Knight of the Golden Spur (HRE)

The knight of the golden spur, lat ( singular) eques auratus, rare miles auratus (literally, " gilded " or " gold decorated Knight", complete: eques auratus Sancti Romani Imperii ), plural equites or milites aurati were a public official elite of the Holy Roman Empire, which consisted mainly of members of the lower nobility, but also from members of the bourgeoisie and the nobility.

Holy Roman Empire

The wedding this knight economic relationship network is based on current knowledge of the research in the first half of the 16th century under Emperor Charles V.

The honorees were awarded the accolade as unnecessary because of their knighthood, but because of special services. They were each a personal honor which was not hereditary. The so prominent knights had the right to bear against the existing orders Luxury golden spurs or even a gilded armor. Practical significance perhaps the right have been to wear a gold chain ( Collar of ) around the neck.

In addition to the Emperor himself also a particularly privileged imperial count palatine ( " Comes palatine Caesareus " ) could perform Nobilitierungen and appoint a " eques auratus ".

Further use

Free Imperial Cities

In the free imperial cities this honor for the relatives of the bourgeois patriciate from long-distance trade merchants, bankers and members of the Council was increasingly accessible, since there was no competition from the nobility to this form of giving.

Austria

After the end of the Holy Roman Empire, the winner of the title in Austria (14 May 1817) have been recognized as a knight, the title leadership " of the Holy Roman Empire of the knights" but prohibited ( April 10, 1816, October 6, 1847). The award was presented by the end of the Austro -Hungarian monarchy. → sign of remembrance for the Knights of the Golden Spur (Hungary )

Great Britain

In the UK, led particularly in the 16-17. Century brought in the personal nobility Knight Bachelor titled " Eques auratus " ( Eq. aur. ), Eg Thomas Bodley, Isaac Newton and Christopher Wren. Originally, the privilege was also associated here with the award to be able to gild the armor.

Sweden

In Sweden, the Knights of the North Star Medal in 1748, donated the title of " Eques auratus de stella polarized ," such as Carl von Linné.