A unique place
The Chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, founded by King Edward III in 1348. On Garter Day, the Knights of the Order would assemble with the monarch at Windsor Castle and then process through the Castle to a service in St George’s Chapel.
In 1948, to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the founding of the Order, King George VI reinstated this procession. Since then, Garter Day has been, as in centuries past, a vital expression of the life of the Order and of our cultural heritage.
St George’s Chapel dates from 1475 and is the burial place of eleven Kings and Queens, including Henry VIII, Charles I and HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. It is also the burial place for Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Become a part of history
The Chapel and its community are maintained by the College of St George, an ancient fellowship of religious and lay people dating from medieval times. The College has upheld the tradition of continuous worship in this historic Chapel since its creation over 500 years ago. It has been supported by the Friends of St George’s and Descendants of the Knights of the Garter’ – regarded as members of its extended family – since they were established over 70 years ago.
Become a part of the present
As a Friend of St George’s or a Descendant of a Knight of the Garter you will be joining a global community of over 4000 people who have an attachment to this extraordinary place of worship.
Become a part of the future
We warmly encourage our Friends to help and contribute to our future. The Chapel and College buildings contain examples of historic craftsmanship which are extremely rare – in some cases unique – and are rich in historical significance. Conserving them requires constant work.
The Chapel and College buildings are not, as many people think, either the property or the financial responsibility of the State, the Church of England or the Royal Family. The College relies almost entirely on visitor admission charges for the routine maintenance of the Chapel. However, these cannot fully cover the costs of maintaining and running the Chapel.
Over the past ten years alone the Friends have raised over £1.3 million to help with this enormous task, and their support is vital. By becoming a Friend or Descendant you will join a distinguished list of benefactors preserving this glorious place of worship and cultural heritage for future generations.
Please join us