The Founder

Beatrice Hankey (1858-1933) was the ninth of ten children in a moderately wealthy, secure, happy and close knit family. Towards the end of the nineteenth century she became active in mission work both at Walmer, Kent where she lived, and also in other towns. She became drawn towards those who were alienated from God and from their community, and she particularly enjoyed working with men.

In 1902 however, God called her to found a fellowship for young women from the more leisured classes, who at that period had little opportunity to pursue a vocation. She was not immediately willing to agree to this call. She records a wet Whitsunday walk during which she wrestled with God about this change of direction. By the end of the walk she had chosen to obey the new call.

Our Charter

Jesus gathered his Learning Knights to him and said:

By this shall all men know you are my Learning Knights, by the love you have one to the other.

By love serve.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.

Whosoever loses his life for my sake shall find it.

The works that I do you shall do also. I sent you to go and bear fruit.

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses for me.

As my Father has sent me, even so send I you. Receive ye Holy Spirit.

The image of the Knight on horseback and  his faithful hound is a familiar illustration for members of  the Blue Pilgrims (Knighthood) , but for some it has deeper meaning.  Here are some explanations:-

Very old tales told in England recount that there once lived a King named Arthur whose kingdom was in the western parts of the land. He was a very highly respected and good man and had a large number of brave noblemen who supported him. These were his Knights. There were other people with special ‘magical’ powers who sometimes helped him.