the habit.]

ORDER OF THE BATH.

197

be at the discretion and pleasure of every Companion,” after his Installation,“ whether he will apparel himself in Blue Vestments, wearing the Lace of whiteSilk on his left shoulder, according to the ancient Formularies, and whetherhe will wear such Lace on his Mantle at future Installations;” 3 but thoughthe Lace has always been attached to the Mantle, there is no instance of theuse of the Blue Vestments since 1725.

At the Coronation of King George the Fourth, a Dress was assigned to theKnights Commanders. Their Mantle was made of Crimson Satin, lined withwhite ducape Silk, with their proper Star on the left side. It was worn overthe left shoulder, was about half the length of the Mantle of the Knights GrandCross, and was fastened by a small Cordon and Tassels.

THE SURCOAT.

The Surcoat is made of the same materials as the Mantle, namely, ofcrimson Satin, lined with white ducape Silk ; but it was not worn by the KnightsCommanders.

THE UNDER HABIT.

The Under Habit prescribed by the Statutes of 1725, consisted of aDoublet (apparently of white Satin) and white Hose; Boots of white kidleather, and gilt Spurs with white leathers; a white Girdle without ornaments, apair of white Gloves; and a Sword, of which the pommel and cross bar hiltwere gilded, and the Scabbard of white leather with gilt furniture. 5 6 At the

5 Art. VIII. vide p. 55, antea.

6 “ At a Chapter of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, held in the Prince’s Chamber, onMonday the 21st day of March 1803, it was Resolved, that the Knights and Esquires may be uniformin their Dress and Appearance, the following Regulations are to be adhered to without variation : thePlume to consist of sixteen Feathers ; the Wigs or Hair as Knights of the Garter; the Knights tohave white satin Waistcoats and Breeches, with white leather half Boots, crimson heels, crimson Rosesover their Spur leathers, and crimson Roses at the knees. That the Esquires shall have Red silkStockings, and Red Shoes, lutestring Waistcoats and Breeches the colour of the Order, and CrimsonRoses at their knees and shoes ; their Hair or Wigs tied with a white Ribbon. That the Knights andEsquires shall meet in the Prince’s Chamber dressed. That the Offering at the Offertory shall be fiveGuineas and five Shillings; that a Guinea be given for redeeming the Sword ; and that half aGuinea piece be given to each of the Almsmen.”—Extract from the Minutes of Chapter. AdditionalMSS. 6327, f. 42.