An Order of Knights - A Tradition of Chivalry

The Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, also known as the Knights of Saint Thomas, proudly carry forward the tradition of one of the oldest English and Christian institutions. Our order of chivalry unites Christians in a shared mission of service, integrity, and camaraderie.

Order of knights rooted in history

Inspired by the valour of medieval knights and the enduring legacy of English Crusaders, our knights are dedicated to charity, honour, and tradition. Under the spiritual guidance of Saint Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury, our order of chivalry champions the chivalric code, adapting it to the needs of the modern world. By fostering a fellowship of like-minded individuals to become an elite, we uphold values that have stood the test of time.

An Order Open to All Christians

Our knightly order welcomes Christians of all denominations while remaining deeply connected to England’s historical heritage. Whether you hold permanent residency or a legally recognized noble title in England, joining the Knights of Saint Thomas offers an opportunity to embody the principles of knighthood and make meaningful contributions to communities throughout England.

Bridging Past and Present

The Knights of Saint Thomas serve as a bridge between the noble ideals of the past and the challenges of the present. Our members live by the enduring values of justice, integrity, and compassion, adapting these principles to meet the demands of today’s world. Through service and dedication, we inspire others to embrace the ideals of chivalry, leaving a positive and lasting impact.

Chivalry Through Service

At the heart of our mission lies community service. Our knights and dames actively engage in charitable work across England, offering assistance to the poor, supporting the vulnerable, and advocating for Christian ideals. Whether it involves feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, or helping the marginalized, our knights embody the true spirit of knighthood through action.

Recognizing Excellence in Chivalry

We celebrate the achievements of our members through promotions and honours, reflecting their unwavering commitment to service and the principles of chivalry. By recognizing these contributions, we inspire others to join us in upholding the values of our noble order of chivalry.

Join the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury

Discover a life of purpose and meaning through the enduring principles of knighthood. Whether you are new to the chivalric path or a lifelong advocate for justice and service, we welcome you to serve Christianity with honour, humility, and purpose.

Together, we preserve the legacy of the knights of old while addressing the needs of today’s world. Join our order and experience how we bring the ideals of chivalry to life, creating meaningful change in communities throughout England. Embrace this noble journey and make a lasting difference as a Knight of Saint Thomas.

The tradition of knighthood has a storied history, where knights were revered not only for their martial prowess but also for their commitment to a code of conduct known as chivalry. Central to this chivalric code are the seven virtues that define the ideal order of knights and continue to inspire our order of chivalry in the UK today.

Courage

Courage was the foundation of a knight's character, setting them apart as leaders in the face of danger. In our order of knights, courage goes beyond physical bravery, embodying the moral courage to uphold justice and do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Historic figures like Sir Gawain exemplify courage that resonates through time, inspiring the modern knights to be steadfast in the face of adversity.

Honour

Honour is a pillar of any order of chivalry, shaping every aspect of a knight's life. Knights held their honour in the highest regard, aware that their actions reflected on their order, their family, and their liege lord. Integrity and loyalty remain crucial in our order of knights, as members embody respect and kindness while upholding their promises. Honour serves as the foundation of their character, earning admiration from fellow knights and the public alike.

Justice

Justice is central to the mission of any order of chivalry. As protectors of the innocent and enforcers of law, knights champion justice for all. In our order of knights, justice is upheld by serving as fair and impartial stewards, dedicated to creating a society based on equity and compassion. The knight’s dedication to justice underscores their role as a force for good, earning them profound respect and admiration.

Mercy

Despite their prowess, our knights embody mercy and compassion. True strength lies not only in conquest but also in empathy. Our members understand the importance of mercy, extending clemency even in combat. By sparing adversaries and acting with humanity, our knights demonstrate their commitment to a higher moral code. This virtue reinforces the knight as a powerful symbol of benevolence, inner strength, and self-control within any order of chivalry.

Generosity

Generosity is another hallmark of a noble order of knights. In addition to being warriors, knights act as patrons of the arts, culture, and social welfare, supporting scholars, artists, and those in need. Our order of chivalry champions this virtue by dedicating resources to uplift communities across England. Through generous acts, our knights and dames foster social unity and provide a helping hand to those less fortunate, showcasing their compassion and dedication to the greater good.

Faith

Faith plays a significant role in any order of chivalry, where knights draw strength and guidance from their convictions. Faith gives our knights a purpose beyond earthly duties, viewing their service to the vulnerable as an extension of their beliefs. Faith anchors knights in principles that lead them through the trials of knighthood, giving them hope and fortitude when facing challenges. It serves as a moral compass, guiding them to make just and purposeful choices.

Nobility

Nobility in knighthood goes beyond birthright, embracing humility, grace, and inner greatness. Knights are role models, embodying the virtues of chivalry to inspire others. True nobility is earned through character and adherence to chivalric values, rather than through titles or status. Our order of knights emphasizes nobility as a virtue of humility, instilling respect and kindness toward all and ensuring that the knight’s reputation is built on merit and honorable actions.

The Lasting Relevance of Chivalric Virtues

The seven virtues of chivalry - courage, honour, justice, mercy, generosity, faith, and nobility - hold profound relevance in our order of chivalry today. These principles are more than just historic ideals; they are guiding lights that shape how knights serve society and inspire individuals to live with integrity and honor. In a world of constant change, the virtues of chivalry within our order of knights provide a roadmap for living honourably and making a positive impact. Our commitment to these ideals ensures that our order of chivalry remains a respected force for good, bringing unity, compassion, and justice to England and beyond.