A Modern Christian Order of Chivalry in England

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The Meaning of Knighthood in the Middle Ages

An order of chivalry – also known as an order of knights – is a sacred fellowship of the crusaders, bound by a code of honour, Christian faith, and service to others. Rooted in the medieval concept of monachus et miles – both monk and warrior – the knights of the Middle Ages combined religious devotion with military service, dedicating themselves to Christian values and the defense of pilgrims.

The earliest knightly orders were created in the Holy Land during the Crusades, where they provided shelter, protection, and spiritual guidance for pilgrims traveling to sacred sites. These medieval knights lived under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, defending the weak, upholding Christian morality, and safeguarding Europe’s faith. Recognition by the Pope granted these communities legitimacy as religious institutions under canon law.

Chivalry – A Tradition of the Crusaders

Welcome to the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, also known as the Knights of Saint Thomas – a revived order of chivalry that preserves the noble heritage of one of the oldest English and Christian institutions. Our knightly order, reborn in England, is dedicated to carrying forward the sacred legacy of medieval knighthood, rooted in faith, service, and honour.

Inspired by the knighthood of the Middle Ages and by the order of medieval knights, founded in July 1191 during the Crusades in honour of Saint Thomas Becket, our fellowship embodies the union of Christian faith and knightly service, standing among the crusading orders. Today, we continue that legacy in the United Kingdom as a patriotic, ecumenical, and non-profit Christian fellowship. We are non-political, non-Masonic, and open to Christians of all recognized denominations across the UK.

Continuing the Legacy of Medieval Knights

What began in 1191 with caring for sick and wounded crusaders continues today as a living tradition of faith and service. Our order of knighthood in England is structured with knightly ranks and governed by traditions rooted in the medieval code of chivalry.

Our order of knights honours the memory of Saint Thomas Becket, the English martyr, and the English crusaders who fought to defend the faith. In the United Kingdom today, our mission includes:

Supporting St Thomas’ Hospital and healthcare causes
Honouring veterans and the armed forces
Providing charity to those in need across England
Organising educational workshops on history, knighthood, and chivalry
Building Christian fellowship rooted in medieval knightly traditions

By bridging past and present, our knightly order in England ensures that the spirit of chivalry continues to inspire men and women in the 21st century.

Seven Core Virtues of Our Hospitallers

Every knight and dame in our order follows a strict moral code, echoing the vows of medieval knights. This code of chivalry is expressed in seven core virtues:

Courage – Bravery in defending truth and faith.
Honour – Integrity and loyalty to one’s word.
Justice – Protecting the innocent and standing for what is right.
Mercy – Compassion toward all people.
Generosity – Giving freely and selflessly.
Faith – Loyalty to God, the Church, and fellow knights.
Nobility – Dignity, humility, and moral excellence.

These virtues are not abstract ideals – they are the living code of conduct for our members, guiding knights and dames in everyday life.

Knighthood in the Middle Ages – and Today

Becoming a knight in the Middle Ages was not a privilege of birth, but a calling of faith, service, and loyalty. Similarly, in our modern knightly order, membership is not about status, but about spiritual depth and service.

Members progress from Novice to Grand Cross through active engagement and dedication.
Our investiture ceremonies include the traditional regalia – a white cloak adorned with a red cross and white shell at its centre, a symbol of the medieval knights since 1295.
Knights and Dames of Saint Thomas of Canterbury commit themselves to a lifelong pursuit of excellence, honour, and Christian service.

Join the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury – Christian Knights of England

Today, many people in the United Kingdom seek meaning, purpose, and a higher moral standard. The Knights of Saint Thomas offer a way to live out the values of medieval knighthood in a modern world.

If you wish to serve the poor and vulnerable,
If you want to support your parish and community,
If you desire to deepen your Christian faith,
If you seek to live with moral integrity and courage...

…then you may be called to join a true order of knights in England.

We are more than an organisation – we are a knightly brotherhood and sisterhood that continues a sacred tradition of English chivalry and heritage of the crusaders. By joining the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, you embrace a noble mission that unites faith, service, and tradition.

If you are inspired by the enduring power of faith, honour, and service, you are invited to begin your journey of modern knighthood. The Knights of Saint Thomas of Canterbury welcome men and women who believe in the mission of Christian chivalry.

Discover the true meaning of Christian knighthood:

Stand with a respected knightly order in the United Kingdom.
Live according to the timeless code of chivalry.
Carry forward the legacy of the medieval knights and crusaders of England.
Serve your community, your Church, and your nation with honour.

Embrace the legacy. Live the mission. Join a noble fellowship of Christian knights and dames in England.