Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Monday 26 January 2015

Prince Philip AK


The announcement today by the Australian Prime Minister, on Australia Day, that Prince Philip has been appointed as a Knight of the Order of Australia (AK), has produced a number of critical comments that indicate the nasty petty mean-mindedness of republicans down under.


Insignia of a Knight and of a Dame of the Order

Knight or Dame: Star

Star of the Order

Images:medals.org.uk

What is worthy of remark is the fact that the Consort of the Queen of Australia has not been made a Knight of the Order hitherto - I am surprised he was not a recipient of its highest rank when it was instituted. Until today the Prince held a lesser class of the Order, unlike the Prince of Wales who has always held its highest rank.

There is more about the Order and its insignia in my post What will Dame Edna say?



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