- hospitallers

HOSPITALLERS, Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, instituted about A.D. 1092. They wore over their armour a black robe, having a white linen cross of eight points fastened to the left breast. P. 11, f. 42. Between the year 1278 and 1289, when engaged in military duties, they assumed a red surcoat bearing a silver cross. P. 23, f. 21. See Knights Templers.  

               Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England.

               On the 14th May, 1888, Her Majesty the Queen was graciously pleased to grant a Charter of Incorporation to “ The Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England, ” and to “ declare that Her Majesty the Queen is the Sovereign Head and Patron of the Order, and that on the Eve of St. John the Baptist next fo lowing His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales shall become the Grand Prior of the Order. ”  

               In consequence of the above Charter a Lion passant guardant and a Unicorn passant placed alternately or, was added to the angles of the Cross in the arms.

               On the nth March, 1889, Her Majesty the Queen was graciously pleased to allow the Members and Honorary Associates of this Order in England to wear generally the Insignia of their respective grades in the said Order, as provided for in the Royal Charter of Incorporation of the 14th May, 1888 (ELVN)