Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/442

Rh and Grand-Master of the Order were exclusively transferred to the Portuguese Crown.

The principal seat of the Order was originally Castro-Marino, in the Diocese of Faro, but in 1366, it was transferred to Tomer (seven leagues from Santarem), where a fine cloister is still to be seen.

No one could present himself as candidate who was not able to prove his noble descent, and a three years' military noviceship in the wars against the infidels). The members were originally bound to make the three vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience; but Pope Alexander VI. released them from the two first, on condition that they should apply the third part of their revenues to the building and support of the Tomar Cloister, the priests of which he bound to the whole of the three vows. It serves now, together with the Seminary at Coimbra, as a theological institution for the priests of the Order, as an immediate fief of the Crown.

The Order possesses twenty-six villages and farms, and four hundred and thirty-four prebends.

Since 1789, the members consist (besides the Grand Master and Great Commander) of six Knights of the Grand Cross, four hundred and fifty Commanders, and an unlimited number of Knights.

Foreigners are exempt from the rules, but, at the same time, are excluded from the participation in the revenues of the Order.

Catholics, only, of noble descent can be admitted to the Order.

The Knights Grand Cross wear the decoration (Tab. II. No. 9) across the right shoulder towards the left side, by a broad red ribbon, while the left side of the breast is adorned with the star (No. 8).

The Commanders wear the same cross and star round the