Jjjabtts anb Cnstgns.

The Habits and Ensigns of the Order of the Bath, consist of a Collar,Badge, Ribband, Star, Mantle, and Surcoat, Under Habit, and Cap,for the Knights Grand Cross ; of a Badge, Ribband, Star, Mantle,Under Habit, and Cap, for the Knights Commanders; and of a Ribband,Buckle, and Badge, for the Companions.

THE COLLAR.

The Collar, is the principal and most important part of the Ensigns of theOrder. It is of gold, of the depth of one inch and an eighth, weighing thirtyounces, and, according to the Statutes, is composed of “ Nine Imperial Crownsof gold, and of Eight gold Roses and Thistles, issuing from a gold Sceptre,enamelled in their proper colours, tied or linked together with Seventeen goldKnots, enamelled white , 1 representing the White Laces mentioned in the ancientCeremonials of conferring the Knighthood of the Bath ;” 2 but the Shamrockhas since been added to the Rose and Thistle . 3 The Collar, to which theBadge is attached, is to be worn “ upon all Festivals, Processions, Installations,and other Ceremonies relating to this Order, and also in the Sovereign’s pre-sence upon such other Feasts usually termed Collar Days, when the Knights of

1 Statute 16th November 1725. Vide p. 71, antea. 2 Statute 1st June 1725. Vide p. 65, antea.

3 The authority for the addition of the Shamrock to the Collar, has not been ascertained; but itwas probably introduced soon after the Union with Ireland. The following note on the subject occursin Sir Joseph Banks’ Collections for the Order, in the Additional MSS. 6325, f. 44. “ 1802, Jan. 12.

Left with Francis Townsend, Esquire, Dep. Bath King of Arms, &c. a drawing of the proposed enrich-ment of the Collar of the Most Hon. Order of the Bath, by inoculating the Shamrock to the Rosesand Thistle, by which the meaning of the Motto is greatly augmented.”

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