Bath, Order of the
Bath, Order of the. Bathing as a symbol of purification was an element in the creation of spotless knights and the practice grew up of dubbing numbers of knights on grand occasions like coronations. By the time of Henry V they were known as knights of the Bath, though no order existed. In 1725 John Anstis, Garter King of Arms, suggested the ‘revival’ of the order. Walpole and George I' agreed, partly to add lustre to the new regime, partly to fend off aspirants. The red ribbon became coveted. The Order was extended in 1815 and 1847. It has a military and civilian division, with three categories in each—the Knights Grand Cross (GCB), Knights Commander (KCB), and Companions (CB). Women members are dames. The dean of Westminster is usually its dean and the chapel of the order is Henry VII's chapel in Westminster abbey.
J. A. Cannon
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Bath, Order of the
