What is the Order of the Thistle?

From Allan Barton - The Antiquary

What is the Order of the Thistle, and how ancient is Scotland’s highest order of chivalry really? In this video, I explore the story behind the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle: its legendary origins, its real foundation under James VII in 1687, its Stuart symbolism, its robes and insignia, and the creation of the Thistle Chapel at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. We’ll look at the myth of King Achaius and the saltire in the sky, the medieval use of thistles, unicorns and livery collars by the Scottish kings, Queen Anne’s revival of the order, the admission of royal and female members, and the spectacular green robes, collars, badges and motto: Nemo me impune lacessit — “No one provokes me with impunity.” If you enjoy royal history, Scottish history, heraldry, chivalric orders, or the ceremonial world of the British monarchy, this is the story of how a supposedly ancient order became one of the most prestigious honours in Scotland. 0:00 What is the Order of the Thistle? 0:56 James VII and the 1687 foundation 1:33The legendary origin story of King Achaius 2:35 Why the legend does not stand up 4:14 St Andrew, the saltire and medieval Scottish chronicles 5:41 Stuart royal symbolism: unicorns, thistles and livery collars 8:30 James IV, James V and the thistle collar 9:40 The order as founded in 1687 11:18 Jacobites, exile and Queen Anne’s revival 12:24 Changes under George IV and the admission of women 14:16 The robes and insignia of the Order of the Thistle 15:15 The collar, badge, star and motto 19:07 Holyrood Abbey and the lost Thistle Chapel 20:55 The Thistle Chapel at St Giles’ Cathedral 22:47 The modern Thistle service during Holyrood Week