General Notes

Reigned 1327-1377. Edward assumed effective power in 1330 after imprisoning
his mother and executing her lover Roger de Mortimer who had murdered his
father; therafter his reign was dominated by military adventures. His victory
in Scotland, especially at Haildon Hill 1333 encouraged him to plan (1363) the
union of England and Scotland. Through his mother he claimed the French throne
thus starting (1337) the Hundred years war.
The institution of the Order of the Garter is probably the finest contribution Edward made to his reign, for the "Most Noble Order of the Garter" is today considered the highest in the world. The emblem of the order, the garter, is a dark blue ribbon edged with gold bearing the motto and with a buckle and pendant of gold richly chased, worn on the left leg below the knee. The mantle is of blue velvet, the length of the train distinguishing the king, the surcoat and hood is of crimson velvet, the hat of black velvet with a plume of white ostrich feathers, having in the center a tuft of black herons' feathers and fastened to the hat with a band of diamonds. The collar of gold consisting of 26 pieces, each in the form of a garter, with a pendant--a figure of St. George of Cappadocia fighting the dragon. Proud indeed may he be who can trace his ancestry to one of the original knights.
The institution of the Order Knights of the Garter, Founded by Edward III,
King of England is probably the finest contribution Edward made to his reign, for the "Most Noble Order of the Garter" is today considered the highest in the world. The founders were, besides King Edward, as follows:
1. Edward, the Black Prince.
2. Henry Plantagenet, Duke of Lancaster.
3. Thomas Beauchamp, 3rd Earl of Warwick.
4. John de Grailly.
5. Ralph de Stafford, Earl of Stafford.
6. William Montacute, 2nd Earl of Salisbury.
7. Sir Roger Mortimer, 2nd Earl of March.
8. Sir John Lisle, Lord Lisle of Rougemont.
9. Sir Bartholomew de Burghersh, Lord Burghersh.
10. Sir John Beauchamp, Lord Beauchamp of Warwick.
11. John, Lord Mohun of Dunster.
12. Sir Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent.
13. Sir Hugh Courtney.
14. John, Lord Grey of Rotherfield.
15. Sir Richard Fitz-Simon.
16. Sir Miles Stapleton.
17. Sir Thomas Wade.
18. Sir Hugh Wrottesley.
19. Sir Nele Larying.
20. Sir John Chandos.
21. Sir James Audley.
22. Sir Otho Holland.
23. Sir Henry Eam.
24. Sir Sauchet D'Abrichecourt.
25. Sir Walter Pavely.