Order of the Garter: top order of knighthood, only 24 members plus Royals and Stranger Knights (including the kings of Spain and Sweden and the Emperor of Japan). Very rare company.

] I have been told that in the time of GeorgeIII, an "address to the King" was a written suggestion that the king consider a certain person for a knighthood, or whatever honour.

It is more likely that Sir William greeted the king passing through Meryton by reading a highly loyal and flattering welcome to the fair city. His reward was the eccentric creation of an eccentric king.

It is true that titles can be purchased through services of the donation type to the governing political party, but this is rare compared to the number of titles and knighthoods earned by exceptional contributions to life in the realm.

] Does anyone know how Sir Joshua Reynolds got his knighthood? Or Sir Humphrey Davy?

Sir Humphrey Davy invented a safety lantern to reduce the number of mine disasters involving exploding or burning methane gas.

Sir Joshua was a very good painter of portraits of important people.