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gree of Knighthood ; in which Acftion he gave him acrimfon Robe, which might not then be appropriated,but is now peculiarly appropriated to Knights of theBath ; and likewile a Sword, under the expreß Denomi-nation of a Saxon Sword; which Article, as it may in-timate that Cuftom of Knighting was introduced by theSaxonsy and derived from them, io perhaps might bedefigned, as fome ipecial and ftanding Memorial toprelerve the Remembrance of their Reftdence among
US.
But Ingulfus , who lived at the Time of the Con-queft (as it is ufoally termed) of this Kingdom by theNormans , is very particular, concerning the Pra&ice ofconferring Knighthoods by his Countrymen theSaxom.
“ It was the Cuftom ( n läith he) of the Engliß,“ before the Norman Invafion, that he, who was to be<( regularly admitted to the Degree of Knighthood,<f ihould, on the Eve of the Day before his Initiation(( to that Degree, repair to fome Bilhop, Abbot, Monk,“ or Prieft, and there, with all Humility and Com-“ puntftion of Heart, confeß all his Sins j and having“ received Abfolution, ihould continue the whole“ Night in the Church, exercifing the ftricft Offices oftc Piety, and a fincere Humiliation; that in the Mor-tc ning he fhould hear Maß, öfter his Sword upon the
n Appendix, Numb. 2.
C I
“ Altar,