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Why did Edward III establish the Order of the Garter?
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Edward III
Edward III, watercolour, 15th century; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Julius E. IV).
Because the earliest records of the Order of the Garter were destroyed by fire, its exact original purpose remains a subject of historical debate. However, there are two primary theories regarding why Edward III established the order in 1348:
- Revival of Chivalry: One prominent theory suggests that Edward III wished to revive the Round Table of Arthurian legend, fostering a spirit of knighthood and camaraderie among his elite followers.1
- Commemoration of a Courtly Incident: Another popular tradition holds that the order was created to commemorate an incident at a court dance. When a lady’s garter fell to the floor, the king gallantly retrieved it and placed it on his own leg to silence snickering courtiers. He reportedly admonished them with the phrase, "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shame to him who thinks evil of it"), which remains the order's motto today.1
The order was inaugurated with a great feast and joust, serving as a prestigious institution that continues to rank as the highest British civil and military honor.12