An Order of Knights - A Tradition of 
Chivalry and Christian Knighthood

Hospitallers of Saint 
Thomas of Canterbury

Piety

Rooted in Christian values, we live our mission through prayer, compassion, and humble devotion.

Fraternity

Bound as one family in purpose and promise, we uphold each other through every time and trial.

Service

From caring for the poor to supporting our heroes, we respond to every call of human need.

Preserve the authentic tradition of English crusaders through religious ceremonies.

Supporting St Thomas' Hospital - London through fundraising and volunteerism

Assisting food banks and soup kitchens for the homeless and the poor

Honour veterans and armed forces, through acts of recognition and care

Providing educational workshops to promote chivalry, to young people

Participating in religious processions, patriotic events, and heritage celebrations

Knights of Saint Thomas – A Living Order of Chivalry and Christian Knighthood

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Chivalry is not a relic of the past, it is a living tradition. A true order of knights is a fellowship, bound by honour, duty, faith, and service. Rooted in the legacy of the Crusades and inspired by the early Christian military orders, our order of chivalry upholds the timeless values of Christian knighthood, charity, and moral purpose.

In a world still longing for moral clarity, courage, and compassion, the ideals of chivalry are more vital than ever. 

Welcome to the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury – also known as the Knights of Saint Thomas – a revived knightly order uniting men and women of all Christian denominations under a shared mission.

As a distinguished chivalric order, we honour the legacy of one of the first English and Christian institutions of knighthood, adapting its noble ideals to serve the spiritual and social needs of today’s society.

Whether you are inspired to serve the poor, support your parish, deepen your faith, or live with moral integrity, you may be called to join our order of knights. We are more than an organisation we are a brotherhood and sisterhood of Christian knights and dames, guided by tradition, driven by purpose.

A Fellowship of Knights Across England

By joining the Knights of Saint Thomas, you become part of a national fellowship of like-minded Christian men and women who share your commitment to knighthood, faith, and service. Together, we:

  • Build lasting bonds of Christian brotherhood and sisterhood
  • Strengthen local communities through acts of charity and spiritual leadership
  • Preserve and promote the honour of English chivalric tradition

Side by side, we don’t just serve, we live the sacred mission of a knightly tradition in the modern world.

Since our origins are inspired by the Englis Crusaders, religious and charitable service has been the heart of historical order of chivalry in Acre. What began as care for the sick and wounded warriors, continues today in the form of:

  • Supporting the poor, vulnerable, and socially disadvantaged across England
  • Promoting Christian values and moral guidance in everyday life
  • Fostering a renewed spirit of chivalry and spiritual knighthood

As a modern order of knights, we are committed to:

  • Upholding and promoting the ideals of Christian knighthood and English chivalric heritage
  • Supporting charitable, humanitarian, and faith-based initiatives throughout England
  • Providing spiritual support, moral leadership, and a sense of purpose to our members
  • Honouring historical knightly orders while fostering a new generation of virtuous, service-driven individuals

Join Our Order – Live with Honour and Purpose

Whether you are drawn by history, faith, or a sense of mission, the Knights of Saint Thomas offer a unique place of belonging and honour. Our modern knightly order welcomes individuals from all walks of life who believe in the enduring strength of chivalry, faith, and moral duty.

Live the code. Serve with honour. Become a knight.

A life of dignity. A life of purpose. A life of Christian knighthood.

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A life of Faith. 

A vow of Honour. 

A Brotherhood reborn.

Knighthood in the Modern Age: Living the Code of Chivalry

In today’s world, where traditional values often fade into obscurity, our order of chivalry offers a refuge for those who choose to live by a higher moral standard - the code of chivalry. 

Rooted in the knightly traditions of the English Crusaders, we are a patriotic, ecumenical, and self-governing chivalric order - non-political, non-Masonic, and open to individuals of all recognized Christian denominations across the United Kingdom.

As a registered non-profit organisation of chivalric character, the Knights of Saint Thomas proudly maintain an affiliation with the prestigious Royal Society of St. George. We are also honoured to hold the ERS Bronze Award under the Armed Forces Covenant - testament to our deep commitment to military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Our knights and dames uphold one of the oldest Christian and English institutions of knighthood, bearing the light of a sacred legacy rooted in faith, service, and honour.

Knighthood is not a relic - it is a living ideal. As a modern order of chivalry, we uphold and adapt the enduring virtues of historical chivalric orders to meet the moral, social, and humanitarian challenges of the 21st century. We are not merely preserving a tradition, we are living it.

The Seven Virtues of Modern Knighthood

As a vibrant, mission-driven order of chivalry, we uphold the noble code of Christian knighthood through seven core virtues:

  • Courage – Moral and physical courage define the true knight. Like Sir Gawain, our members defend truth and righteousness even in adversity.
  • Honour – Integrity and loyalty are at the heart of knighthood. Our members represent the order of knights with dignity in all actions.
  • Justice – Our knights serve as just and impartial defenders of the innocent, upholding Christian law and truth.
  • Mercy – True strength is tempered by compassion. We extend mercy even in conflict, following the compassionate path of Christ.
  • Generosity – We support charitable, artistic, and humanitarian causes across England, fostering community and goodwill.
  • Faith – Our actions are grounded in Christian belief, reflecting a spiritual calling to serve both God and neighbour.
  • Nobility – Nobility of character outweighs social status. Our knights and dames lead by humility, grace, and moral integrity.

These virtues are more than ideals, they are the living code of conduct for today’s Christian knights and dames. We are ordinary people answering an extraordinary calling to live with purpose and spiritual integrity.

Every genuine order of chivalry is founded on a code. Ours is drawn from Scripture, the teachings of Christ, and the historic vows of medieval knighthood. Our code includes:

  • Faith in God and devotion to Christian virtue
  • Loyalty to truth, honour, and fellow knights
  • Protection of the weak and defenceless
  • Charity to the poor, sick, and suffering
  • Honesty in word and deed
  • Courage in adversity and unwavering moral vision
  • Humility in success and grace in service

Our Mission: Chivalric Service for the 21st Century

Our knightly order finds its spiritual inspiration in the Hospitallers of St. Thomas of Canterbury at Acre, honouring the martyrdom and mission of Saint Thomas Becket - a symbol of truth, justice, and unwavering Christian faith.We continue this sacred legacy through charitable work, spiritual commitment, and moral clarity in service to communities throughout England and the Christian Church.

As a modern order of knights, we bridge the past and present. Inspired by the bravery of Saint Thomas Becket and the legacy of Christian chivalric orders, we dedicate ourselves to:

  • Faith-based service
  • Charitable and humanitarian outreach
  • Supporting churches, parishes, and Christian communities
  • Providing moral and spiritual leadership
  • Preserving the noble traditions of English knighthood

Join the Knights of Saint Thomas: A Fellowship of Faith and Honour

The Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury invite you to rediscover the path of knighthood. If you believe in the enduring power of faith, honour, service, and purpose - you may be called to become a knight.

Join a respected order of chivalry that is united by purpose, dedicated to service, and committed to upholding the sacred virtues of Christian knighthood.

We are a modern order of knights carrying forward a noble tradition into the future.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – To the Greater Glory of God.

Chivalry is not about being perfect. It's about striving for goodness, together.

F.A.Q

Membership is open to all Christians aged 21+ with legal residency or title in England. Applicants must have a reputable character, undergo probation, and commit to the Order’s code and aims. The application will be made via the online form.
There is an annual membership fee of £15. If an aspirant is invested as a Knight or Dame, they are only required to cover the cost of the mantle and the tie or scarf. Optionally, members can purchase items personalized with the order's logo.
Members are expected to respect and follow the Constitution of the Order; actively engage in charitable activities, workshops, and fundraising efforts; also, to attend investitures, annual meetings, and international events whenever possible.
Yes, the Order features a hierarchical system of ranks (sergeant, knight or dame) and decorations, awarded (free of charge) based on service, commitment, and approval from the Command Council.

Testimonials

     

 As a high school history teacher, I'm always looking for engaging, accurate, and accessible resources to supplement my lessons. The history page on this website and online course has become invaluable tools for both me and my students. The content is well-researched and presented in a way that sparks curiosity and deeper discussion in the classroom. It's not just facts, it's context, stories, and perspectives that bring the past to life. I highly recommend it to any educator! 

Amy Warmouth: History Teacher
     

 As a Scout leader in Barking, I’m always looking for meaningful ways to connect our young members with history and tradition. The educational workshop organized by the Knights of Saint Thomas for St George’s Day was truly exceptional. Through engaging storytelling, including classics like George and the Dragon and The Canterbury Tales, the children were not only entertained but also inspired to learn more about England’s heritage. It was heartwarming to see them so curious and involved. Events like this remind us how powerful history can be when shared in creative, hands-on ways. We’re incredibly grateful for the experience. 

Jude John Adigwe: Scouts Leader
     

 Joining the Order of Saint Thomas of Canterbury has been a deeply meaningful step in my vocation. I have found a community of devoted Christians, united not only by faith but also by a genuine love for tradition and a heartfelt commitment to serving those in need. In a world that so often drifts away from its values, this Order stands as a beacon of light. I feel truly blessed to be part of it. 

Rev. Andrew Cass: Ordained Priest
     

 On Remembrance Sunday in Northampton, I had the honour of meeting members of the Hospitallers of St Thomas of Canterbury during the wreath-laying ceremony. What struck me most was their deep respect, humility, and sincere dedication to preserving memory and honouring the fallen. I spent the morning in the company of truly extraordinary people, compassionate, dignified, and committed to values that matter. It was a moving experience, and one I will not forget. 

James Whitaker: Army Veteran