From at least 1625, and possibly from the reign of James I, Knights of the Bath were using the motto "Tria juncta in uno" (Latin for "Three joined in one"), and wearing as a badge three crowns within a plain gold oval. These were both subsequently adopted by the Order of the Bath; a similar design of badge is still worn by members of the Civil Division. Their symbolism however is not entirely clear. The 'three joined in one' may be a reference to the kingdoms of England, Scotland and either France or Ireland, which were held (or claimed in the case of France) by English and, later, British monarchs. This would correspond to the three crowns in the badge. Another explanation of the motto is that it refers to the Holy Trinity. Nicolas quotes a source (although he is sceptical of it) who claims that prior to James I the motto was "Tria numina juncta in uno" (three powers/gods joined in one), but from the reign of James I the word "numina" was dropped and the motto understood to mean "Tria juncta in uno" (three kingdoms joined in one).