A Musical Journey Through Time
The 700th anniversary celebrations of the Order of St George began in fine style on Friday 17 April 2026 with the UK Grand Priory’s Annual General Meeting, followed by a specially commissioned concert at the historic Church of St George the Martyr in Southwark.
The concert, produced by our Master of Music Jonathan-lee Young-Brookes, was a musical journey celebrating the 700 years since the foundation of the Order. For more than nine centuries, a church dedicated to St George has stood at the heart of Southwark – a place of worship on the threshold between the City and the Borough. This programme traced the story of the medieval church that first rose here in the twelfth century, through its Tudor and Stuart transformations, to the grand Georgian building consecrated in 1736 that still welcomes worshippers today.
With songs and instrumental music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods by composers such as John Dowland, Thomas Campion, Henry Lawes, and Henry Purcell, the ensemble ‘Fair Oriana’ brought to life the music that might once have been heard at St George’s across the centuries. The performance set a perfect tone of reflection, beauty, and historical resonance for the weekend ahead.
A Day of Pageantry and New Beginnings
The celebrations continued on Saturday 18 April with the Investiture Service and Banquet at the same historic church. From the uplifting liturgy and stirring music to the pageantry of the honour guard and the warmth of fellowship, the day was nothing short of “spellbinding and colourful – an event that will live long in the memory of all who attended”, to quote a longstanding member.
The service itself was a fitting tribute to seven centuries of chivalric tradition. With the Revd Jeremy Crossley and our Deputy Chaplain Generals leading a deeply moving ceremony, the choir and band under Master of Music Jonathan-lee Young-Brookes once again filled the church with glorious sound. The cadets of the Corps of Drums, under Chevalier Larry Davis, delivered a display of turnout, skill, professionalism and discipline that drew high praise from across the Order, senior military officers, the public, and even Victoria Cross holder Johnson Gideon Beharry VC himself. Four outstanding cadets were presented with OStG Medals of Merit by the new Grand Prior in recognition of their contribution. The 3rd Battalion the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment provided a smart and dignified honour guard, further strengthening the Order’s close ties with our affiliated regiment.
At the heart of the occasion was the Investiture of our new Grand Prior. In her banquet speech (which can be read here), she expressed the deepest humility and gratitude as she took up the mantle on this historic anniversary, reaffirming the motto Non-Sibi Sed Omnibus – Not for oneself, but for all. She paid warm tribute to immediate Past Grand Prior His Excellency the Chevalier Stuart Notholt for his leadership in growing both membership and charitable impact, and to other distinguished predecessors including His Excellency the Chevalier Mark Haley and His Excellency the Chevalier Simon McIlwain. Special thanks were extended to His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, our Patron, His Grace the Bishop of Woolwich, and all who made the service so uplifting and blessed our banquet.
The new Grand Prior also introduced her executive team, each of whom have a portfolio of responsibility to support the growth and development of the Order. A further highlight was the advancement of Prof the Chevalier Richard Parish CBE to Knight Commander Expectant in recognition of his outstanding service to the UK Grand Priory and the international Order. In a touching personal moment, the Grand Prior welcomed her mother Sylvia Vaux-Edwards, and her consort, Lt Col. Johnny Longbottom MBE QVRM VR, bestowing upon him the rank of Honorary Knight Commander.
The banquet that followed was a joyous celebration of achievement and friendship. Members, guests and those who generously gave their time to support the occasion (even those not yet part of the Order) were warmly thanked for helping to create such a fine and memorable day. As the Grand Prior noted, “It is these efforts that embody the spirit of our Patron Saint, St George.”
Looking ahead, the Order enters this new chapter on solid foundations with renewed vision. The Grand Prior outlined an exciting programme for the year including the launch of the Order of St George Roadshow to visit every Commandery and outpost, continued support for UK Armed Forces veterans (including the popular film club at the Royal Hospital Chelsea), expanded humanitarian work in Ukraine and among the Egyptian Copts, improved communications, and fresh member-led initiatives. Key themes resonated throughout the weekend; engagement, involvement, outreach, profile, partnerships, growth, younger generations and relevance, all while honouring our past.
As one attendee captured it so well: “A superb day where faith, chivalry and music came together to remind us of our promise, our duty to uphold our values and our duty to our fellows in need.”
Another fitting strapline that emerged from the occasion perfectly summed up the mood: solid foundations, new beginnings, and a new vision built on past success.
On behalf of the Grand Prior and the entire Grand Council, heartfelt thanks go to every single person who contributed – whether through organisation, music, ceremonial support, or simply by being there in fellowship. To those who could not attend due to illness, the Grand Prior sends her warmest wishes for a speedy recovery.
The celebrations continue in Hungary over the coming days, but the London Investiture has already set the tone for the next century of service. Together, with courage, compassion and unity, we will ensure the Order of St George continues to thrive as a modern beacon of chivalry.
We look forward to seeing many of you at future events – perhaps on the Roadshow!
Photographs of the Investiture Service are available for download (£5 per photo) here with the proceeds going to support the Order’s charities. Please note you will need to enter your email address in order to access the platform and the photographs.
