What Happened to the Order of the Thistle?

The Order of the Thistle is one of the oldest and most prestigious orders of chivalry in the world. Founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland, the order is limited to 16 knights and ladies, who are chosen for their contributions to Scotland and the United Kingdom.

What Happened to the Thistle

by Joan Giroux

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	8 pages

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The order's origins can be traced back to the 15th century, when King James III of Scotland founded the Order of the Knighthood of the Thistle. This order was intended to be a Scottish equivalent of the English Order of the Garter, and its members were chosen from among the Scottish nobility.

In 1687, King James VII refounded the Order of the Thistle as a royal order of chivalry. The new order was limited to 16 knights and ladies, who were to be chosen from among the most distinguished members of Scottish society.

The Order of the Thistle has a long and illustrious history. Its members have included some of the most famous figures in Scottish history, including King Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, and Mary, Queen of Scots.

In recent years, the Order of the Thistle has become increasingly active in promoting Scottish culture and heritage. The order's members have been involved in a variety of projects, including the restoration of historic buildings, the support of Scottish education, and the promotion of Scottish arts and crafts.

The Order's Symbolism

The Order of the Thistle's symbol is a green thistle, which is the national flower of Scotland. The thistle is often depicted with a crown above it, to symbolize the order's royal status.

The thistle is a symbol of strength and resilience, and it is said to have been chosen as the order's symbol because of the bravery of the Scots in the face of adversity.

The Order's Membership

The Order of the Thistle is limited to 16 knights and ladies. Members are chosen by the Sovereign, who is the head of the order.

Members of the Order of the Thistle are entitled to wear the order's insignia, which includes a green thistle on a gold chain, a star on the left breast, and a ribbon on the right shoulder.

Members of the Order of the Thistle are also entitled to the style of "Sir" or "Dame".

The Order's Activities

The Order of the Thistle is involved in a variety of activities, including:

• Promoting Scottish culture and heritage
• Restoring historic buildings
• Supporting Scottish education
• Promoting Scottish arts and crafts

The Order of the Thistle is a living symbol of Scotland's rich history and culture. Its members are dedicated to preserving and promoting Scottish heritage, and they continue to play an important role in Scottish society.

Additional Information

Here are some additional interesting facts about the Order of the Thistle:

• The Order of the Thistle is the second oldest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, after the Order of the Garter.
• The order's motto is "Nemo me impune lacessit", which means "No one provokes me with impunity".
• The order's chapel is located in St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
• The order's robes are made of green velvet and are trimmed with gold.
• The order's collar is made of gold and is adorned with thistles and crowns.

The Order of the Thistle is a fascinating and important part of Scottish history and culture. Its members are dedicated to preserving and promoting Scottish heritage, and they continue to play an important role in Scottish society.

What Happened to the Thistle

by Joan Giroux

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	8 pages

FREE