An Order of Knights Upholding the Tradition of Chivalry and Christian Knighthood
Hospitallers of Saint
Thomas of Canterbury
Legacy of Crusaders
During the Third Crusade, a group of English knights established a new order of chivalry in honour of Saint Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury. Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury at Acre also, known as Knights of St Thomas, was founded in 1191, shortly after the city was captured on 12th July by King Richard I of England and King Philip II of France.
Serving with Honour
Our order of chivalry is proudly affiliated with the Royal Society of Saint George. Additionally, we are honoured to hold the ERS Bronze Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to supporting military personnel and veterans. Our knights, carry the torch of a centuries-old legacy of one of the oldest English and Christian institutions.
Assume a Noble Role
Within our order of knights, dedication and achievements are recognized with rank promotions and ceremonial honours for deep service to the Order and the communities. Through knighthood ceremonies, and honours, we affirm the importance of living by a noble standard. We honour our members not just for what they do, but for who they choose to become.
Preserve the authentic tradition of English crusaders through religious ceremonies.
Supporting St Thomas' Hospital - London through fundraising and volunteerism
Assisting food banks and soup kitchens for the homeless and the poor
Honour veterans and armed forces, through acts of recognition and care
Providing educational workshops to promote chivalry, to young people
Participating in religious processions, patriotic events, and heritage celebrations
Preserving the Tradition of Chivalry and the Ideals of Knighthood
Chivalry is not a relic. A true order of knights is a living fellowship - sacred, noble, and bound by dignity, duty, and Christian service. Born from the age of the Crusades and inspired by early Christian military orders, every true chivalric order upholds timeless values: chivalry, faith, and charity.
Today, in a world still yearning for courage, compassion, and moral clarity, these principles remain more relevant than ever.
Welcome to the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury - a distinguished and revived order of knights founded on the enduring values of Christian knighthood. Also known as the Knights of Saint Thomas, we unite Christian men and women of all denominations under a shared mission of purpose, dignity, and service.
Our Mission as an Order of Chivalry
As a modern order of chivalry, our members serve with compassion, act with courage, and stand for truth. Whether knights or dames, we commit to a life that reflects the noble ideals of the past while meeting the needs of today. Our chivalric order is guided by a clear mission:
- To preserve and promote the ideals of Christian knighthood and English heritage.
- To support and grow charitable and humanitarian initiatives.
- To provide spiritual and moral guidance to our members and wider communities.
- To revive the honourable traditions of historical orders of knights and foster an elite of virtuous, purpose-driven individuals.
Rooted in faith and fellowship, our knightly order brings together people from all walks of life who believe in the power of tradition, service, and moral responsibility.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam - To the Greater Glory of God.
This is our calling: a life of dignity, a life of purpose, a life of knighthood.
Knighthood in the Modern Age: Living the Code
In a time when traditional values are often set aside, our order of chivalry offers a sanctuary for those who seek to live by a higher standard - the eternal code of chivalry.
Knighthood is not a forgotten relic; it is a living ideal. As a modern order of chivalry, we adapt these time-honoured principles to address today’s moral, social, and humanitarian challenges.
We uphold and promote:
- Faith – Deep spiritual development through Christian unity and fellowship.
- Integrity – A commitment to moral conviction and ethical action.
- Service – Compassionate outreach to the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Our members are everyday heroes - true knights and dames dedicated to uplifting society through service, honour, and faith. Becoming part of this order of chivalry means living with purpose and inspiring others to do the same.
The Legacy of Our Order of Knights Since the Time of the Crusades
What inspired us, trace back to the medieval Crusades, where the medieval order of knights was founded in honour of Saint Thomas Becket - a champion of truth, justice, and unwavering faith. He symbolizes the moral fortitude that still guides our chivalric order today.
We continue his legacy by supporting charity, defending Christian unity, and promoting justice in the modern world. Our order of chivalry blends the piety and bravery of the past with the civic responsibility and compassion required in today’s society.
As guardians of this noble tradition, our knightly order honours the past while looking forward - serving our communities, defending the weak, and standing for truth in uncertain times.
The Code of Chivalry: Our Guiding Light
Every true order of chivalry must have a soul. Ours is grounded in Christian faith and sacred purpose.
Our order of knights upholds a clear code of chivalry - inspired by Scripture, historical conduct, and the moral teachings of Christianity. Each knight and dame walks the path of virtue, guided by this code:
- Faith in God and devotion to Christian virtues
- Loyalty to truth, honour, and one another
- Protection of the weak, innocent, and defenseless
- Charity toward the poor, the sick, and the suffering
- Truthfulness in word and action
- Courage in adversity and moral clarity in all things
- Humility in the face of honour
By living this conduct of knighthood, our members restore dignity to daily life. We are not knights in name only - but practitioners of an honourable, disciplined, and compassionate way of life.
A Living Tradition of Knighthood
Our order of chivalry bridges the past and future - honouring the spiritual legacy of the Crusades, the courage of Saint Thomas Becket, and the charitable spirit of historic knightly orders. Yet, we remain fully engaged in the world today, working alongside communities to bring hope, service, and light where it’s needed most.
Knights. Chivalry. Service. Faith.
We are a modern order of knights upholding the sacred code of chivalry in the 21st century.