The Legacy of Crusaders and Hospitallers in England
What Is an Order of Chivalry?
An order of chivalry, also known as an order of knights, was a sacred fellowship of crusaders during knighthood in the Middle Ages, united by a solemn code of faith, honour, and service.
Rooted in the medieval ideal of chivalry – monachus et miles (“monk and warrior”) – the medieval knights combined religious devotion with military service. These knights dedicated themselves to defending pilgrims and upholding Christian virtues throughout Europe and the Holy Land.
Origins of Knighthood in the Middle Ages
The earliest orders of knighthood in the Middle Ages emerged in the Holy Land during the Crusades, where crusaders offered protection, shelter, and spiritual guidance to Christian pilgrims.
These medieval knights lived under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, dedicating their lives to defending the weak and safeguarding the faith. Recognition by the Pope established these brotherhoods as true religious institutions under canon law.
Chivalry – A Living 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 in the United Kingdom preserving the noble heritage of crusaders and hospitallers.
Our order of knights in England carries forward the sacred legacy of medieval knighthood, combining devotion, honour, and service to others.
Inspired by the knighthood of the Middle Ages and by the order of medieval knights founded during the Crusades in July 1191 in honour of Saint Thomas Becket, our fellowship upholds the mission of the crusading orders today as a non-political, non-masonic, patriotic, Christian and non-profit brotherhood.
Continuing the Legacy of Medieval Knights
What began at Acre in 1191 — with hospitallers tending to the wounded crusaders — continues today in England as a living expression of chivalry.
Our order of knighthood is structured by traditional ranks and guided by the timeless moral principles of the order of chivalry.
Our mission includes:
- Supporting St Thomas’ Hospital and healthcare causes
- Honouring veterans and the armed forces
- Providing charity to those in need across England
- Educating others about knighthood and chivalry
- Building Christian fellowship inspired by medieval knights
Through these efforts, our knightly order ensures that the spirit of chivalry and the legacy of the crusaders continue to inspire future generations.
The Seven Core Virtues of our Hospitallers
Every member of our order of chivalry follows a strict moral code rooted in the traditions of the medieval knights. This code of chivalry is defined by seven timeless virtues:
- Courage – Bravery in defending truth and faith
- Honour – Integrity and loyalty to one’s word
- Justice – Protecting the innocent and upholding righteousness
- Mercy – Compassion and forgiveness
- Generosity – Giving selflessly to others
- Faith – Loyalty to God, the Church, and fellow knights
- Nobility – Dignity, humility, and moral excellence
These principles are not abstract ideals — they are a living guide for every knight and dame within our order of knights.
In the Middle Ages, becoming a knight was not a privilege of birth but a sacred calling to serve God, Church, and community.
Similarly, in our modern order of knights in the UK, membership is earned through devotion, charity, and personal integrity — not status.
Our Structure and Traditions:
- Progression from Novice to Grand Cross through active service
- Ceremonial investitures with traditional regalia: a white cloak adorned with a red cross and white shell at its centre, symbol of the medieval knights since 1295
- Lifelong commitment to excellence, honour, and faith
Join the Hospitallers – Christian Knights of England
Today, many seek meaning, faith, and a higher moral standard.
Our fellowship of hospitallers offers a way to live out the values of medieval knighthood in a modern world.If you wish to:
- Serve the poor and vulnerable
- Support your parish and community
- Deepen your Christian faith
- Live according to the ideals of chivalry and honour
…then you may be called to join a modern order of knights in England.
We are more than an organisation — we are a knightly community preserving the heritage of English crusaders and hospitallers.
By joining our hospitallers, you become part of an order of chivalry that unites faith, service, and tradition.
Embrace the Legacy of the Crusaders
Stand with a respected order of knights in the United Kingdom.
Live by the timeless code of chivalry.
Carry forward the legacy of the medieval knights, crusaders, and hospitallers of England.
Serve your Church, community, and nation with honour.
Foster a fellowship of faith, loyalty, and moral strength.
Embrace the noble heritage of knighthood in the Middle Ages — and live it today.