Ancient Chivalric Orders of Knighthood: A Closer Look at 12 Medieval Societies
Reading Time: 19 minutes The Chivalric Order, a concept that has stood the test of time, remains a remarkable embodiment of courage, faith, and nobility. Rooted in the medieval era, these orders were more than just groups of knights; they were distinct social classes bound by oaths to defend religious sanctity, moral values, and societal order. This study aims to explore 12 medieval societies, each a unique representation of knightly valor, devout faith, and unwavering commitment to service.
Order of the Garter
Sodacan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
| Awarded by the Monarch of the United Kingdom | |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynastic order |
| Established | 1348 |
| Motto | Honi soit qui mal y pense (Anglo-Norman: ‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’) |
| Criteria | at His Majesty’s pleasure |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | Edward III |
The Order of the Garter was founded in 1348 by King Edward III of England and is the most senior order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. The order, based on the ideals of Arthurian legend and the Knights of the Round Table, was founded by Edward to bind a group of 25 knights, including the sovereign and the Prince of Wales, in chivalry and honor under the patronage of St. George, the patron saint of soldiers.
Edward III created the order during the Hundred Years’ War with France, and its primary function was to ensure the loyalty of England’s leading nobility in times of great military conflict and social turmoil. He created an emblem for the order known as the Garter, the origin of which is unknown. Still, the most well-known story of the order’s history is that the garter was said to have fallen from the Countess of Salisbury’s leg during a courtly dance. In embarrassment, Edward tied the garter around his leg with the motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (“Shame on him who thinks evil of it”).
Members of the order have included many prominent historical figures, such as Sir Winston Churchill, King Henry VIII, and, more recently, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. Its membership list reads like a Who’s Who of British history.
The order still exists today and holds annual ceremonies at Windsor Castle, where members wear their velvet robes, insignia, and black velvet hats with white plumes, during Garter Day and the Garter Day procession. The order has only 24 companion members, which is one of its most interesting facets. The only exceptions to this are when monarchs or princes of foreign realms have been allowed to be members.
Order of the Golden Fleece
Presidentfranciscop, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
| Awarded by the King of Spain and the Head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine | |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynastic order |
| Established | January 10, 1430 |
| Motto | Pretium Laborum Non Vile Non Aliud (Latin: The price of labor is not cheap – Not another) |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | Philip III, Duke of Burgundy |
The Order of the Golden Fleece was initially founded in 1430 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. The Order was established as part of Philip the Good’s wedding celebrations to Princess Isabella of Portugal. The name for the Order was taken from the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts and the Golden Fleece that Jason was tasked with finding, a symbol of wealth, power, and striving for perfection.
The Order was founded to defend Catholicism and to bring glory to the court of Burgundy. It was the pinnacle of chivalric ideals at the time, with stringent criteria for who could join, and those who were in were of very high stature. In a way, the Order was an attempt to create a sort of “Order of the Round Table” with the modern amenities of 15th-century Burgundy, and it became one of the most famous and respected orders of chivalry in Europe.
Over the years, the order has had many famous members, and included many major figures in European nobility and royal houses, including Emperor Charles V, King Philip II of Spain, Francis I of France, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, William the Silent, Alexander Farnese, Prince Eugene of Savoy, Joseph II, Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor, Charles II of Spain, Ferdinand II of Aragon, Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, Maria Theresa, Philip III of Spain, Philip V of Spain, Louis, Grand Dauphin, and Emperor Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor.
The Order was only for the very high-status individuals of the time, and as such, were major players in the political and military events of their era, or were considered the finest examples of nobility of their time.
Today, the order is one of the oldest and still includes some very high-profile individuals. In fact, there are two separate lines of the order, called the Spanish Fleece and the Austrian Fleece. The split of the order into two was due to the division of the Habsburg dynasty into the Spanish and Austrian lines in the 16th century, and has continued due to the dynastic and political divisions that have happened in Europe since then.
Members of the Order still wear a pendant known as the Golden Fleece, which has become a legend all on its own. The meetings of the Order take place annually, and members participate in the grand meetings with all of the pomp and ceremony that is reminiscent of the knights of the Middle Ages.
Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Knights Templar)
| A Holy Order led by a Grandmaster | |
|---|---|
| Type | Catholic Military Order |
| Established | 1119 |
| Motto | Non nobis Domine non nobis sed Nomini Tuo da gloriam (Latin: Not to us, O Lord, but to your name from ‘glory.) |
| Allegiance | The Pope |
| Headquarters | Temple Mount, Jerusalem Kingdom of Jerusalem |
The Order of the Knights Templar, officially the Order of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, is a Catholic military order that was established in 1119 by Hugues de Payens and eight other knights after the First Crusade. The Order was approved by the Council of Troyes in 1129. The primary purpose of the order was to ensure the safety of Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land.
The Templars were among the first orders that required their members to live as both monks and knights. Knights had to take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and to fight ferociously. The order was based in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount, which gave them the name “Templar.” In addition to protecting pilgrims, they acted as an early form of banking by securing wealth and transferring it through notes.
Richard the Lionheart is known to have maintained a close relationship with the Knights Templar. He supported the order and was aided by them in his military endeavors. The names of some Grand Masters, like Jacques de Molay, are the most recognized within the order, especially in the events of its abrupt termination.
The Knights Templar played an essential role in the Crusades. They provided military and other support that was decisive in some of the Crusades’ battles, such as the Battle of Montgisard in 1177. The Christian forces against Saladin’s army won a big victory during this battle.
The chivalric order was dissolved by Pope Clement V in 1312 at the behest of the French king, Philip IV. He wanted to seize all the Templars’ wealth and was interested in annihilating the order because of his debts to them. The Grand Master of the chivalric order, Jacques de Molay, was burned at the stake after having been arrested and falsely accused of heresy and other charges. Knights Templar may have been known for their secrecy, and it is speculated that they still have their hidden treasure somewhere. The Order of the Knights Templar is closely associated with numerous conspiracy theories and legends, such as the Holy Grail.
Order of Saint Michael
Jemike, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
| Awarded by the Monarch of France | |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynastic order |
| Established | August 1, 1469 |
| Motto | Immensi tremor oceani (Latin: ‘Immense tremor of the ocean) |
| Status | Abolished by decree of Louis XVI on 20 June 1790. Reestablished by Louis XVIII on 16 November 1816 Abolished in 1830 after the July Revolution Recognized as a dynastic order of chivalry by the ICOC |
| Founder | Louis XI of France |
The Order of Saint Michael was a French order of chivalry founded by King Louis XI in the year 1469. The order was created to counter the influence of the Order of the Golden Fleece, a Burgundian order, and to increase his own monarchy’s power among his nobles. The Order was named after Saint Michael, the Archangel, the Christian symbol of military virtue and chivalry. Knights of this order were members of a community of the bravest of the brave in service to their king and their God.
Knights of the Order included the most famous members of French and European nobility, such as Francis I, Henry IV, and the most chivalric of French kings, Louis XIV. The Order of Saint Michael was once extremely prestigious. After the creation of the Order of the Holy Spirit in 1578 by Henry III, it fell behind the Order of the Holy Spirit in importance. By the 19th century, it was all but forgotten, having been superseded by the Order of the Holy Spirit and other more modern orders, and was at one point subsumed into it during the reign of Louis XVIII.
The insignia of the Order of Saint Michael depicts the archangel Michael killing the dragon, a scene from the book of Revelation in the Bible.
Order of Saint Michael of the Wing
Vonfeige, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
| Awarded by the head of the House of Braganza | |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynastic order |
| Established | 1171 |
| Motto | Quis ut Deus (Latin: Who to god) |
| Royal House | House of Braganza |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | King Afonso I of Portugal |
The Order of Saint Michael of the Wing, also known as the Order of Saint Michael of the Wing of Portugal, is a relatively obscure but historically significant chivalric order with its origins in Portugal. It was founded in 1147 by King Afonso I of Portugal, also known as Afonso Henriques. The order was established following a miraculous intervention by Archangel Michael, who was believed to have appeared in the sky during the Battle of Santarém, a key event in the Portuguese Reconquista.
Legend has it that the archangel’s appearance in the heavens over the battlefield inspired the Portuguese soldiers and turned the tide in their favor, leading to a decisive victory over the Moors. In gratitude for the divine intervention, King Afonso I founded the order to honor Saint Michael and to commemorate the victory that secured Portugal’s independence.
The original purpose of the order was to reward valor and service in battle, particularly in the campaigns to expand and defend the Christian faith against the Moorish enemies. The order was intended to be awarded to knights who had distinguished themselves in battle and had demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill.
The order includes several notable figures from Portuguese nobility and some of the most important knights in the country’s history. However, the order has not always enjoyed the same prominence and activity as some other European chivalric orders.
In the 19th century, the order was reinvigorated by King Miguel I of Portugal, who sought to restore its ancient traditions and prestige. The order was revived, and its statutes were reformed, and it became one of the most important orders of chivalry in Portugal during his reign. However, following the liberal wars and Miguel’s subsequent exile, the order’s activity was largely suspended.
In modern times, the Order of Saint Michael of the Wing is a dynastic order of the House of Braganza, and its activity is focused on cultural and charitable work. It is not as active or well-known as some of the other European chivalric orders, but it remains a symbol of Portugal’s rich history and its tradition of valor, faith, and loyalty to the crown.
The order’s insignia is distinctive, featuring Saint Michael in his victorious battle against the dragon, symbolizing not only the order’s foundational legend but also the ongoing struggle between good and evil at the heart of its chivalric values.
Order of the Dragon
NoPunIn10Did, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
| Awarded by the the Holy Roman Empire | |
|---|---|
| Type | Monarchical Chivalric Order |
| Established | 1408 |
| Patron | Emperor Sigismund and Empress Barbara |
The Order of the Dragon (Supreme Order of the Dragon) was a monarchical chivalric order founded by Sigismund of Luxembourg, then King of Hungary and later Holy Roman Emperor, in 1408. Sigismund founded the order after being crowned King of Hungary to solicit aid for his wars against the Ottoman Turks and for the Christian faith against outside invaders. The Order of the Dragon was in many ways inspired by earlier knightly orders. The Order of the Dragon was named as such after the emblem of the order of a dragon wrapped around a red cross.
Members of the Order of the Dragon would make a fierce determination to defend Christianity and fight its enemies. Vlad II Dracul, father of Vlad the Impaler, was one of the most famous members of the Order of the Dragon, and this was one of the more infamous legends about Dracula. The rulers and the highest nobility of other European countries pledged their knightly vows to join the Order and to fight to defend against the Muslim Ottoman Empire and all others that invaded the Christian lands. The order became the point for rallying all Christian Knights and nobility in many European military and religious campaigns.
The Order of the Dragon slowly faded away after Sigismund’s death and Europe’s political and religious changes. The order was never formally disbanded, but by the end of the 15th century, it had all but been forgotten. The legend of Dracula has been kept alive through myths and legends, and the dragon emblems have continued to enchant the world as symbolic medieval representations of chivalry and bravery in the face of a fearsome enemy.
The order has become a footnote in European history, and it still fascinates today for its connections to legends and a haunting dragon emblem.
Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
Sodacan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
| A Holy Order led by a Grandmaster | |
|---|---|
| Type | Catholic Military Order |
| Established | 1099 |
| Motto | Pro Fide Pro Utilitate Hominum (Latin: ‘For Faith and for Service to Humankind’) |
| Allegiance | The Pope |
| Headquarters | Jerusalem Rhodes Birgu Valletta |
The Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, more commonly known as the Knights Hospitaller, can trace its origins back to the beginning of the 11th century, at a hospice in Jerusalem that took care of the sick, the poor, or the injured pilgrims who flocked to the Holy Land. The hospice, dedicated to the patronage of John the Baptist, would eventually evolve into a militarised order of monks, after the First Crusade.
In the absence of a secure state, pilgrims were often the target of bandit attacks, resulting in the need for a monastic order capable of providing a hospice to the pilgrims in an armed capacity to protect them. The Hospitallers were made an official Military order by the Papal Bull of 1113 by Pope Paschal II. The order then went on to play a key role in defending the interests of the Christian states of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Famous members of the order include Jean de la Valette, the 49th Grand Master, famous for his role in defending the Knights from the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire in 1565. Other notable people in the order include a long line of noblemen and noblewomen from around Europe who would take the helm of the order, finding ways to adapt and stay relevant, despite the frequent upheavals and changes in the political and religious situation.
The Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, is still very much an active and operating order today, although they are now much more focused on their humanitarian and medical relief work around the world. The order is a sovereign subject of international law and can trace its history and continuous operation back to its founding over 900 years ago, making it one of the oldest chivalric orders in history.
Fun fact: After Napoleon conquered its last territorial possession of Malta from the order in 1798, the order concentrated its efforts back on its hospitaller traditions, eventually shedding its military operations to focus on charitable works instead.
Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
| Awarded by the Monarch of the Scotland (United Kingdom) and successor states | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chivalric Order |
| Established | 1687 |
| Motto | Nemo me impune lacessit (Latin: No one provokes me with impunity) |
| Criteria | at His Majesty’s pleasure |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | James VII |
The Order of the Thistle is the highest order of Scotland. It is a mark of special honor bestowed in Scotland. The Order has its roots in early Scottish history and is linked to chivalry. The Order is quite ancient, and there is some evidence suggesting that the Order of the Thistle dates back to the time of King Achaius in the eighth century. The present Order, however, was instituted by King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) in 1687.
Its original purpose was to reward loyal and gallant Scottish noblemen for their service and to gain support from the nobility during a time of religious and political persecution. The Order also celebrates Scotland and all things Scottish, particularly Scottish bravery and chivalry. Those chosen as members of the Order have sworn to maintain the values of the Order and to defend Scotland, its people, and its monarch.
The monarch, British sovereigns, the prime ministers and leading politicians, members of the Scottish nobility, and members of the Royal Family have all been members of the Order. The late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was Sovereign of the Order, and the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was also a member. Prince Philip was a former Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a Scottish regiment, another tie to Scotland for the Prince.
The Order is still awarded, and the membership includes the Sovereign, 16 knights and ladies, and additional knights, a category used for members of the Royal Family and foreign monarchs. The Order’s annual service is at St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, and it is open to the public. At this service, the members of the Order wear their robes and the distinctive Order of the Thistle insignia, which is green and gold.
There is a great legend about the revival of the Order by James VII. There was an ancient story that said the Norse invaded the land of Scotland, and during the invasion, one of the Norsemen walked barefoot and happened to step on a thistle. This so incensed the Norseman that he made his companions flee, and this is the Order’s motto: “Nemo me impune lacessit,” which in English is “No one provokes me with impunity.” The thistle is Scotland’s national flower.
Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem
Masur, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
| A Holy Order led by a Grandmaster | |
|---|---|
| Type | Military Order |
| Established | 1119 |
| Motto | Atavis et Armis (Latin: Ancestors and Arms) |
| Founder | Crusaders in Jerusalem in 1119 |
The Order of Saint Lazarus is distinctive among medieval chivalric orders, as it was founded as a hospitaller order before evolving into a military and chivalric order. Established in the 12th century, around the time of the Crusades, the Order of Saint Lazarus was devoted to caring for lepers, with its members serving in leprosariums in the Holy Land and later throughout Europe. Its history is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it has been authorized by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to combine the care for those suffering from leprosy with the defense of the Christian faith.
Unlike some other orders, the list of members in the Order of Saint Lazarus may not be as well-known or documented. However, its significance lies in its charitable mission and spiritual dedication rather than the fame or notoriety of its individual members. The order is known for its members, often knights suffering from leprosy, who were committed to their cause and demonstrated the Christian values of compassion and sacrifice.
The Order of Saint Lazarus still exists today, but in a different capacity from its medieval origins. It is now a charitable organization focused on humanitarian aid and medical assistance, with particular emphasis on combating leprosy and other diseases. The order maintains a connection to its chivalric past through its ceremonies and the investiture of new members, preserving the spirit of its founding principles.
An interesting feature of the order is its ability to survive and adapt over the centuries, transitioning from a medieval military order to a modern charitable organization. This reflects the timeless nature of its core mission of service and care for others.
Order of Saint George
| The first secular chivalric order in the world established by King Charles I of Hungary | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chivalric Order |
| Established | 1326 |
| Motto | In Veritate iustus sum huic fraternali societae (Latin: In truth I am just to this fraternal society.) |
| Status | Defunct |
| Founder | Charles I of Hungary |
The Order of Saint George was a chivalric order in the Kingdom of Hungary, established in the early 14th century by King Charles I. It was the first order of its kind in the kingdom and was created with the intention of uniting the Hungarian nobility in the defense of the Christian faith and the protection of the realm.
The king, in an effort to strengthen his rule and inspire loyalty and unity among his knights and nobles, designated Saint George as the patron saint of the order, drawing on the saint’s associations as a dragon slayer and protector of the innocent to symbolize the order’s ideals of bravery, chivalry, and piety.
The membership of the Order of Saint George was limited, and its members were drawn from the ranks of the most valiant and noble knights and nobles in the kingdom. While the records of individual members and their deeds have been lost to history, the members of the Order of Saint George were involved in numerous military campaigns and efforts to expand and defend the Christian territories in Hungary and beyond, and they played a significant role in the kingdom’s medieval military history.
The order was only active for a relatively short period of time, with its influence waning in the late 14th century. However, the legacy of the Order of Saint George lived on in the subsequent generations of Hungarian knights and nobles, and its ideals continued to be celebrated in the years that followed.
One interesting aspect of the Order of Saint George is its claim to be the oldest order of knighthood in Europe, predating even the more famous orders such as the Order of the Garter in England. While the order no longer exists, its history and legacy remain of interest to historians and enthusiasts of medieval knighthood.
Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem (Teutonic Order)
Ipankonin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Teutonic Order is a historical order of chivalry founded in the late 12th century during the Third Crusade. It was initially established as a hospital brotherhood to assist Christians on their way to the Holy Land. Over time, the order evolved into a military order, with the blessing of the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI and Pope Celestine III, and became known as the Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem. The order was a knighthood that combined military and monastic traditions to defend the Christian world and expand its territories, particularly in the pagan areas of Eastern Europe.
The order’s most famous period of activity was during the 13th and 14th centuries, when it played a key role in the Christianization of the Baltic region, fighting in a series of wars against the pagan Prussians, Lithuanians, and other Baltic tribes. One of the most well-known battles involving the Teutonic Knights is the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, which was a crushing defeat for the order at the hands of the combined Polish-Lithuanian forces. The order’s most famous members included its Grand Masters, such as Hermann von Salza, who oversaw the order’s rise to imperial immediacy, and Albert of Brandenburg, who secularized the order’s Prussian holdings to form the Duchy of Prussia.
In modern times, the Teutonic Order has transitioned from a military order to a primarily religious and charitable organization, with its members taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The order no longer engages in military activities but continues to exist today, focusing on its original hospitaller mission and Christian values.
The order’s legacy is one of both militaristic conquest and Christian colonization, particularly in Eastern Europe, where it played a significant role in the region’s Germanization and Christianization. The Teutonic Order’s history reflects the broader transformation of medieval chivalric orders into modern religious and charitable organizations.
The Lasting Legacy of the Chivalric Order
Diving into these 12 chivalric orders is a journey through history, bravery, and faith. The legacy of these knights is a rich tapestry that has influenced the world in ways both seen and unseen. They represent the pinnacle of medieval knighthood, their orders a testament to their vows of justice, protection, and faith.
Some have become whispers of history, their tales of valor and sacrifice passed down through the ages. Others remain active, evolving with time yet steadfast in their original vows and purpose.
Each order offers a unique lens through which to view the chivalric code and the impact of knighthood on history. From the spiritual quests of the Templars to the feudal loyalties of the Knights of St. John, their stories are a mosaic of human endeavor and divine aspiration.
Please be informed that the Order of St. George still exists in the world.
I was invested into the Order in 1922 in New Westminster, BC, and am now a Chevalier in the Prairies Priory of the Grand Priory of Canada.
Our mission statement is to secure, steward and deliver philantrophic funding that will enhance the health, well-being, morale, and quality of life of Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families; and promote leadership, youth development and citizenship training for the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets, and the Junior Canadian Rangers, in collaboration with the Order of St. George, its members and Priories.
Very interesting