I was reading that great encyclopaedia and fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia this morning. I was interested in learning about the ceremonial aspects which I found fascinating. One bit caught my eye. Sadly this process was last used in 1716, but I wonder if it could just be resurrected one last time?
The defrocking of a Knight of the Garter we learned this week is a rare event the last happening over a hundred years ago. I accept that previous degrading have been to people who have thrown their weight in with the enemy at times of war,but that of course has been the only reason in the past to warrant being expelled.
Anyway to the actual original ceremony, I will leave it to Wikipedia to explain
“The sovereign may "degrade" members who have taken up arms against the Crown. From the late 15th century, there was a formal ceremony of degradation, in which Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the rest of the Heralds, processed to St George's Chapel. While the Garter King read aloud the Instrument of Degradation, a Herald climbed up a ladder and removed the former Knight's banner, crest, helm, and sword, throwing them down into the quire. Then the rest of the Heralds kicked them down the length of the chapel, out of the doors, and into the castle ditch. The last such formal degradation was that of James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde, in 1716.“
I particularly like the the idea of the heralds all dressed up in their scarlet robes kicking the ex knight of the garter all the way down the aisle of Windsor Chapel , down the steps and into the ditch. I think it should be shown on BBC1 - live.
Ah reading it again, it may be that what the heralds used to kick down the aisle was the flag etc and not actually the knight in question- can I suggest a slight alteration to that ceremony too?
AIBU?