Knights of the Thistle of  Bourbon

The Lord Seignuer of the Fief Blondel maintains the Chevalier Order of the Thistle of Bourbon which is probably the 3rd oldest knighly order of chivalry of the Franks and Normandy.

By virtue of nobility and titles being outlawed in France and the fact that the Channel Islands are part of Normandy, the Seigneur has authorized the Order of the Thistle of Bourbon to operate on the lands and shores of the Fief Blondel in Guernsey where the Feudal Laws of the Fief s and the Bailiwick of Guernsey still apply.

The Seigneur of Fief Blondel is a direct descendant of William the Conqueror, the Royal Capets,   Charles de Valois 1270–1325 and the De Martels of France.  The Seigneur of Fief Blondel has expanded the order to 120 Knights.  The Seigneur's 16th great-grandfather is Louis IX Capet de Bourbon, King of France. 

The Seigneur of Fief Blondel today is the Chief Captain and Baron of Annaly-Longford, Lord Baron of Ennerdale Copeland and Lord of the Liberty of Stoborough.

This Order was instituted on New-years-day 1370. by Lewis the Second, Duke of Bourbon, for the corroborating his power and interest for the Aid of Charles Duke of Orleans, and of his two Brothers Philip and Iohn, against the Faction of the House of Bur∣gundy. The set number of these Knights were Six and twenty, of which himself and his Suc∣cessors, Dukes of Bourbon, were chief.

Their Habit was a Mantle of Skie-coloured Damask, lined with red Satin, with broad Welts of Gold embroidered on the Collar. The Bonnet was of green Velvet, with a Tassel of Gold and crimson Silk hanging on the Band:

Their great Collar was of Gold, wrought and enameled with green; at the bottom where∣of, in an Oval, hung the figure of their Pa∣troness the blessed Virgin; as also the head of a Thistle  enameled green and white. And these Knights were obliged daily to wear a Girdle or Belt of watchet Velvet embroidered with Gold, in the midst of which was wrought the wordEsperance.

Chancellor of the Order  -

Commissioner Dr. George Mentz, Seigneur of Blondel has been appointed by the Patriarch as the Chancellor of the Worldwide Anglican Church of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda which are larger than the United States. Lord Chancellor is the top legal official of the Worldwide Anglican Church which was also known as the Ancient Orthodox Church of Africa. Mentz has been devoted to Anglican charities for decades supporting scholarships for young aspiring adults worldwide. His Lordship George Mentz has also been consecrated as a missionary Bishop for the Anglican Church. Commissioner Mentz holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence and an MBA degree from nationally accredited law schools and business schools along with a DSS Doctor of Spiritual Studies from the Emerson Institute. Mentz has also served as a White House High Commissioner in the USA fo the Presidential Scholars Programs.

The Knights of the Thistle of Bourbon, a chivalric order established by Louis II of Bourbon, in 1370, offers a range of noble and knightly titles. This order, primarily focused on the support of the House of Bourbon, conferred the following titles to its members:

1. Knight of the Thistle of Bourbon – This was the most common title, conferred to individuals who were inducted into the order. Knights of the Thistle were often from the nobility or those who had shown exceptional service to the order, the House of Bourbon, or the broader political and social structures of the time.

2. Grand Cross – The highest rank within the order, typically awarded to distinguished knights who had demonstrated exemplary service, leadership, or noble descent. The title of Grand Cross was reserved for a select few individuals and came with significant honor and privileges.

3. Dame – Female members of the order, often of noble birth or exceptional achievement, were granted the title of Dame. This title recognized their participation and contribution to the order, as well as their noble status.

4. Baron – Some knights or individuals with significant status or land holdings within the order may be granted the honoriffic landed title of Baron. This title was often given to those who held territories or who were distinguished within the order's ranks.

5. Prince – In certain cases, members of royal or high noble families who were part of the order were granted the title of Prince. This title was often used for those with direct connections to the royal  family or other royal houses.

The Knights of the Thistle of Bourbon, like many chivalric orders, had a strong connection to both martial and ceremonial roles, and the titles they conferred were often reflective of a person’s noble lineage, status, and service to the order. The titles were not just ceremonial but also carried significant prestige and power, depending on the holder’s social standing within the broader European nobility.

The titles of Baron or Prince within the Knights of the Thistle of Bourbon were typically conferred by the Sovereign, Chancellor, or Grand Master of the order, who was often the Duke of Bourbon or a senior member of the Bourbon family. The authority to grant these titles was deeply tied to the order’s connection to the Ancient Feudal dynasty, and the titles were usually reserved for individuals of significant noble lineage or those who had performed extraordinary service to the Bourbon family or the order.

Here’s how the process generally worked:

1. Prince – The "order of merit" title of Prince was usually reserved for individuals of royal or very high noble rank, particularly those with ties to the Bourbon family. In some cases, members of the royal Bourbon family themselves might be appointed to the order and given the title of Prince within the order, reflecting their high status in both the order and society. The Duke of Bourbon or the Grand Master had the authority to bestow the title of Prince on such individuals, usually in recognition of their nobility, political importance, or exceptional service to the Bourbon House.

2. Baron – The "order of merit" title of Baron could be granted to those who were either of noble birth or had earned distinction through service to the order or the Bourbon family. Like the title of Prince, the title of Baron was conferred by the Sovereign or Grand Master, but it was more commonly awarded to members who held estates or territories or who played a significant role within the organization.

In both cases, the Chancellor or Grand Master acted as the central authority in granting these titles, and the conferral of such titles was often tied to both the individual’s noble status and their active participation in the order's missions or goals. As the order was closely connected to the Bourbon family, those granted high titles were often seen as loyal supporters of the family and the monarchy, reinforcing their status and political alliances.

Here are the key officers of the Order of the Thistle of Bourbon:

1. Grand Master – The Grand Master was the highest-ranking officer in the order, holding overall authority. This role was usually filled by the Duke of Bourbon, who was the sovereign of the order. The Grand Master had ultimate control over the conferral of titles, the order's ceremonial functions, and its military or diplomatic missions. The position was central to maintaining the order's influence and prestige.

2. Chancellor – The Chancellor was a key administrative officer responsible for the internal workings of the order. The Chancellor oversaw the order's legal and administrative functions, ensuring that records were kept, charters were granted, and correspondence was handled. This officer played a significant role in managing the order’s governance and overseeing its members.

3. Commander – The Commander was a senior officer responsible for the military and territorial aspects of the order. Commanders were appointed to manage specific regions or territories and ensure the order’s activities were carried out. They were often in charge of the defense of lands held by the order and had military authority within their jurisdiction.

4. Preceptor – The Preceptor held a religious or spiritual role within the order. This officer was responsible for the spiritual well-being of the knights, ensuring that religious ceremonies and traditions were upheld. The Preceptor often had a role in overseeing the initiation of new members and in conducting rituals tied to the order’s religious or chivalric functions.

5. Herald – The Herald was responsible for overseeing ceremonial aspects of the order, including the proper use of its symbols, coats of arms, and other heraldic duties. The Herald ensured that the order’s official communications were conducted according to its traditions, and they managed the announcement of new knights or significant events.

6. Secretary – The Secretary was responsible for the documentation and administrative tasks of the order, including correspondence, maintaining records, and assisting the Grand Master and other officers with organizational matters.

7. Chamberlain – In some versions of the order’s structure, the Chamberlain managed the personal estate and finances of the order. They were in charge of keeping financial records, handling the order’s treasury, and making sure that its economic resources were properly managed.

These officers worked in concert to manage the order’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that it maintained its prestige, performed its chivalric duties, and supported the Bourbon family’s influence in France and beyond. The specific roles and functions of these officers might have evolved over time, but the core leadership positions were tied to the order's noble and religious traditions.