Links to Military Orders, Orders of Knighthood & Orders of Merit

October 2007

Chancery of the Portuguese Orders of Merit Web Site - (in Portuguese) '06

The number of sites dedicated to military orders, orders of chivalry and orders of merit has been steadily increasing at the WWW. That is why we have decided to reorganize and enlarge this links page.

Web sites with a high level of quality of information related with the following themes: 1. The Crusades and the History of the Religious Military Orders; 2. The Military Orders; 3. Monarchical or princely founded Orders of Knighthood; 4. «Dynastic» Orders; 5. Self Styled Orders of Knighthood; 6. Orders of Merit; 7. Decorations, Medals and Insignia; 8. Iberian Medieval History

Section 1: The Crusades and the Military Orders

ORB Encyclopedia - Military Orders, by Paul Crawford and Eric Opshal: Excellent site with an Introduction to the Monastic Military Orders founded in the Holy Land during the Crusades (Temple, Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, Teutonic Order), with a link to the history of the Crusades and a general Bibliography.
The Templars, by Malcolm Barber: A page included at the ORB Encyclopedia - Military Orders' Site ( see above) with a scholarly article on the Templars by Prof. Malcolm Barber.
ORB Online Encyclopedia - Crusades and Latin Kingdoms, ed. by Paul Crawford: Excellent site with scholar introductory essays on the Crusades and the Latin Kingdoms founded in the Holy Land. Includes a general Bibliography and Sources
History of the Crusades: A course by Dr. James W. Brodman, professor of history in the University of Central Arkansas (2003).
Ransoming Captives in Crusader Spain: The Order of Merced on the Christian-Islamic Frontier, by Dr. James W. Brodman: A book by Dr. James W. Brodman - President of the American Academy of Research Historians of Medieval Spain, whose original University of Pennsylvania Press edition has been supplanted with full-text internet edition.
The Frontier in Medieval History: A paper by prof. Charles Julian Bishko (1955).

The Spanish Orders, of Knighood by Guy Stair Sainty: A section of Guy Stair Sainty's vast site on the Orders of Chivalry (see below), dealing with the history of the Spanish Religious Military Orders founded in the Middle Ages and still extant today, although with a different nature: Santiago, Calatrava, Montesa and Alcântara.
The Order of Christ. Overview, by Rod Thorn: Rod Thorn is very much interested in the history of Portugal, the Order of Christ and in the figure of Prince Henry, the Navigator, grand-son of John of Lancaster, duke of Gaunt. In his site he gives us an outline of the history of Portugal, of the Order of the Temple and of its "successor" - the Order of Christ, founded in 1319. He stresses the role of Prince Henry, the Navigator, duke of Viseu and Lord of Covilhã in the governement and administration of the Order as well as in the Discoveries. Contains bibliography.
The Military Orders (from the «Catholic Encyclopedia»: Published in the beginning of the century the most respected «Catholic Encyclopedia» must be read with caution as far as the articles on the history of the Military Orders are concerned! Unfortunately, their historical sources are not always faithful and reliable and the authors repeated legends and myths about several order's origins.
That is particularly the case with the origins of the modern Pontifical Supreme Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ said, without any solid historical evidence, to have the same historical origin as the Military Religious Order of Christ, created in 1319 by King Dennis I, of Portugal, with the benediction of His Holiness Pope John XXII.
In fact, the pontifical Order of Christ (1905) had a much more humble origin: it started, most probably, sometime in the XVIth century, as a simple Medal in honour od Our Lord Jesus Christ, bearing a Latin Cross, in red, and given as a token by the Pontiffs.
It soon evolved to become an honorary Papal distinction - its holders were known as the cavaliere di brevetto - with no particular obligations attatched to it. Its conferrement, made through a papal Brief, became so widespread that the distinction was rapidly discredited by the XVIII th century.
What is certain though is that, from a certain moment onwards, some officials at the Secretariat of the Briefs begun abusively to append to the Brief the words «Whose Grand-Master is the King of Portugal...», thus giving rise to a confusion that lasted for centuries, and is still widespread today.
The recipients of the Papal Medal thinking that their decoration was the very same as the one given by the King of Portugal started buying and using the Portuguese Order of Christ's insignia, more beautiful and more respected. The latter's insignia was however, completely different from the Papal medal (G. Bonnani describes it in his works published in the XVIIIth century, in Rome).
The Kings of Portugal repeatedly protested against this practice and situation. In Rome however efforts were made to discover a noble and ancient origin to the Papal distinction.
So, there appeared the theories trying to "legitimize" the Papal award:
1. The most common theory (still widespread today by several authors) states that Pope John XXII, in 1319, reserved the right for the Roman pontiffs to confer the Order in the foundation Bull! An extraordinary impossibility because the Order of Christ was governed by a Rule and by Statutes approved by the Holy See which gave the power of admission into the Order to the Chapter General and, at a later stage, to its Grand Master, or more correctly its Administrator and Governor - the King of Portugal. Apart from the fact that the referred Bull of Foundation, which exists in the Portuguese Historical Archives (see G. S. Sainty's site referred above), mentions no such power or prerogative. 2. The second most expanded argument is that there existed two Orders with a common origin, but with a different nature: the Portuguese Religious Military Order of Christ under the grand-mastership of the Portuguese Crown and the Papal Order given by the Pontiffs, as an Order of Merit from the 1520's onwards (basically, this is the theory advanced by Peter Bander van-Duren in his book on Orders and the Holy See). To strengthen this argument it is commonly alledeged that after the laicization of the kinghts of Christ in 1522 (?), the Pope's reserved the right to confer the Order motu proprio.
It is rather odd that amongst so many Military Religious Orders and Orders of Knighthood of Catholic origin in existence at the time, the Pontiffs chose only the Order of Christ for conferement motu proprio. On the other hand, there were many admissions to the Military Order of Christ made by the Kings of Portugal, at the express request of Roman Pontiffs, but following the required statutory procedures and requirements. For a more detailed discussion on this matter see, The Military Order of Christ and its awards by Rome

The Knights Hospitaller: Ancient and Modern: A scholarly site by Norman Hugh Redington on the «History of the Military Orders». Includes links to Bibliography and to the self-proclaimed various Eastern Orthodox Knights of St. John.

Section 2: The Military Orders

2.1. The Sovereign Hospitaler Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem (of Malta)

The Order of Malta, by Guy Stair Sainty: This is the unofficial site of the Sovereign Hospitaller Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem (of Malta) with headquarters in Rome. It's sovereignty is internationally recognized by several States and international organizations.
Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard (South Africa): A relief organization of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, commonly referred to as the Order of the Knights of Malta, which was founded as a Brotherhood by Blessed Gérard Tonque 900 years ago.
The Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard Link's Page: An exhaustive and well presented site with links and addresses of most organizations of the SMOMalta.
The Sovereign Military Order of Saint-John (a.k.a. Malta) , by F. Velde: With an essay on the history and evolution of the Order, heraldry of the Order and of the Grand-Masters and many links to related sites.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Great Britain: A brief introduction on the SMOM in Great Britain, by Peter Drummond-Murray of Mastrick.
Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Federal Association of the U.S.A.: This is the official site of the Order of Malta Federal Association of U.S.A. With links to the Order's various National Associations.
Sovereign Military Order of Malta Ordre Souverain Militaire de Malte Canadian Association Canadienne: The official site of the SMOM Canadian Association.
Souveräner Malteser Ritterorden Großpriorat Österreich: The offical site of the SMHOM Grand-Priory of Austria.
The Knights Hospitallers in Poland, by Darius von Güttner Sporzynski
Knights Hospitallers in Poland, by Darius von Guttner Sporzynski
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, by V. Shaun Redmond: An excellent site. It includes an historical survey of the SMHOM, an Armorial of the Canadian Knights of the Order and a page with the insignia of the Orders.
Museum of the Order of Malta (Geneva): An interesting site from Switzerland worth visiting.
The Archives of the Order of St. John: At the «National Library of Malta», in Valletta.

2.2. The Orders of St. John of Jerusalem

The Chivalric Alliance of Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem , by Guy Stair Sainty

The Knights of Saint John in Germany , by Guy Stair Sainty

The Netherlands Johanniter Order, by Guy Stair Sainty

The Swedish Johanniter Order, by Guy Stair Sainty

The Most Venerable Order of The Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem by Guy Stair Sainty

The Orders of St John (British Heraldic Archive)

Edited by Patrick Cracroft-Brennan, S.B.StJ., Hon.F.H.S., F.S.A.(Scot), this page has links to articles on the SMHOM, the Most Venerable Order of St. John and the other Orders of the Alliance.

The Johanniter Order

Der Johanniterorden in Österreich

Hungarian Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St. John (Johanniter), Inc.

2.3. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Spulchre of Jerusalem, By Guy Stair Sainty: Excellent and scholar account on the history of this order founded in the time of the Crusades at the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Order today stands under the high protection of the Holy See and develops a meritory hospitaller work, namely in Palestine having Lieutnancies in many European coutries and in North America (USA & Canada, see below).
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Spulchre of Jerusalem, Vincent Shaun Redmond's HP: With short introductory pages on Orders of Chivalry, namely on the S.M.H.O. Malta, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and its Lieutenancies in Canada and the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George. As regards the latter, the webmaster posted the Grand-Master's portrait - HRH Infant Don Carlos, Duke of Calabria and some of the order's insignia and a list of Knights from Canada. Also with links to other related Sites.
Armorial of the Canadian Knights of the OHSJ (V. S. Redmond)
The Toronto Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Spulchre of Jerusalem: This new website is concerned with «... the history and the mission of this Order of Chivalry and, in particular, the history and activities of the Toronto Lieutenancy of the Order» and it includes a page on the "The Nature of Nomination and Membership in this Catholic Order of Chivalry". Quite innovative are the links to articles on the "Study of the situation in the Bethlehem Area" and on "The Importance of the work of the Order in the Holy Land". It also includes a useful collection of links to related sites.

2.4. The Teutonic Order

The Teutonic Order, by Eric Opsahl: A page included in the ORB Online Encyclopedia's Site with a scholarly article on the Teutonic order by Prof. Eric Opshal. With links to Timelines and Bibliography.
The Deutsche Order - The Teutonic Order: Interesting «official» site of the Teutonic Order, now a religious Roman Catholic Order and in its origins a Military Order born in the Holy Land during the Crusades.
The Order of St. Mary of the Teutons (The Teutonic Order), by Guy Stair Sainty: Again a scholar concise account on the history and development of the «Teutonic Order» since its foundation in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, through its activities in Eastern Europe, the changes occurred during the Reformation, its attachment to the House of Austria after 1805 under Napoleon pressures, and its New Rule in 1929, when it became a purely Religious Order of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Teutonic Order, by François Velde: A short introduction to the Order's history and evolution and the Heraldry of the Order.

Section 3: Monarchical or princely founded Orders of Knighthood

Russian Imperial Orders of Chivalry: An excellent website of D. Ivanov and Dr. M. Medvedev with scholar essays on the Russian Imperial Orders and Modern Orders and Awards of the Russian Orthodox Church
Knighthood and Orders of Chivalry, by F. Velde: It is undoubtdely one of the best pages in the Web on the subject. François Velde within his vast site on Heraldry dedicates particular and detailed attention to the Orders of Knighthood, its origins, history and evolution till modern times. Particular attention should be paid to the essays on the former French Royal Orders, and on the discussion on the "legitimacy" of Orders today.
Also of particular academic interest is the discussion over the concepts and the classification of the Orders of Knighthood proposed by Prof. D'Arcy J. Boulton, in his classic and still unequaled work on theMonarchical Orders of Knighthood in later medieval Europe (1325-1520). This site is a must for anyone seriously interested in the theme.
Great Orders of Chivalry, by Guy Stair Sainty: The main and scholar WebSite on the subject, dealing with the history of the main Orders of Knighood still extant in our days, some of which with the nature of "dynastic orders". This huge site is almost exhaustive and amongst others, the Author deals with the Orders of the Garter, the Golden Fleece (see below), the Royal Orders of the Holy Ghost and St. Michael, theAnnunziatta, Saint Stephen (Tuscany), the Holy Spulcher (see above), etc.
The Order of the Golden Fleece, by Guy Stair Sainty: The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by Philip, duke of Burgundy, to commemorate his wedding to Princess Isabel, Infant of Portugal, daughter of John I, King of Portugal, and of Philipa of Lancaster, Queen of Portugal. After the tragic death of Charles, the Bold, the last sovereign duke of Burgundy, at the gates of Dijon, he was succeeded by his daughter Mary, duchess of Burgundy married to the Maximilian of Austria future Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, to whom the the Headship of the Order was transmitted. Their grand-son, Charles I, King of Spain and (V) Holy Roman Emperor inherited the Head and Sovereignty of the Order who then became inherent to the Head of the Spanish Habsburgs, Kings of Spain. With the extinction of the Spanish Habsburg Dynasty after the death without issue of Charles II, King of Spain, Philip, duke of Anjou, grand-son of Louis XIV, ascended to the Spanish Crown by right of birth and inheritance, assuming also the Headship of the Order of the Golden Fleece. His rights were disputed by Charles of Habsburg and gave rise to the Spanish War of Succession. After the Peace Treaties the dispute over the Order was not settled and since then, there have been de facto two "branches" of the Order - one Austrian headed by the Habsburgs (of doubtful legitimacy) and the other by the Spanish Sovereigns. In modern times the nature of the Order has largely evolved. The Habsburgs have tried to keep their Order close to the original Statutes, as a Catholic Order of Knighthood, exclusivist and aristocratic. However, several States, like France, have always only recognized the Kings of Spain as the legitimate Heads of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The Order's Head and Sovereign Chief is today H. M. Don Juan Carlos I, King of Spain. In this page the Author analysis the dispute over the Order with abundant information and sources and excellent images. The nature of the Order in Spain, after the reforms of Queen Isabella in the XIXth century and the recent measures adopted by H.M. King Don Juan Carlos I, are also scholarly discussed.
The Monarchy Today: Interesting official page discussing the Queen's Role - Sovereign as Fountain of Honour with short articles on the British orders of chivalry.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, by Guy Stair Sainty
What are the Orders of Chivalry?: A FAQ's page from the Official Site of the British Monarchy. with articles on the British Orders and the Royal Family Orders.
The British Orders of Chivalry: Edited by Patrick Cracroft-Brennan, the site deals with the British Orders of Knighthood having interesting articles, namely on on the Orders of the Garter, Thistle, St. Patrick, Bath, Merit, St. Michael and St. George, Royal Victorian Order and British Empire.
The Royal Order of Charles III, by Guy Stair Sainty: The Royal Order of Charles III was founded in the XVIII th century by Charles III, King of Spain, as an Order of Knitghood. The author quotes the history and organization of the Order and its insignia from a book in preparation by the Marquis of la Floresta.
The Royal Order of Isabella, the Catholic (Spain): Within G. Stair Sainty's huge site on Orders of Chivalry.
The Order of Maria Luisa, by Guy Stair Sainty: It deals with the Royal Order of Queen Maria Luísa, of Spain, quoting the work of the Marquis de la Floresta. & alia.
The Royal Danish Orders: Official Site from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark with a concise history of the Danish Orders.
The Order of the Elephant, by Guy Stair Sainty
Orders of Chivalry in France, by F. Velde.
ORDERS OF CHIVALRY, by V. Shaun Redmond: The entry site on orders of chivalry by Vincent Shaun Redmond (Canada).
Stewart LeFortes' HP: Bearing the Coat of Arms of its editor and its description, with links to sites on Orders of Knitgthood, Dynastic Orders and Orders of Merit .

Russian Military Orders

Section 4: The so-called "Dynastic" Orders of Knighthood

The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, by Guy Satir Sainty: One of the most polemic extant Dynastic Orders, since there are "two" claimants (see below).
The Order belonged to the House of Farnese, dukes of Parma and then passed by inheritance to the Bourbon Two-Sicillies (a branch of the Spanish Bourbons) - Kings of Naples and of Sicily and later on, Kings of the Two-Sicillies. It has been considered by some authors as a dynastic Order of the House of the Two-Sicillies, whose Head and Sovereign is H.R.H. Prince Don Carlos, duke of Calabria and Infante of Spain.
Since 1960, however, there has been an unfortunate dispute over the Head of the House and of its Orders, which were claimed by another branch of the Bourbon Two-Sicilies Family, headed today by H.R.H. Prince Ferdinando, who assumed the title of «duke of Castro». The dispute has its origins in the now famous Act of Cannes of 1900, by which Prince Charles of the Two-Sicillies, Infant of Spain (1870-1949), on the event of his marriage to the Infanta D. Maria de las Mercedes, then Princess of the Asturias, on his behalf and his heirs and successors, renounced, at the Count of Caserta's request, his rights to the eventual succession to the Crown of the Two-Sicillies, in execution of the Pragmatic Decree of King Charles III (1759). The latter in turn, was intended, under international pressure, to prevent the reunion in the same Bourbon Prince of the Crowns of Spain and of the Two-Sicillies. Prince Don Carlos forthcoming marriage to the then Heiress of the Spanish Crown and the controversy which this union arose in political Spanish circles, led consequently to the Act of Cannes. However, the reasons that led to the Act of Cannes of 1900, had ceased with the death of Prince Don Carlos' wife, in 1904. At the death of Prince Ferdinando-Pius, Duke of Calabria, in 1960, the dispute over the succession arose, having both Prince Infant Alphonse (Prince Don Carlos' heir) and Prince Ranieiri (fourth son of the Count of Caserta), proclaimed themselves as Heads of the Royal House of the Two-Sicilies and Grand Masters of the Constantinian Order.
So, the Act of Cannes, its interpretation, effects and validity, are the main point of contention in the dispute. Both parties advance arguments in favour of their claims and have tried to gain international support by opening its ranks to people of various nationalities and ranks, specially from the Heads of non-reigning Royal Houses.
However, neither the Holy See, nor any Sovereign State, that we know of, has yet formally recognized, as such, the Order in either of its claimants. The arguments widely advertised by both opponents as to the recognition of the Order, respectively, by Italy, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta or by Spain, are at least controversial and yet to be proved.
Nevertehless, it seems that the legitimacy principle, despite all arguments put forward, undoubtbley favours H.R.H. Infante Don Carlos, Duke of Calabria, both as Head of the Royal Family of the Two Sicilies and as Chief and Sovereign Head of the Dynasty's Orders of Knighthood.
The Author, who is a distinguished member and High Dignitary of the Order, faithful to Infante Don Carlos, Duke of Calabria, widely and scholarly discusses the issue.
Constantinian Order of St. George: This is the official site of the orders's "branch" headed by the «duke of Castro» kept by the the American Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (Naples-Two Sicilies) Inc. This site will give a different point of view from Guy Stair Sainty's, who in turn has a series of essays on the disputed succession: THE ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO THE CONSTANTINIAN GRAND MAGISTERY with numerous links to important documents on the disputed succession question.
The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (V. Shaun Redmond): Recognizing H.R.H. Dom Carlos, Duke of Calabria. as head of the Order. With the insignia of the Order and the heraldry of the Canadian Knights of the Order.
The Royal Illustrious Order of Saint Januarius , by Guy Stair Sainty: Another dynastic Order of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies.
The Order of Saint Michel (France), by Guy Stair Sainty: A dynastic Order of the Royal House of France.
The Royal Order of the Black Eagle of Prussia, by Guy Stair Sainty
The Dynastic Order of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa, by Guy Stair Sainty: A «dynastic» Order of the Royal House of Bragança (Portugal).
The Imperial Russian Order of Saint Andrew, by G. Stair Sainty
Order of Sainte Catherine - Russian Imperial Order , by Guy Stair Sainty
Order of St. Joseph (Grand-Duchy of Tuscany), by Guy Stair Sainty
The Sacred Military Order of Saint Stephen, Pope and Martyr, by Guy Stair Sainty: From the Grand-Ducal House of Tuscany.
The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus: An article on this dynastic order of the Royal House of Savoy, by L. Mendola.
Caltrap's Corner: A miscellaneous site containing articles on military orders and orders of knigthhood signed by James J. Algrant and Dr. Pangloss, including the discussion of some "bogus" or self-styled orders.

Section 5: Self Styled Orders of Knighthood or Revived Orders

Legitimacy and Orders of Knighthood, by F. Velde: An interesting discussion on the concept of legitimacy and orders of knighthood, including the historical definition of orders of knighthood and the legal definition.
Revived and Recently Created Orders of Chivalry, by F. Velde: In this interesting essay, F. Velde discusses what he calls "... a few modern orders of knighthood, which are either recreations of specific medieval orders, or imitations of medieval or monarchical orders without specific reference to any one".
Self Styled Orders of Chivalry, by Guy Stair Sainty: Important site dealing with the so-called bogus orders or self-styled orders of chivalry. Eternal problem in Europe and in the Americas, where these entities keep on appearing and recruting members. Sometimes developing a highly meritory hospitaller or benefactor activity, these organizations generally adopt the name, style, classes, insignia and dignities of historical Military Orders or of Orders of Knighthood claiming often to be their inheritors. Playing with the modern renewed attraction to the historical Orders of Knighthood and its long lost traditions, these bogus orders seem to fill a gap in people's ever growing quest for honoursand distinctions, otherwise difficul to obtain in our democratic, egalitarian and levelled western societies. Amongst these self-styled orders, the pretended imitations of the Hospitaller and Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem, or of the extinct Order of the Temple are quite common (see below, the self styled "Orders of the Temple of Jerusalem", by Guy Stair Sainty)
The self-styled orders present nonetheless some common characteristics:
1. The fact of having been long ago supressed by the Holy See, Protector of all the Military Religious Orders founded in the Medieval Ages, in the Holy Land or in the Iberian Peninsula; 2. None of the Western Sovereign States recognises them as Orders of Knighthood; 3. They generally claim to be under the high protection or Headed by Patriarchs, who although of Christian creed, are not Catholic Roman Apostolic.
The Self Styled "Orders of the Temple of Jerusalem", by Guy Stair Sainty
Other Self Styled Orders, by Guy Stair Sainty: In this particular and interesting page, Guy Stair Sainty dedicates his attention and denounces some of the most known «bogus orders», unfortunately believed by some to be true orders of chivalry: «the military order of the Collar of saint Agatha of the Paternó», «the Imperial Supreme Military Orthodox Dynastic Constantinian Order of Saint George», «the Order of St. Stanislas», «the Military Order of Saint Bridget of Sweden», «the Byzantine Order of the Holy Spulchre», «the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint George of Carinthia», and «the Sovereign Order of the Oak», etc.
Some of these false orders of chivalry have inclusively Internet sites, since their mentors have discovered the power of the Web in spreading information.
The Order of Saint Lazarus, by Guy Stair Sainty: Guy Stair Sainty's scholarly discusses and reviews the historical origins and the nature of the modern revival of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. His points of view are not obviously accepted by the lazarist knights - abundant in Europe and specially in the USA and Canada. Registered in several countries of the European Union has benefactor societies, this self-styled "order" has carried out a highly meritory work of assistance to the needed, maintaining or supporting Hospitals and Ambulance Services in several countries. However, in France this Association has even been forbidden, under the law, by the Grand-Chancelor of the Legion d'Honneur, to use the name of Military Order or the insignia and dignities proper to the Military Orders or to the Orders of Knighthood. Wether this measure has been duly enforced or not is another question...
This self-styled order of chivalry is headed by a respectable French Peer - the Duke of Brissac, and has been widely favoured by some Austrian and German aristocrats.
There is however a dispute over this organization led by the Duke of Seville, who does not recognize the Brissac "obedience" considering it as "schismatic" and thus illigitimate.
The Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem: Another page discussing an alternative point of view on the order's legitimacy included in the «British Heraldic Archive»'s Site.
A more measured view of The Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem: An article signed by James J. Algrant with a fairly well accounted history of the order's modern revival.
International Scams Magazine, containing data on self-styled and «bogus» orders.
Chivalric Orders - A Brief History, by Margaret Odrowaz-Sypniewska, B. F. A., P.N.A.
Polish Orders of Chivalry, by Michael Subritzky-Kusza

Section 6: Orders of Merit

Antiques A to Z - Orders of the World: Short notice on world-wide Orders and Decorations. The page dedicated to France is considerably complete.
Decorations of Finland: Short notice on the Orders and Decorations of Finland.
Honours in Canada: An interesting site dealing with the Honours and Heraldry in Canada.
Les Distinctions Honorifiques au Canada: Also in English. Site on the Canadian system of Honours and Decorations.
Canadian Military Medals and Decoartions: Also in French. Excellent site with a link on the Canadian system of Honours and Military Decorations. Search for the subject «Canadian Military Medals and Decorations».
Histoire et Patrimoine: Another interesting site on the Canadian Military Decorations and Honours system.
New Zealand Royal Honours System: Site on the New Zealand Decorations and Honours system.
Polish Orders and Decorations, by L. Gaszewski: An excellent page, edited by L. Gaszewski on the Polish Orders and Decorations, with historical background, description of the insignia and Links to related sites.
Prime Minister of Japan's Office - Decoration Bureau: Official Site of the Decorations and Honours of Japan.

Section 7: Decorations, Military Medals and Insignia - Collectors and Dealers

Oreders, Decorations & Medals Ring

The ring was created to group those internet sites which feature historical information on orders, decorations and medals of all countries.

Orders, Decorations & Medals, by Phil Lascelles

With excellent commented pages on links to related Sites.

International Electronic Phaleristic Encyclopedia, by Ed Haynes

A must for whoever is interested in phaleristics. An exhaustive site with links to related Sites. It includes amongst many other pages on Medals & Decorations from Europe, the Americas and Asia:

Sydney B. Vernon's Site on Orders, Medals and Decorations

Exhaustive site by Sydney Vernon - a dealer and collector form California (USA), a must for whoever is interested in Insignia. With references to Catalogues and other periodical publications on the subject. As a page on Portuguese insignia.

Jean-Paul LeBlanc's Site on Orders, Decorations and Medals

Site maintained by a collector - J.P. LeBlanc with interesting links.

Insignia of the Orders and Decorations of Portugal

Includes a description of the insignia of the ancient Portuguese Military Orders - Christ, Avis & St. James of the Sword -, from the Reform of 1789 up to our days. It includes also the evolution of the insignia of the Portuguese Military Order of the Tower and of the Sword, Valour, Loyalty and Merit founded in 1808.

Section 8: Iberian Medieval History

A History of Spain and Portugal, Vol 1: Stanley G. Payne
THE CRUSADER KINGDOM OF VALENCIA - Reconstruction on a Thirteenth-Century Frontier: Prof. Robert Ignatius Burns, S.J.
Studies in Medieval Spanish Frontier History: by Prof. Charles Julian Bishko
ISLAMIC AND CHRISTIAN SPAIN IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES, Comparative Perspectives on Social and Cultural Formation: by Thomas F. Glick
American Academy of Research Historians of Medieval Spain

Section 9: Journals, Magazines and Publishers Catalogs

Traditio the Journal of Medieval Studies

Variorum - 2007 Catalog (.pdf)

CRUSADES, Edited by Benjamin Z. Kedar and Jonathan Riley-Smith with Jonathan Phillips (publis. by Ashgate)

Last updated: 01-01-2008