DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONOURS SYSTEM

The origin of the Sovereign as the 'fountain of honour' is an ancient one.

Throughout history, monarchs realised the value and necessity of rewarding gallantry in battle and loyal service, often by awarding gifts of land or money, or some sort of title or sign of merit as a mark of distinction.

This was particularly the case when the first sovereign of a new dynasty succeeded to or took the throne and therefore needed to ensure that their supporters' loyalty was rewarded.

After the Norman Conquest in 1066, William I granted land to his allies in exchange for continuing loyalty and military service. For example, he created feudal earldoms to protect the English border against Welsh raids.

Occasionally, land or titles were granted by a king (for example Charles II) in recognition of his illegitimate children, who could not succeed to the throne.
 
After medieval times, gifts of land, money or weapons which were given as rewards for political or personal service, or help in battle, were replaced by the awarding of knighthood, insignia of Orders of chivalry and other honours.

From the reign of Richard II onward, gifts of gold or silver chains to be worn round the neck as a reward for loyal service were frequently given. Chains of honour were given to certain officers of the crown as a special mark of distinction. Known as 'collars of the King's Livery', such chains were worn as pledges of loyalty.

Until the beginning of the nineteenth century, appointment to the Orders of chivalry in England was restricted to members of the aristocracy and high-ranking military figures. From that period onward, the appointments were drawn from wider backgrounds.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, as Parliament's legislative role grew and government by a Cabinet of ministers headed by the Prime Minister evolved, the method of selecting people for honours also changed.

As with the Sovereign's other public functions, the king or queen conferred honours on the advice of their ministers, rather than on their own Royal initiative.