neret]

KNIGHTS-BANNERET. This ancient and honourable order has become
extinct. It obtained the title of banneret from the knights having
the right of having a square banner borne before them on the field
of battle, and at jousts and tournaments. Sir W. Segar gives the
following account of the creation of a knight-banneret:--"It is a
military order, and can only be conferred upon persons that have
performed some heroic act in the field. When this action is known to
the king, or general of the army, he commands the attendance of the
gallant warrior, who is led, between two knights, into the presence of
the king or general with his pennon of arms in his hand, and there
the heralds proclaim his merit, and declare him fit to become a
knight-banneret, and thenceforth to display a banner in the field.
Then the king or general causes the point of the pennon to be cut off
to make it square; it is then placed at the top of his lance, and the
new-made knight returns to his tent, the trumpets sounding before
him." Knights-banneret were certainly created in the reign of Edward
I., but how long before that time it is impossible to tell.

KNIGHTS OF THE GARTER. This is considered the most honourable order
of knighthood in Europe: it was founded by Edward III. in 1349; the
fraternity consists of twenty-six knights, to which are added the
princes of the blood royal. The king of England is the sovereign of
the order; their officers are a prelate, chancellor, registrar, and
king-at-arms.

The college of the order is in Windsor Castle, with the chapel of St.
George and the chapter-house. These buildings were erected by the
royal founder expressly for the accommodation of the knights of the
garter.

The garter is considered the principal ensign of this order: it is
worn on the left leg below the knee; it is formed of blue velvet,
edged with gold: on the velvet is embroidered the motto of the order,
HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE.

The collar is of gold, weighing thirty ounces troy weight, and
contains twenty-six garters enamelled proper, in each a rose gules
between; the garters are connected by knots. The George is attached to
this collar: it represents St. George (the patron Saint of the order)
attacking the dragon; it is of gold enamelled, and may be enriched
with jewels at the pleasure of the possessor.

THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PATRICK. This illustrious Irish order was founded
by George III., 1783. It consists of the sovereign, a grand