect Knights, Earl of _Ormond_, and Baron of
_Effingham_; with their Footmen about them.
7. Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen of Quality.
8. All their Servants in the Rear.