I believe it was before Donation ranks were introduced, someone who donated had that. I could be wrong though, I wasn't here then.
Why was it spelled with a u? Im aware it can be spelled both ways, but just curious why it was spelt that way. Because come to think of it, I have no idea where Sythe lives.
He lives in Australia AFAIK. In England it is spelt honourable, think it's without a U in most other places..