 From the late 15th century , there was a formal ceremony of degradation , in which Garter King of Arms , accompanied by the rest of the heralds , proceeded to St George 's Chapel . While the Garter King of Arms read out aloud the Instrument of Degradation , a herald climbed up a ladder and removed the former knight 's banner , crest , helm , and sword , throwing them down into the quire . Then the rest of the heralds kicked them down the length of the chapel , out of the doors , and into the castle ditch . The last such formal degradation was that of James , Duke of Ormonde in 1716 . 
