The Company of
Saint George
The Great Charter of
the Company of Saint George
Modern English Version by Brian R. Price
AKA SCA Brion Thornbird ap Rhys
May all know by this present charter that we the Company of Saint George do swear and declare before God our faithful obeisance unto the noble art of arms.
Whereas we declare that the true joy of combat proceeds not from the base spirit of pride, nor of vainly striving one against the other, but is only from honor.
We hereby proclaim that with God’s grace this company shall endeavor to increase, advance and uphold the banner of chivalry as it was practiced by our noble ancestors, and swearing to do the same do we hereby ordain these maintenances:
That every companion shall strive through speech, manner and appearance to present forth the very mirror and example of a gentleman of Christendom.
- Also that every companion shall revere such goodly arts and mysteries of days past omitting neither their practice nor their patronage.
- Also that every companion shall take such care of his arms, harness, raiment and all appearances that be in accordance with his conviction that neither shame nor stain shall befall the company. And that he shall accept such guidance and counsel in regards to the above as seems meet unto the same.
- Also that every companion shall endeavor to better himself in his use of arms and in all pursuits that belong to a gentleman.
- Also that any who may become a companion may be in some way known to the company that his merits and advantages and be known to all.
Also that the companions shall gather no less than once per year for a special feast, with their consorts, to address the company and to administer to the same, and to share agreement together, by custom being the feasts of St. Crispen and St. George. And also that companions be known by a red garter worn below the left knee, bearing the motto, “Honestas Supra Omnia” (Honor above all), and by a black cloak bearing a badge of the same garter worn upon the left breast.
May God serve us in our endeavor. Done this Feast of Epiphany in the year Nineteen Hundred and Ninety of our salvation at Urbs Angellorum.
Amendments to the Charter for the Northern Chapter
Concerning the requirement for a vow of service
Also that each companion swear to undertake one project per year to enhance the glory and mission of the company. The vow should be made at the feast of the company, recorded by the Clerk of the Company, and then ratified as acceptable by the companions present at the feast. If a companion should fail to attend or send letters to the gathering, via the Clerk, then their garter should be suspended. They should also be suspended should they fail in their quest. Since voting is done at the convocation, letters of explanation sent to the clerk shall be assumed to be abstentions unless specific issues are commented on.
Concerning non-combatant Companions of Saint George
It has been found during the endeavors of the company that there are many individuals who do not take to the tourney field but whose service has greatly enhanced the company’s glory and achievement. That these persons be known for their service and that the glory and renown of the company be enhanced, they might be brought into the company as full companions by the normal means. Also that these persons and their work be known, they shall be entitled to wear the company garter and cloak but with the garter and badge counterchanged, the words Honestas Supra Omnia being done in red on a garter of gold.
