Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor
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The Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor was formed in 1908 and received royal recognition in 1912. Its patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is a registered charity and seeks to uphold the dignity of knight bachelor and the rights of the degree of knighthood at all times, to register every duly authenticated knighthood, and to advise members on matters relating to the degree. Its charitable objectives include the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, support for hospitals, support for the elderly, and support for the needy. A particular objective is to encourage knights bachelor within the Commonwealth to develop understanding and cooperation between the citizens of the Commonwealth. In 1962 the Society established its own chapel in the Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great, Smithfield, London. In 2005 the chapel was moved to the Crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral in London.[citation needed] The Society's badge may be worn in the form of a brooch by wives and daughters of knights.
[edit] Past Knights Principal of the Society
- The Hon. Sir Bargrave Deane (1908-1911)
- Major-General Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, CVO (1911-1923)
- The Rt. Hon. Sir William Bull, 1st Baronet, MP (1923-1931)
- Commander Sir Arthur Trevor Dawson, 1st Baronet, Kt., RN (1931)
- Sir Gerald Wollaston, KCB, KCVO (1931-1957)
- The Hon. Sir George Bellew, KCB, KCVO, Kt., KStJ (1957-1962)
- Sir Anthony Wagner, KCB, KCVO (1962-1983)
- Sir Colin Cole, KCB, KCVO, TD (1983-1995)
- Sir Conrad Swan, KCVO (1995-2000)
- Sir Richard Gaskell (2000-2006)
- Sir Robert Balchin DL (since 2006)