Founded in 1783, the Order of St Patrick was historically used to reward those in high office in Ireland and Irish peers who supported the government of the day.

It served as the national Order of Ireland as the Garter was for England and the Thistle for Scotland.

The Order effectively went into abeyance with the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922.

It finally lapsed in 1974 with the death of the last surviving recipient, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.

Originally, the number of Knights of St Patrick was 15. This increased to 22 in 1833.

The Knights of the Order of St. Patrick wore mantles of sky-blue satin, and the star of the Order was embroidered in silver on the right breast.

The Order's most famous insignia were the badge and star used by the Lord Lieutenant. These were made available for the serving Lord Lieutenant's use in 1830 by William IV.

The insignia were made from 394 stones taken in part from some of Queen Charlotte's jewellery and from one of the Order of the Bath Badges which had belonged to her husband George III.

Known as the 'Irish Crown Jewels', the insignia were stolen from Dublin Castle in 1907 and never recovered.

Motto: Quis separabit?

Chapel: St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Ranks: Knight

Post-nominals: KP

Founded: 1783; discontinued 1922