200

HISTORY OF THE

[ELECTIONS.

absolutely necessary as qualifications for election ; 4 but the rites of Bathingand Vigils have not only never been observed, but their actual performancewas not intended; and they have always been Dispensed with, pursuant toauthority expressly given to the Great Master . 5 But before a Knight-Electhas been Invested by the Sovereign, he has always been Knighted, exceptin a modern instance of a Sovereign Prince . 6

The other qualifications for Election, are similar to those required for theOrder of the Garter, namely, to be a Gentleman of Blood, bearing CoatArmour, and void of all Reproach, that is, of a conviction of Heresy, HighTreason, or Cowardice . 7 It is provided, that “ whenever a Stall may becomeVoid, the Great Master shall signify the Vacancy to the Sovereign, and havingreceived His election, or nomination of the person to fill it, shall acquaintthe individual so nominated with his Election, and shall then cause all theCompanions to be summoned to attend in the Prince’s Chamber at a time spe-cified ; who, having accordingly assembled, habited in their Mantles, Surcoats,and Ensigns, and the Officers attending in their proper Robes, shall make aProcession to King Henry the Seventh’s Chapel, and take their Seats in theirrespective Stalls. The Two Companions who shall be in the Highest Stalls,next to that of the Great Master, are then to Offer the Sword of the deceasedCompanion, which shall be received and deposited upon the side of the Altar bythe Dean ; and the Companions being returned to the Chapter Room, the GreatMaster shall there signify to them the Sovereign’s nomination of the Personelected, who being in attendance, is to be introduced by Bath King of Armsand the Usher, that he may acknowledge his acceptance of the Order. Thecompliments of the Companions being made to him upon his receiving thisdistinguishing mark of Honour, and the times being appointed for his creationto this Knighthood, as also for his Installation, the same is to be distinctlyperformed according to the Statutes; and if any Person nominated do notperform the conditions required within six months after his election, and obtainCertificates thereof from the Great Master, his election is to be void, andanother is to be nominated to fill that vacancy .” 8

In practice, however, these Rules have never been attended to; and theKnights have been appointed by the Sovereign.

4 Art. V. p. 48, antea.

5 Art. VI. and IX. pp. 49, 56, antea. The forms of the Dispensations will be found in the

Appendix. 6 The reigning Prince of Hesse Hombourg, in June 1836.

7 Art. III. p. 47, antea. 8 Art. IX. p. 56, antea.