What Are The Knights Of The Bath?

This “honorable order” was created in 1725 and gets its name from a ceremony used during the Middle Ages in which a knight was given a bath (as a symbol of being purified). King George I of England is credited with founding this long-standing order and transforming it into a military order. However, there remains a civilian order as well.

According to historical records, the Knights of the Bath has at least three levels of membership – Companion, Knight Commander/Dame Commander and Knight Grand Cross/Dame Grand Cross. In the 20th century and the 21st century new memberships are extended to senior officers in the military or civil servants who have achieved senior status in their agency. This is one of several Orders of Chivalry in Great Britain.

The complex and elaborate ceremony that lies at the root of the Knights of the Bath included music and night-long watch in which the knight was alone. The well-known act of knighting someone by touching him with a sword evolved after the complex “bath” ceremony. A particular badge, medal and ribbon were used to identify members in the early years. The idea of three-in-one and the Holy Trinity also figure strongly in the idea of Knights of the Bath.

Some histories suggest that the founders of this order used it to show favor to those who supported certain political leaders or programs. The current monarch is the highest-ranking member of the order. The next level is the Grand Master, who is charged with making sure that the members follow guidelines and rules for behavior.

There is an associated honor for those who are descendants of Knights of the Bath. According to this order’s directives members maintain the highest standards of patriotism and honor, in an effort to carry on the memory of those who were in the Knights of the Bath order many years before. Aged documents and relics are much revered and protected by members of the Knights of the Bath and by those who are descendants.

Some of the significant dates are 1399, when Henry IV was crowned. According to other historical records, 1501 stands out because it connects the order with Arthur, Prince of Wales and Nicholas. Knights of the Bath ceremonies were witnessed in 1661 at Westminster. May 18, 1725 is recorded as the date when this order of chivalry was founded by George I. In 1812, history records ceremonies of installation at Westminster and three years later the currently recognized levels of membership were believed to be established.

Records maintained by Heraldic Sculptor show Knights of the Bath crests in Henry VII chapel at Westminster Abbey. This group also notes that Sculptor Ian G. Brennan is commissioned to produce Knights of the Bath crests, most of which are carved from lime wood then painted and gilded. These interesting and unique sculptures are between 10 inches and 22 inches tall, according to Heraldic Sculptor records. They generally depict animals and a variety of objects in eye-catching poses.

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