Bath, Order of the, is the third highest and one of the oldest orders of knighthood in Britain. Only the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Thistle are higher. The Order of the Bath was founded by King George I in 1725. It originally consisted of the sovereign, a great master, officers, and 36 knights companion. Its name comes from the traditional ceremonial bath, a symbol of purity. The British ruler confers the Order of the Bath chiefly on people who have performed outstanding government or military service. The order may also be conferred on leaders of foreign states.
The Order of the Bath includes three classes: Knights and Dames Grand Cross of the Bath (G.C.B.); Knights and Dames Commander (K./D.C.B.); and Companions (C.B.). Members of the first two classes who are British subjects use “Sir” or “Dame” before their names.
