82

HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF

Armorial ©tstmcttons.

The Knights of each Class were authorized by the Statutes of 1818 and 1826,“ to surround their family Arms with the Circle and Motto of the Order 7 butby the Code of 1832, greater distinctions were conferred upon the KnightsGrand Cross, authority being given to Garter Principal King of Arms for thetime being, to grant Supporters to their Arms. They were also empoweredto surround their Armorial Ensigns with the Collar, Circle, and Motto of theOrder, and to suspend thereto a representation of their Badge. 8

The Knights Commanders and Cavalieri, may also surround their Arms withthe Circle and Motto, and attach thereto a representation of their Badge, 9 aslight difference in the manner of doing so, being observed between the KnightsCommanders and the Cavalieri.

The Companions, like those of the Order of the Bath, suspend a represen-tation of their Ribband and Badge to the lower part of the Escutcheon of theirArms. 10

&imftersarj> of tfje tBrticr.

The Feast day of Saint George, the 23rd of April, is declared by the Statutesto be the Anniversary of the Order; on which day (except it happen to fall on aSunday, and in that case on the following day) there ought to be a general-Con-vention of the Knights Grand Cross, Knights Commanders, and Cavalieri andCompanions, attended by the Officers, wearing their several Habits, Ensigns,and Badges, for its celebration. Though neglected by the Knights in England,this ordinance has been generally observed both at Corfu and Malta; and theMembers of the Order, in the Ionian States, are usually entertained at dinner bythe Lord High Commissioner, and those at Malta by the Governor of thatIsland.

7 Vide p. 14, antea.

8 Art. VI. p. 46, antea.

9 Ibid. p. 47, antea.

10 Ibid.