THE MOST HONOURABLE
ORDER OF THE BATH

Becoming a knight during medieval time was rite of passage.  In preparation for his investiture a would-be knight would take a bath and hold a solitary vigil in silent prayer: cleansing both body and soul.  From this comes the title for the Order of the Bath.  During the 18th century it became the highest military honour, prized by all who received it, including, Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington (both dressed by Ede and Ravenscroft).

The Order has three classes: Knights Grand Cross, Knights Commander, and Companions. Each class has a military and civil division.

The Order’s emblem is three gold crowns within a circle surrounded by the motto, “Tria Juncta in Uno” ‘Three joined in one’.

The mantles are crimson silk satin lined with white silk taffeta.  A silver and gold hand embroidered badge on the left breast bears their emblem and motto.  The mantles are hoodless and closed at the neck using cloth cordons with crimson and gold tassels.  The collars are attached to the mantle with white silk bows over the shoulder.

• The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
• The Royal Victorian Order
• The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
• The Most Noble Order of the Garter
• The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle