Military Knights of Windsor

At the original establishment of the Order of the Garter and its chapel at Windsor (1348), veteran warriors were called to "serve God continually in prayer".

Their duties included attending four services per day and praying for the sovereign and the knights of the Order of the Garter.

They were required to pray daily for the Sovereign and Knights Companions of the Order of the Garter; in return, they received 12 pennies per day and 40 shillings per year, and were lodged in Windsor Castle.

Poverty was an important attribute of bedesmen, and indeed if any Poor Knight were to acquire assets with annual income of £20 or more, he would be removed from the college.

The office of Governor of the Military Knights of Windsor is part of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom, and dates from the mid-sixteenth century.