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).

History

Under a tradition that dates to mediæval times, special knighthoods were conferred on important royal occasions such as coronations. These knighthoods were known as Knighthoods of the Bath due to the ritual bathing observed prior to the investiture. The practice had been discontinued by the reign of Charles II. George I revived the practice, instituting the Order of the Bath by letters patent, upon the advice of his Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole (who wished to control a source of political patronage). The Order initially consisted of the Sovereign, a Great Master and thirty-six Knights Companion, all of whom were senior military figures.

Related Topics:
Mediæval - Knighthood - Coronations - Charles II - Letters patent - Sir Robert Walpole - Patronage

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After 1815, at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the Prince Regent (later George IV) divided the Order into Civil and Military Divisions, the latter with three classes, causing some complaints that such an expansion would reduce the prestige of the Order. The vigil of fasting, prayer, and bathing were also formally abolished at the same time. In 1847, the Order was again expanded into parallel Military and Civil Divisions, both with three classes. Several further amendments have been made since.

Related Topics:
1815 - Napoleonic Wars - Fasting - Prayer - Bathing - 1847

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