Order of the Bath

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on 18 May 1725. The name derives from the ancient ceremony wherein individuals participated in a vigil of fasting, prayer, and bathing on the day before being knighted (the ceremony was discontinued in 1815).

Related Topics:
British - George I - 18 May - 1725 - Fasting - Prayer - Bathing

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The Order consists of the Sovereign (the British Sovereign), the Great Master (HRH The Prince of Wales), and three Classes of members:

Related Topics:
British Sovereign - HRH The Prince of Wales

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• Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCB)
• Knight or Dame Commander (KCB or DCB)
• Companion (CB)

Originally founded as a military order of chivalry, the star (or pip) worn as army officers' rank insignia is that of the Order of the Bath (with the exception of officers of the Household Division, who use stars from other orders). Members now belong to either the Civil or the Military Division.

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The Order's motto is Tria iuncta in uno (Latin for "Three joined in one"), a reference to either the union of England, Scotland and Ireland, or to the Holy Trinity. The former is more likely; a recurring symbol of the Order comprises three crowns. Another motto, Ich dien (German for "I serve") is sometimes used, but only by members of the Order who serve in the military.

Related Topics:
Latin - England - Scotland - Ireland - Holy Trinity - German - Military

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The Order ranks sixth in the British Orders of Chivalry, after The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick (now in disuse), The Order of Merit, and The Order of the Companions of Honour.

Related Topics:
British Orders of Chivalry - The Most Noble Order of the Garter - The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle - The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick - The Order of Merit - The Order of the Companions of Honour

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Order of the Bath: History ►