Knights of St. Patrick Facts for Kids

The Knights of St. Patrick was a special group, or an "order of chivalry," from Britain that had strong ties to Ireland. It was started by King George III of Great Britain and Ireland in 1783. Being a Knight of St. Patrick was a very high honor, usually given to important people in Ireland. One famous member was the Irish-born British General Herbert Kitchener.

The Knights of St. Patrick: An Irish Honor
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The Knights of St. Patrick: An Irish Honor

The Knights of St. Patrick was a royal order created to honor important people, mostly Irish nobles. It was similar to other famous orders like the Order of the Garter in England or the Order of the Thistle in Scotland. These orders were a way for the King to show appreciation and loyalty to his most trusted subjects.

What Was an Order of Chivalry?

An order of chivalry is a group of people, often knights or nobles, who are given a special honor by a king or queen. They usually have rules, traditions, and special clothing or symbols. These orders started a long time ago in the Middle Ages, connected to ideas of bravery, loyalty, and good manners. The Knights of St. Patrick continued this old tradition.

Why Was This Order Created?

King George III created the Order of St. Patrick in 1783. This was shortly after the American War of Independence ended. At that time, Ireland was part of the British Kingdom, and there was a need to strengthen the bond between Ireland and the British Crown. The order was a way to reward and recognize important Irish nobles and leaders, encouraging their loyalty to the King. It also helped to create a sense of national pride within Ireland, linked to the British monarchy.

Who Could Become a Knight?

To become a Knight of St. Patrick, you usually had to be an Irish peer, meaning a noble with a title like Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, or Baron. The King himself was the "Sovereign" of the Order, and the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (the King's representative in Ireland) was the "Grand Master." Only a limited number of knights could be part of the order at any one time, making it very exclusive.

Symbols and Special Clothes

The Knights of St. Patrick had special symbols and clothes that they wore for important ceremonies. These items showed their high status and connection to the order.

The Star and Badge

Each Knight wore a special star, usually made of silver, with a red cross on a white background in the center. Around the cross was a blue circle with the motto of the order: "Quis separabit?" This Latin phrase means "Who shall separate us?" Below the circle was a shamrock, a symbol of Ireland. They also had a badge, which was a gold medal showing St. Patrick holding a shamrock, surrounded by the same motto.

The Collar and Mantle

For very formal events, the Knights wore a special collar made of gold. It featured alternating roses (for England), thistles (for Scotland), and shamrocks (for Ireland), all linked together. They also wore a sky-blue satin mantle, which was a long cloak, lined with white silk. On the left side of the mantle, the star of the order was embroidered.

Where Did the Knights Meet?

The main home of the Order of St. Patrick was St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. This historic cathedral was where new Knights were often invested (formally welcomed into the order). The ceremonies were grand events, full of tradition and spectacle. The Knights also had a special room, called the Chapter Room, in Dublin Castle, where they held meetings.

The End of the Order

The Order of St. Patrick became less active after 1922, when most of Ireland gained independence and became the Irish Free State. While the order was never officially abolished, no new Knights have been appointed since 1936. The last living Knight, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, passed away in 1974. Today, the order is considered dormant, meaning it still exists but is not active.

Famous Knights

Besides General Herbert Kitchener, many other important figures were Knights of St. Patrick. These included various members of the British Royal Family and many of the most influential Irish nobles of their time. Being a Knight was a sign of great honor and loyalty to the Crown.

Images for kids

State pew of the President of Ireland, still retains a British Standard carving on the front
Choir of St Patrick's Cathedral
Memorial to Thomas Jones, Dean of St Patrick's from 1581 to 1585
Lady Chapel in Saint Patrick's Cathedral today.
Bust of Jonathan Swift
Mid 18th century floor plan
brass plate listing deans of the cathedral, including Jonathan Swift
Celtic cross discovered near the church in the 19th century.
Bronze statue of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness by John Henry Foley, erected in 1875.
The nave as viewed from the western end
Floor of the cathedral
The Door of Reconciliation, through a hole in which the earls of Kildare and Ormond shook hands in 1492.
The Wheatly Tomb, St. Patricks Cathedral, Dublin