Above: The Dedication, Edmund Blair Leighton (1908)
The concepts of chivalry grew out of an idealized image of the medieval knight as a noble warrior who was not only fair in his dealings on the battlefield but also with women and with God.
Chivalry is an informal code; there is no set list of chivalrous rules. However, one commonly accepted list of chivalric virtues was drawn up in Bruges in 1430 by the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, who established the knightly Order of the Golden Fleece to celebrate his marriage to the Portuguese Princess Isabella.
The Duke defined 12 chivalric virtues:
- Faith
- Charity
- Justice
- Sagacity
- Prudence
- Temperance
- Resolution
- Truth
- Liberality
- Diligence
- Hope
- Valour
Although originally generally associated with manly values, as early as 1149 there were also grades of knighthood available to women. Over time, the meaning of chivalry has been refined to emphasize more general social and moral virtues upheld with honour, fortitude and dignity by both gentlemen and ladies.
Today’s Knights and Dames of the Order of St. George seek, in a modest way, to live by chivalry’s timeless social virtues of integrity, compassion, charity, faithfulness and courage.
Dame Iris Karászy-Kulin
It is with deep sadness and regret that we must announce that our beloved Grand Patron, HE Col. Dame Iris Karászy-Kulin MKN GCStG DCLJ CML, has passed away. Grand Magisterium Stuart Notholt says: "Dame Iris was a wonderful, caring, person and it was a privilege to...
About Saint George
Stories of Saint George, the patron saint of chivalry, have been recounted in many lands for seventeen centuries. It is believed that the historical figure of George was born in Cappadocia (present-day Turkey) around AD 280. He enlisted in the Roman army under the...
Celebrating 700 years
"The first (of the chivalric Orders) was probably the Order of St.George ... It was a brotherly union of knights who swore to defend the realm and protect the king, and to follow him in ‘pastimes and knightly sports’ – doubtless a reference to tournaments they...
Knights & the Golden Age of Chivalry
The Complete Illustrated History of Knights & the Golden Age of Chivalry Charles Phillips This colourful and informative book makes the perfect gift for a family member – or just for your own bookshelf. Packed with information about the history and practice of...
The Order’s Foundation Document
We the members of the Fraternal Society of Knights who bear the title of St George with this document declare to one and all: as men who do deeds must be judged not only on the deed itself but also on the intention of the deed, so we, through the promptings and order...
Ranks and Regalia
Ranks within the Order of St. George There are four ranks (grades) within the Order: Officer of the UK Grand Priory of the Order of St George Knight/Dame of the Order of St George Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of St George Grand Cross of the Order of St George...
Major General vitez Janos Karaszy-Kulin, GCStG
It was with great sadness that we reported the death of our beloved Grand Master, Major-General vitez Janos Karaszy-Kulin, GCStG GCLJ, &c., Hero of the Hungarian Uprising, peacefully at home Sunday evening 19th October 2008, after a long illness. Our Grand Master...
