1) To create in the minds of the young a recognition of the unity of people and of all living things.

2) To help the young to be happy and useful members of society.

3) To create conditions for harmonious living and to promote in all ways possible universal love and compassion by encouraging the young to be of service to all living creatures.

1) By ceremonial activities that stimulate the spiritual development and inspire the young to become ideal citizens of gracious, courteous and righteous behaviour.

2) By study, teaching and dramatic presentation of the great heroes of the East and West, such as the legends of King Arthur, which symbolise the Ideal Man, the chivalrous Knight of Service.

3) By stimulating the love of nature and animals and care of the environment. Starting or conducting our own activities for this purpose or helping such organisations and schools where this is practised.

4) By such activities in which the young can express themselves through the various arts and crafts.

5) By social service where the young can give practical help to the poor, the aged and the suffering.

6) By camps and group work that bring together the children and the young in friendship and understanding.

7) To do all possible to inculcate greatness of character in the young.

Why is the Round Table important to young people?

Because it is giving them the ideals of the ancient wisdom in their own way. Through ceremonial, they receive spiritual impulses and learn to translate them into action. What we share together is laughter, joy and brotherhood.

We share the ideal to have the Courage to protect our beautiful planet.

We share the ideal to be kind and gentle to all animals and nature and to be friendly and helpful to all people.

We share our dedication to follow the King.

In 1895, a group for children was started by Annie Besant and an American TS member, Miss Stabler, at the TS HQ at 19 Avenue Road, St John's Wood. This was the Lotus Circle.

In 1900, Herbert Whyte took on the duties of running this group.

In 1908, he established the Round Table, using Arthurian legend and chivalric ideals as his foundation, with the support of Annie Besant and CW Leadbeater.

Annie Besant was the first Protector of the Order. Herbert Whyte the first Senior Knight.

In 1917, Herbert Whyte was killed outside Jerusalem. In his last letter home he wrote, "If I fall, it will be a soldiers' end and one fitting for a Senior Knight of the Round Table" and "I know that love is deathless."

I am a link in the Golden Chain of love
that stretches round the world
and I must keep my link bright and strong.

So I will try to be kind and gentle
to every living thing I meet
and to protect and help all who are
weaker than myself.

And I will try to think pure and beautiful thoughts,
To speak pure and beautiful words
and do pure and beautiful actions.
May every link in the Golden Chain
Become bright and strong.

For further information about the activities of the Order of the Round Table in England: Email: information@theorderoftheroundtableinengland.com or
chiefknight@theorderoftheroundtableinengland.com
Website: www.theorderoftheroundtableinengland.com