An exclusive club which only knights can join. ÌýFounded in 1908 to enable a joint opposition to theÌýWalker Trustees who were enforcing their entitlement to collect monies from newly created Knights.
More details: The Office of Usher of the White Rod which has existed since at least 1393, was anÌýattendant of the Parliament of Scotland and anÌýhereditary office. ÌýInÌý1758 it became a commodity which could be bought and sold. ÌýFrom : "Eventually it was purchased by William Walker, an Edinburgh lawyer,Ìýfor his son Sir Patrick. As well as the income, Patrick was keen on theÌýceremonial side and he appeared at the Coronation of King George IV,Ìýand at George IV's famous visit to Edinburgh in 1822, dressed up inÌýhis specially designed pantaloons and uniform." ÌýThe Walker family then set up a Trust and in 1877, by Act of Parliament, all newly created Knights Bachelor became liable to pay certain fees to the Walker Trustees in perpetuity. ÌýThe Knights objected. ÌýIt's not clear why they had not objected before but possibly the fees had not previously been collected efficiently, or at all. ÌýHence they needed a body (the ISKB) with which to fight the court case, which went to appeal but they did win. ÌýThe amount which no longer had to be paid was, per Knight Bachelor,Ìý£3 6s 8d. From the rate sheet at we see that a Duke was the most expensive at over £21. ÌýWe think that White Rod lost all this income so goodness knows how he affords the panteloons now.
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