History of the Noble Company of the Court of Saint Mary of Walsigham

The Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham:
Preserving Tradition and Serving the Community

The Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham, often just called the Noble Company, is an organization that its members consider a special home. The Noble Company has been dedicated not just to historical preservation, but to serving the community since it was founded in 2008. The Noble Company upholds strong values of tradition, unity, and service.

At the heart of the Noble Company is its commitment to preserving and honoring age-old traditions. The members take pride in their diverse rich history and heritage that comes from many cultural backgrounds, which they pass down from generation to generation. In everything they do, each detail is carefully observed to ensure that tradition is upheld.

In addition to their common purpose grounded in tradition, the Noble Company believes that a strong bond between individuals creates a solid foundation for collective action and community service. Connections forged between members and our acclaimed publications foster a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond their shared interests.

However, it is through their commitment to service that the Noble Company truly shines. The organization's membership actively engages in various charitable activities, striving to make a positive impact on society. From organizing fundraisers for local charities to volunteering at community events, they are always ready to lend a helping hand.

Moreover, Noble Company membership takes part in initiatives aimed at preserving historical landmarks and promoting cultural heritage around the world. They play an active role in ensuring that generations to come can appreciate and learn from the past.

To become a member of this unique organization, individuals must demonstrate not only their commitment to upholding the principles of the Noble Company but also their passion for serving others. The selection process is rigorous but ensures that those who join have a genuine desire to be part of something greater than themselves.

Today the Noble Company stands as an exemplar of tradition, unity, and service. With a rich history dating back over a century, they continue to honor their heritage while making a positive impact on their community. By preserving traditions, fostering unity among members, and actively serving others, the Noble Company remains an invaluable institution in society.

Flag of the Noble Company

The Noble Company was created by Apostolic Mandate and received a further ecclesiastical charter. Part of the charter states that: "So that this noble company may always be an apartment and effective instrument of the salvific mission of spiritual discipleship...through the outward signs of temporal sovereignty which the Church carries out...this Noble Company, so created by Apostolic Mandate, shall exist in perpetuity and operate directly under the sovereign authority of the Patriarch and the Grand Master delegated by him." The Patriarch Referenced here is the Roman-Ruthenian Pope, and in 2023, the Grand Mastership of the Noble Company was permanently vested in the Roman-Ruthenian Papacy.

Indeed, the Noble Company is, by its charter and mandate, under the perpetual spiritual leadership of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. Yet it remains an ecumenical Christian organisation, and all Christians are welcome, regardless of affiliation. Among the institutions that share this heritage is the Pontifical Walsingham Guard, a ceremonial and humanitarian body composed largely of military veterans and dedicated to charitable service. While distinct in purpose and membership, the Noble Company and the Guard reflect complementary expressions of service, stewardship, and continuity under the patronage of the Church.Learn more about the Pontifical Walsingham Guard here.

See our membership page.

Statement of Purpose
From the Charter, as updated in ASP Vol. 6

The Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham perpetuates the honor of chivalry and nobility through reflection, discipleship, and stewardship. The Noble Company continues the legacy of patrician honor and service under the ideals of Christian nobility—noblesse oblige, the principle that nobility entails obligation.
Eligibility may be established either through personal status (such as recognized personal nobility or armigerous standing) or through ancestral lineage, specifically descent from at least one noble line. Descent from historic elites broadly understood is acceptable to fulfill this requirement. This includes, for example, American colonial leadership and gentry, as well as other forms of pre-republican civic, military, or landed leadership. Within certain continental traditions, including French usage, noblesse de profession and analogous forms of status are likewise recognized.

Because the Noble Company reflects multiple historical traditions rather than a single national system, eligibility is assessed according to a deliberately broad and historically grounded standard, rather than a narrow or purely legalistic one.

The Collar or Collarette of the Noble Company may be bestowed upon Noble Companions at the discretion of the Grand Master. It serves as a symbolic reminder of the obligation of the Companion, to be held, worn, and cherished so long as the Companion—and any future heirs—remain in good standing.

To these ends, we, the Companions of the Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham:

– Join together select leaders and their families to perpetuate a unique Christian fellowship focused on leadership, charity, and noble service;
– Accept that with great honor comes great responsibility, and that membership is granted not for what has been done, but for what is expected to be done;
– Commit ourselves to the highest ideals of conduct, exemplified through unselfish service and devotion to the welfare of others, undertaken with dignity.

The Noble Company is a division of the non-profit foundation of the Holy Apostolic See of Sts. Peter, Andrew, Stephen, and Mark,
the United Roman-Ruthenian Church.