On this day 669 years ago...

The first English order of knighthood, known as the Order of the Garter, was founded by Edward III, the English King and then Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince. It was celebrated with a feast and joust. The King and Prince each had twelve companion knights as was customary for a joust. Most of the founder knights were young men, some under the age of 20, skilled in battle and tournaments. Some had even served in the battle of Crecy.

It is said that Edward III wanted to revive the Knights of the Round Table from Arthurian Legend. Supposedly, at a ball, one of Edward III’s dancing partner’s garter’s dropped to the floor. Gallantly, to save the lady embarrassment, Edward III picked up the blue garter and put it on his own leg. He said, “Shame to him who thinks evil of it,” and that became the motto. Other fables abound, but the Order’s true purpose was to support Edward III’s claim to the French Throne.

The first time the order was mentioned in writing was in a chivalric romance novel published in 1490 called “Catalan,”written by Joanot Martorell. Some scholars see a connection to the girdle in the famous poem, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.”

The order continued on through the ages. 36 members have been beheaded over the years. Today, it is still the highest order of chivalry in Great Britain.