An Order of Chivalry, a Tradition of
Medieval Knights and English Crusaders

Hospitallers of Saint
Thomas of Canterbury

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

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Discover the living legacy of England’s medieval knights and crusaders.

The revived Order of Saint Thomas of Canterbury continues the sacred ideals of the hospitallers from Acre through devotion, honour, and service, bridging the enduring spirit of chivalry with the Christian life of today.

Origins of Knighthood in the Middle Ages

This order of chivalry, also known as an order of knights, reflects the noble traditions of knighthood in the Middle Ages, when medieval knights and crusaders upheld faith, honour, and duty as sacred vows.

Rooted in the ideal of the monk and warrior, these knights were devoted both to prayer and protection, combining religious devotion with military discipline and dedicating their lives to defending pilgrims and preserving Christian virtue throughout Europe and the Holy Land.

The earliest orders of knighthood of the Middle Ages arose in the Holy Land during the Crusades, when crusaders offered protection, shelter, and spiritual guidance to Christian pilgrims. Living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, these medieval knights defended the weak and safeguarded the faith. Papal recognition established their 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 that carries forward the sacred heritage of England’s medieval knights and crusaders.

We are a living link between the knighthood of the Middle Ages and the modern world, upholding the timeless virtues of devotion, commitment, and honour. The story of the Knights of Saint Thomas begins in the heart of the Crusades, when English knights journeyed to the Holy Land to defend pilgrims and protect the sacred sites of Christianity.

Founded in July 1191, the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury at Acre were inspired by Saint Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury and defender of the faith.

This was one of England’s earliest Christian orders of knighthood, established not only for combat but also for compassion — caring for wounded crusaders, tending the poor, and defending the vulnerable. Over time, the Hospitallers became a symbol of medieval chivalry, representing courage, discipline, and charity from the Crusader States of Jerusalem to the hospitals of medieval England.

Continuing the Legacy of Medieval Knights

Today, the revived Order of Saint Thomas of Canterbury honours that legacy — not through arms, but through service, charity, and civic duty.

Our modern order of knighthood is structured according to traditional ranks and guided by timeless moral principles that define every true order of chivalry.

Our mission includes:

Supporting St Thomas’ Hospital and Christian charitable causes
Honouring veterans and members of the armed forces
Providing charity to those in need across England
Educating others about knighthood and chivalry
Building Christian fellowship inspired by the medieval knights
Fostering an elite of like-minded individuals

Through these efforts, our knightly order ensures that the spirit of chivalry and the legacy of England’s crusaders and hospitallers continue to inspire generations to come.

The Seven Core Virtues of our Hospitallers

At the heart of every order of chivalry lies a moral compass — a sacred code guiding knights to live with virtue, justice, and selflessness.

Our order preserves and practises this code of chivalry, embracing seven enduring virtues that defined the medieval crusaders and hospitallers:

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 of crusaders — they are a living guide for every knight and dame within our modern order in the United Kingdom.

Knighthood in the Middle Ages was not a privilege of birth but a sacred calling to serve God, the Church, and the community. Similarly, in our modern order of knights in England, membership is earned through devotion, charity, and integrity — not status.

Join the Christian Knights of England

The Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury are more than a historical memory - we are a modern order of chivalry active across England, serving God, communities, and country.

Our members come from all recognised Christian denominations, united by a shared mission: to embody the spirit of medieval knighthood through faith, charity, and civic duty. We are a non-political, non-Masonic, and non-profit fellowship, governed by Christian ethics and open to all who share our values.

Our mission continues the ancient calling of the crusaders and hospitallers — to heal, to serve, and to protect, not through battle, but through compassion, faith, and public service. If you wish to:

Serve the poor and vulnerable
Support your parish and community
Deepen your Christian faith
Live by the ideals of chivalry and honour

…then you may be called to join a modern order of knights in England.

By joining our Hospitallers, you become part of a modern order of chivalry that unites faith, service, and tradition, preserving the noble heritage of England’s crusaders.

Embrace the Legacy of Medieval Knighthood

Many see chivalry as a relic of the past, yet for us, it remains a living path.

To join our Hospitallers in the 21st century is to uphold the same virtues that guided the Christian knights of old: humility, duty, courage, and love of neighbour.

Our modern order of knighthood bridges ancient and modern times, adapting the ideals of the Crusader orders to today’s needs, caring for the poor, serving the Church, and building moral leadership in society. True knighthood is not defined by title or ceremony, but by a life lived in service, sacrifice, and virtue.

As a modern order of chivalry, we carry the torch of Christian knighthood into the present age, bringing the light of faith and honour into a world too often darkened by selfishness. If you feel called to serve, deepen your faith, and live by the ideals of honour and charity - we welcome you.

Join us and begin your journey.

Discover the path of modern knighthood in England, live the virtues of chivalry, and carry forward a legacy of English crusaders and hospitallers.

What is an order of chivalry?

An order of chivalry is a formal fellowship of knights inspired by medieval knights and traditions of honour, faith, and service. Historically linked to Catholic military orders during the Crusades, modern knightly orders continue this heritage by recognizing individuals for distinguished service and commitment to Christian values. In England, revived chivalric orders focus on charity, community, and preserving English heritage.

What is the code of chivalry?

The code of chivalry was the ethical code of medieval knights, emphasizing courage, honour, loyalty, justice, and courtesy. Knights were expected to defend the Church, protect the weak, serve faithfully, and live with integrity. Today, the same Christian chivalric virtues inspire modern knights and dames, guiding them to live lives of service, compassion, and moral duty.

How to become knighted?

To join us, applicants must be Christians over 21, of good character, and either resident in England or holders of a noble or hereditary title. After applying, you begin as a Novice, completing a period of formation and online instruction. Successful candidates are invested in a sacred ceremony, receiving the mantle and insignia of the Order. Modern knighthood is a lifelong commitment to faith, charity, and fellowship.
👉 Apply now to begin your journey.

What are the costs associated with joining the Order?

There is an annual membership fee of £15. If invested as a Knight or Dame, members cover only the cost of the mantle, tie or scarf, and ring. Optional items personalized with the Order’s logo are also available for purchase.

What are the duties and expectations of members in the Order?

Members are expected to uphold the Constitution of the Order, participate in charitable missions, attend workshops, and support fundraising efforts. Members are also encouraged to attend investitures, annual meetings, and international events. Above all, our knights hospitallers commit to living by the seven virtues of the code of chivalry.

Are orders of knighthood still recognized by the Church?

Yes, some orders are officially recognized, especially Papal Orders such as the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Others, like our ecumenical fellowship, preserve authentic Christian traditions of crusaders, while focusing on charity, service, and faith in the Uk. Though not a Papal order, we stand firmly within the Christian knightly tradition and welcome members of all denominations.

As a Scout leader in Barking, I’m always looking for meaningful ways to connect our young members with history and tradition. The educational workshop organized by the Knights of Saint Thomas for St George’s Day was truly exceptional. Through engaging storytelling, including classics like George and the Dragon and The Canterbury Tales, the children were not only entertained but also inspired to learn more about England’s heritage.
Jude John Adigwe: Scouts Leader

Joining the Order of Saint Thomas of Canterbury has been a deeply meaningful step in my vocation. I have found a community of devoted Christians, united not only by faith but also by a genuine love for tradition and a heartfelt commitment to serving those in need. I feel truly blessed to be part of it.
Rev. Andrew Cass: Ordained Priest

It was genuinely lovely to work with an historic organisation who are committed to supporting the amazing team at Guy’s and St Thomas Charity and we would welcome any opportunities to collaborate further.
Olivia-Georgia Bartlett: Community Fundraising Lead

As a high school history teacher, I'm always looking for engaging, accurate, and accessible resources to supplement my lessons. The history page on this website and online course has become invaluable tools for both me and my students. The content is well-researched and presented in a way that sparks curiosity and deeper discussion in the classroom.
Amy Warmouth: History Teacher

On Remembrance Sunday in Northampton, I had the honour of meeting members of the Hospitallers of St Thomas of Canterbury during the wreath-laying ceremony. What struck me most was their deep respect, humility, and sincere dedication to preserving memory and honouring the fallen. I spent the morning in the company of truly extraordinary people, compassionate, dignified, and committed to values that matter.
James Whitaker: Army Veteran