armorial distinctions.] ORDER OF THE GUELPHS.

21

a wreath of oak, if a Civil, and of laurel, if a Military Knight. Over theShield is an open faced Helmet, similar to that appropriated to Baronets andKnights in England; and to the lower part of the Escutcheon the Ribbandand Cross are suspended, a slight difference being observed by the Knightsof the three Degrees . 1

The Knights Grand Cross also introduce the Collar outside both the wreathand the circle ; 2 and it being intended that they should be entitled to bearSupporters, many have assumed them, though they had no legal right whateverto do so; neither Garter King of Arms, nor any other Authority, beingempowered to assign such Distinctions to them.

The Statutes particularly direct that the Arms and Names of the KnightsGrand Cross, Knights Commanders, and Knights, shall be affixed in a con-spicuous part of the Church of the Palace at Hanover, and likewise in theHall of Knights within the said Palace ; 3 and Blanc Coursier Herald (anOffice which is united to that of Genealogist of the Order of the Bath 4 ) wascommanded to procure their Arms, and to cause them to be so placed accord-ingly. The Escutcheons were to be of proportionate sizes to the degree ofDignity, and beneath each Shield the name and rank of the Knight, and thedate of his reception into the Order were to be engraved, “ that a lastingmemorial of his distinguished merit and services may descend to posterity.”Illuminated Drawings of the Arms were also to be collected by the sameOfficer in books, which were to be delivered to the Chancellor, and preservedamong the Archives of the Order . 5

Preparations were made by Sir George Nayler, then the Blanc CoursierHerald, who was appointed King of Arms and a Knight of the Order, soonafter its Institution, to carry those Statutes into effect; but the Plates have notbeen erected either in the Church or Hall of Knights at Hanover; nor has theBook of illuminated Drawings been completed.

1 See the Remarks on Armorial Bearings, illustrated by wood-cuts, postea.

2 Additional Statute, Art. III. p. 11, antea. 3 Art. XXVI. p. 9, antea.

4 Vide History of the Order of the Bath, passim.

5 Additional Statutes, Article II. p. 11, antea.