XIX

PREFACE.

The propriety of forming such a Register, is shewn by theobscurity of the early history of the Order of the Garter, and bythe absence of any complete Official Record of this nature; butstill more, by the fact that, in not a few cases, the names ofsome of the gallant Officers who received the Order of theBath so lately as the year 1815, had almost fallen into ob-livion.

Miscellaneous Remarks are appended to the History ofthe Orders, on the Precedency of the Members, as well amongeach other as among other persons; on the proper manner ofWearing Decorations; and on the mode in which represen-tations of the Insignia should be introduced into the ArmorialBearings of the Knights and Companions; so that it is hoped,that there is no point connected with these Institutions whichhas not been treated of and illustrated.

The Introduction contains a general summary of the Historyof Knighthood in England, and of all Institutions of a Chival-rous nature which have existed in this Country since the Con-quest, particularly of Bannerets. Besides a copious Index tothe particular History of each Order, and to the Introductionand Miscellaneous Matters, a General Index will be found, con-taining a reference to every Name mentioned in the work.

As a List of the Plates is given in another part of thisvolume, it is only necessary to state here, that they consist offac simile representations of the Collar, Badge or Cross, Star,and Ribband of each Order; and of the Medals, Clasps, andMilitary Crosses, with engravings on wood of the Badges ofthe Officers of the Orders, and of such other objects as were