THE MOST ANCIENT AND MOST noble order of THE THISTLE. This ancient Order is said to have been instituted by king Achaius, and the collar was added by king James V. The institution having however fallen into desuetude, king James II., in May 1687, revived it, and it was finally re-established by queen Anne, 31 Dec. 1703. In Feb. 1714 15, king George 1. confirmed the statutes of queen Anne, and added others, particularly that of making rays of glory to surround the figure of St. Andrew, which is suspended to the collar; and his majesty was pleased, in 1717, to order, that, in future, chapters of election should be held in the royal presence; and that the order should consist of the sovereign and twelve knights. By statute 8 May 1827, this number was extended to sixteen. The star is worn on the left side of the coat or cloak, and consists of a St. Andrew's cross of silver embroidery, with rays going out betwixt the points of the cross; on the middle thereof a thistle of gold and green, upon a field of green, and round the thistle and field a circle of gold, having on it the following motto of the order, in letters of green: NEMO ME IMPUne Lacessit—(No man injures me with impunity.) The badge or jewel is worn pendent to a green riband over the left shoulder, and tied under the arm; it consists of the image of St. Andrew, with the cross before, enamelled and chased on rays of gold, the cross and feet resting upon a ground of enamelled green; and on the back, enamelled on a green ground, a thistle, gold and green, the flower reddish, with the before-mentioned motto round. The collar consists of thistles, and sprigs of rue growing betwixt, and at the middle thereof, shall be hung before the image of St. Andrew, as above; the whole of gold enamelled. N.B. There being no installation of this Order, the Knight wears the collar and star immediately after his investiture. |