During the Third Crusade, a group of English knights established a new order of chivalry in honour of Saint Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury. Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury at Acre also, known as Knights of St Thomas, was founded in 1191, shortly after the city was captured on 12th July by King Richard I of England and King Philip II of France.
Our order of chivalry is proudly affiliated with the Royal Society of Saint George. Additionally, we are honoured to hold the ERS Bronze Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting military personnel and veterans. Our knights, carry the torch of a centuries-old legacy of one of the oldest English and Christian institutions.
Within our order of knights, dedication and achievements are recognized with rank promotions and ceremonial honours for deep service to the Order and the communities. Through knighthood ceremonies, and honours, we affirm the importance of living by a noble standard. We honour our members not just for what they do, but for who they choose to become.
Chivalry is not a relic. A true order of knights is a living fellowship - sacred, noble, and bound by dignity, duty, and Christian service. Born from the age of the Crusades and inspired by early Christian military orders, every true chivalric order upholds timeless values: chivalry, faith, and charity.
Today, in a world still yearning for courage, compassion, and moral clarity, these principles remain more relevant than ever.
Welcome to the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury - a distinguished and revived order of knights founded on the enduring values of Christian knighthood. Also known as the Knights of Saint Thomas, we unite Christian men and women of all denominations under a shared mission of purpose, dignity, and service.
As a modern order of chivalry, our members serve with compassion, act with courage, and stand for truth. Whether knights or dames, we commit to a life that reflects the noble ideals of the past while meeting the needs of today. Our chivalric order is guided by a clear mission:
Rooted in faith and fellowship, our chivalric order brings together people from all walks of life who believe in the power of tradition, service, and moral responsibility.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam - To the Greater Glory of God.
This is our calling: a life of dignity, a life of purpose, a life of knighthood.
In a time when traditional values are often set aside, our order of chivalry offers a sanctuary for those who seek to live by a higher standard - the eternal code of chivalry.
Knighthood is not a forgotten relic; it is a living ideal. As a modern order of chivalry, we adapt these time-honoured principles to address today’s moral, social, and humanitarian challenges.
We uphold and promote:
Our members are everyday heroes - true knights and dames dedicated to uplifting society through service and faith. Becoming part of this order of chivalry means living with purpose and inspiring others to do the same.
What inspired us, trace back to the medieval Crusades, where the medieval order of knights was founded in honour of Saint Thomas Becket - a champion of truth, justice, and unwavering faith. He symbolizes the moral fortitude that still guides our chivalric order today.
We continue his legacy by supporting charity, defending Christian unity, and promoting justice in the modern world. Our organization blends the piety and bravery of the past with the civic responsibility and compassion required in today’s society.
As guardians of this noble tradition, our chivalric order honours the past while looking forward - serving our communities, defending the weak, and standing for truth in uncertain times.
Every true order of chivalry must have a soul. Ours is grounded in Christian faith and sacred purpose.
Our brotherhood upholds a clear code of chivalry - inspired by Scripture, historical conduct, and the moral teachings of Christianity. Each knight and dame walks the path of virtue, guided by this code:
By living this conduct of knighthood, our members restore dignity to daily life. We are not knights in name only - but practitioners of an honourable, disciplined, and compassionate way of life.
Our order of chivalry bridges the past and future - honouring the spiritual legacy of the Crusades, the courage of St Thomas Becket, and the charitable spirit of historic chivalric orders. Yet, we remain fully engaged in the world today, working alongside communities to bring hope, service, and light where it’s needed most.
Knights. Chivalry. Service. Faith.
We are a modern order of knights upholding the sacred code of chivalry in the 21st century.
The tradition of knighthood has a storied history, where crusaders 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 brotherhood and continue to inspire our organization in England today.
Courage was the foundation of a guardian character, setting them apart as leaders in the face of danger. In our chivalric order, 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 is a pillar of any society of chivalry, shaping every aspect of a knight's life. They held their dignity in the highest regard, aware that their actions reflected on their fraternity, their family, and their liege lord. Integrity and loyalty remain crucial in our organization, as members embody respect and kindness while upholding their promises. Dignity serves as the foundation of their character, earning admiration from fellow brothers and the public alike.
Justice is central to the mission of any faction of chivalry. As protectors of the innocent and enforcers of law, knights champion justice for all. In our organization, justice is upheld by serving as fair and impartial stewards, dedicated to creating a society based on equity and compassion. Them dedication to justice underscores their role as a force for good, earning them profound respect and admiration.
Despite their prowess, our members embody mercy and compassion. True strength lies not only in conquest but also in empathy. They understand the importance of mercy, extending clemency even in combat. By sparing adversaries and acting with humanity, our members 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 guild of chivalry.
Generosity is another hallmark of a noble chivalric organization. In addition to being warriors, knights act as patrons of the arts, culture, and social welfare, supporting scholars, artists, and those in need. Our members 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 plays a significant role in any brotherhood, where knights draw strength and guidance from their convictions. Faith gives our members a purpose beyond earthly duties, viewing their service to the vulnerable as an extension of their beliefs. Faith anchors them 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 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 organization 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 fraternity today. These principles are more than just historic ideals; they are guiding lights that shape how members serve society and inspire individuals to live with integrity. In a world of constant change, the virtues of chivalry within our organization provide a roadmap for living honourably and making a positive impact. Our commitment to these ideals ensures that our noble fraternity remains a respected force for good, bringing unity, compassion, and justice to England and beyond.