16. Knights d'Avis in Portugal.

DON Alphonso Henriquez, first King of Portugal, took from the Moors, A. D. 1147. the City of Evora, and to strengthen it, sent thither several gallant Commanders, who assum'd the Title of Knights of St. Mary of Evora, putting themselves under the Protection of our blessed Lady. Not long after they were call'd d'Avis, from a Castle upon the Portuguese Frontiers, conquer'd from the Moors, whither they transplanted themselves. It was confirm'd by Pope Innocent III. A. D. 1204. under the Rule of St. Benedict, and therefore in some Papal Rules call'd of St. Benedict d'Avis. The Knights profess conju∣gal Chastity and Obedience. Anno 1213. they submitted themselves to the Rule, Statutes and Visitation of the Order of Calatrava; but in the Time of John of Portugal (natural Son to Pedro King of Portugal) seventh Great Master d'Avis, they cast off their Acknowledgments to Calatrava, and never after submitted to them; and af∣terwards, when the Crown of Portugal fell into the Hands of Philip II. King of Spain, this Order was go∣vern'd according to the Statutes of Portugal.

Their Badge is a green Cross, Flory, (such as the Knights of Alcantara us'd to wear.) They must be Gentlemen by Extraction, both of the Father's and Mother's side.