How it started: In the UK there are charities covering a huge range of worthwhile causes, yet careful scrutiny reveals there seems always to be room for one more - one more set of needs to be dealt with, one more chance to offer help to an aspect or sector of our daily lives where animals, buildings, landscapes, tradition and, most importantly of all, people, need help or protection.

It was a group of people in influential positions as well as others in ordinary, everyday jobs and professions, who, driven by similar desires to help the helpless, formed the Order. One man, Don Coombe, MBE JP, who moved in all social spheres, proposed to those he knew, that people and tradition could be combined to serve a useful purpose. The idea of the Order was born and it came into being on 3rd July 2002.

Two of the five Objectives of the Order are ‘To protect the old, the young, the weak and infirm from adversity’ and ‘To indelibly imprint on our hearts the principles of benevolence and charity’. These in particular reflect the basis of the chivalry of knights of old. Members of the Order are charged with putting principles into practice.

Structure and organization: The Order is run by The Council, which comprises three Prerogative Members: The Premier, The Grand Herald and The Grand Chamberlain. Other officers are also appointed. Membership is open to ladies as well as gentlemen by proposal (or sponsored application) and, apart from the initial joining fee, has no ongoing financial or service obligation, unless voluntarily undertaken, when membership of a Court is granted. After acceptance and ‘dubbing’ a member receives a certificate of membership granting the honorary title of ‘Lady’ or ‘Sir’. These titles are not recognised outside the Order. Courts are created by the Council when a Charter is granted to 20 or more members who request they become members of a Court (usually, but not essentially, in a county, city, borough or town). Courts are supervised by a Senate of their members. Established Courts are empowered to enrol new members through normal procedures of the Order. There are growing numbers of members, and Courts, in the UK, Jersey, the USA and Canada.

The principles of chivalry are alive and well, still fulfilling their ancient commitment, to Strive to Serve by assisting, protecting, rescuing the weak and needy from distressed circumstances.

The Order is a constituent part of the Coombe Trust, Charity No. 253241.