The Order of St George the Martyr marked a historic milestone on Saturday, 16 May 2026, as Dames, Knights, clergy, civic representatives, distinguished guests, family and friends gathered at Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge, for the Order’s 700th Anniversary Investiture.
The occasion celebrated seven centuries of Christian service, chivalric tradition, charitable commitment and fellowship. It was a deeply meaningful day for the Order, honouring both its long history and its continuing mission of faith, service and compassion in the modern world.
The Service and Investiture at Great St Mary’s Church
The Service and Investiture brought together members of the Order from across the United Kingdom and Europe, alongside honoured guests including Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Dame Polly Courtice DBE LVO, representing His Majesty King Charles III, H.E. Mr Tihomir Stoytchev, Ambassador of Bulgaria, Mr Jean-Pierre Faivre of The Cambridge Royal Albert Homes, former Grand Master Tadeusz Kaczor, and Maestro Paolo Curatolo, composer of music and words for the Order.
A particularly moving moment in the service was the performance by the choir of an anthem dedicated to the Order, composed by Maestro Paolo Curatolo. The anthem added a solemn and uplifting musical tribute to the historic occasion, reflecting both the spiritual character of the service and the significance of the 700th anniversary.
During the ceremony, the Order formally invested its new Dames and Knights, welcoming them into a tradition rooted in Christian witness, charitable action and the ideals of chivalry.
Welcoming New Dames and Knights
This year’s postulants included Professor Barry Rider OBE, Professor Martin Barlow, Colleen McLaughlin Barlow, Councillor Karl Brokett, Mrs Julie Brokett, Sir Pasquale Marchese OMRI, Mayor of Castelluccio Valmaggiore in Italy, and Mr Matthew Crichton.
Their investiture marked not only their formal entry into the Order, but also their commitment to its values of faith, humility, courage, loyalty and service.
Welcome the new members of the Order. From left to right: Professor Barry Rider OBE, Mr Matthew Crichton. Colleen McLaughlin Barlow, Grand Master Robert Dryden, Professor Martin Barlow, Grand Prior Richard Brown, Mrs Julie Brokett, Councillor Karl Brokett, Sir Pasquale Marchese OMRI, Mayor of Castelluccio Valmaggiore in Italy, and Picture: M&S Foto
Luncheon and Fellowship at Queens’ College
The reception and luncheon at Queens’ College provided a warm and elegant continuation of the day’s celebrations. Guests first gathered for a reception in one of the College’s historic halls, where old friendships were renewed, new connections were made, and the spirit of fellowship that lies at the heart of the Order was very much in evidence.
The luncheon then followed in the Old Hall, one of Queens’ College’s most historic and iconic spaces. Erected as part of the original College in the fifteenth century, the Old Hall offered a setting of great beauty and significance for the Order’s 700th anniversary celebration.
Adding to the atmosphere of ceremony and tradition, a suit of knight’s armour stood in the hall bearing the ceremonial sword of the Order — a striking symbol of the Order’s chivalric heritage. In these distinguished surroundings, members and guests shared conversation, reflected on the service, and celebrated together in a hall that has stood at the heart of collegiate life in Cambridge for centuries.
The gathering was enriched by speeches from the Grand Master, the Grand Prior, the former Grand Master and the Bulgarian Ambassador, each reflecting in their own way on the Order’s history, mission and continuing relevance.
Reflections on Service, Tradition and St George
Councillor Robert Dryden JP, Grand Master of the Order, spoke warmly of the significance of the 700th anniversary, describing it as both a moment of thanksgiving and a renewed call to service. He reflected on the Order’s long journey through history and paid tribute to the generations of Dames and Knights who had carried its values forward. His remarks emphasised that the Order’s traditions are not simply ceremonial, but are rooted in active Christian service, fellowship and charitable responsibility.
The Grand Master also welcomed the newly invested Dames and Knights, reminding them that membership of the Order carries both honour and obligation. He spoke of the importance of humility, loyalty, courage and compassion, and expressed gratitude to all those whose dedication had made the anniversary Investiture such a memorable and dignified occasion.
The Grand Prior spoke of the spiritual and charitable purpose of the Order, placing particular emphasis on the need to transform tradition into meaningful action. He reflected on the Order’s continuing commitment to supporting those in need, highlighting the charitable donation to The Cambridge Royal Albert Homes as a practical expression of the Order’s values.
His address underlined that the legacy of St George is not only one of courage, but also of protection, service and care for the vulnerable. He also paid tribute to the fellowship of the Order — the bonds formed between members across nations, generations and walks of life — and encouraged all present to continue strengthening the Order’s work with renewed energy after this historic anniversary year.
The former Grand Master, Tadeusz Kaczor, offered thoughtful reflections on the international spirit of the Order and the importance of maintaining strong bonds of friendship and service between members across Europe. Drawing on his own experience of leadership within the Order, he spoke of the responsibility shared by all Dames and Knights to preserve its traditions while ensuring that its charitable and Christian mission remains active and relevant in the present day. His remarks also highlighted the importance of continuity between generations of leadership. As a former Grand Master, he paid tribute to the work of the present Grand Master and Grand Prior, and expressed his confidence that the Order would continue to grow in fellowship, dignity and purpose. His words brought a valuable sense of perspective to the anniversary celebration, linking the Order’s historic legacy with its future direction.
H.E. Mr Tihomir Stoytchev, Ambassador of Bulgaria and an Honorary Knight of the Order, gave an enlightening address on the special significance of St George in Bulgarian culture and tradition. In Bulgaria, St George’s Day, known as Gergyovden, is one of the country’s most important religious and national holidays. It is associated with courage, protection, spring, health, family traditions and the Day of Bravery and the Bulgarian Army. His remarks offered guests a deeper appreciation of St George’s place not only in Christian tradition, but also in the cultural life and identity of Bulgaria.
Piano Performance from Maestro Paolo Curatolo
The luncheon was further enhanced by a piano performance from Maestro Paolo Curatolo, whose music brought grace and warmth to the celebration. His contribution was a memorable part of a day filled with ceremony, fellowship and shared purpose.
A Charitable Gift to The Cambridge Royal Albert Homes
A highlight of the day was the presentation of a £2,000 charitable donation to The Cambridge Royal Albert Homes, continuing the Order’s commitment to supporting those in need and serving the wider community.
Mr Jean-Pierre Faivre received the donation on behalf of the Homes, whose work reflects the same values of care, dignity and service that the Order seeks to uphold.
Continuing the Order’s Mission
The 700th Anniversary Investiture was a fitting tribute to the Order’s past and a confident expression of its future.
As the Order of St George the Martyr continues its charitable and Christian mission, this historic gathering in Cambridge served as a powerful reminder that the values of faith, courage, humility, loyalty and service remain as vital today as they were seven centuries ago.
