The order is under the Orders of Chivalry, which means it is a group of knights united with particular rules and a mode of conduct, and appear unique by wearing special insignia and badges (Kightly, 178). It is the “premiere meritorious Order of the Crown,” and in the military division, it is regarded as the highest class of British military honor obtainable (Cavill). There are also different levels of honor within the Order of the Bath; there is the Knights Grand Cross, Knights Commanders, and Companions, though only the most senior – the Knights Grand Cross – are able to sit in the stalls of the Henry VII Chapel of Westminster Abbey during installation ceremonies held there, although the stalls were originally intended for the abbey’s monks when they worshipped in the Henry VII chapel (Cavill). As a result, when a knight dies and his stall becomes vacant, the position in the highest level is offered to the next senior Grand Cross knight on an “allotment basis” between the Military and Civil Divisions (Cavill). These Knights will oftentimes have their banners, crests and stall plates affixed upon their stalls (Cavill).
The Order of the Bath derives its name from the ritual bath done by both a to-be medieval knight before his knighting ceremony, as well as monarchs who took baths before their coronation ceremonies (Kightly, 180). The order has been in existence since at least Henry IV’s coronation in 1399 (Kightly, 180). It is considered a purifying ceremony for those being knighted, and added prestige comes as a result, which is demonstrated by the wearing of crimson robes at certain state occasions (Kightly, 180). These knights were not formed into an organized, unified body until King George I revived the order in 1725 as a reward for select sailors and soldiers (Kightly, 180). Ladies were also able to receive the honor in 1971 - Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, became the first Dame Grand Cross (Cavill).
One of the honorable knights of the Order of the Bath was Sir George Yonge, whose title included the esteem of being called one of “Baronet…one of His Majesty’s most Honorable Privy Council, Governor and Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s Castle, Town and Settlement of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, and of the territories and dependencies thereof, and Ordinary and Vice Admiral of the same” (Yonge). With his ascendance to the Order of the Bath came various other titles and responsibilities under his jurisdiction. Sir Yonge oversaw the supply of money in this particular territory of the Cape of Good Hope (Yonge).
The Henry VII chapel of Westminster Abbey was commissioned by King Henry VII in 1503 for the purpose of a burial chapel for Henry VI (Cavill). Henry VI was, however, never buried there, but Henry VII rests there along with his wife, Elizabeth of York (Cavill). The Perpendicular-style chapel includes the markings in stone, wood and bronze of several royal emblems, including Tudor roses, the portcullis of the Beauforts, the Welsh dragon, the greyhound of Richmond , the fleurs-de-lis, and the Lion of England (Cavill). Originally there were 107 carved statues of saints in the niches above the stalls in the chapel; though 95 still remain intact it is considered one of the best and largest collections of late medieval statues in England (Cavill).
Works Cited
Cavill, Suzanne. "The Most Honourable Order of the Bath." Heraldicsculpture.com. 2008. Ian G. Brennan. 17 Jun 2008
"History and Research." Westminster Abbey from 1065 to Today. Dean and Chapter of Westminster. 17 Jun 2008
Kightly, Charles. The Customs and Ceremonies of Britain. Thames and Hudson Ltd, London, 1986.
Yonge, George. By His Excellency Sir George Yonge, Baronet; Knight of the most Honorable Order of the Bath; ... Governor and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Castle, Town, and Settlement of the Cape of Good Hope,. Cape Town: 1800.
Picture of Henry VII chapel courtesy of http://www.brynmawr.edu/Acads/Cities/wld/01620/01620j.jpg
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