Knight Bachelor | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by | The Sovereign |
| Precedence | 13 |
| Style | Sir or Dame |
Knight Bachelor is the oldest and most basic rank of knighthood, older than any of the orders of chivalry. A Knight Bachelor is not a member of any order: the title is given to men for public service or achievement in their field, and the holder is styled "Sir" but uses no letters after his name.
History
Knights bachelor go back to the knights of the Middle Ages who fought under another's banner rather than leading their own. The rank survived when the orders of chivalry were founded, and today it is one of the most common ways for a man to be knighted for public service.
In UKOGB
The honour is given by The Sovereign, usually on the advice of the Prime Minister. Any member can nominate another on the website, and the holder's styled name on their profile includes "Sir".
This page was last edited on 3 November 2026.