The Order of the Garter
In 1347 during the Hundred Years War, Edward III of England founded the
Order of the Garter,
still in existence today. This order consisted of the 25 highest-ranking knights
of England and was founded to ensure their loyalty to the king and dedication to victory in
the war.
Exerpt from Microsoft Games\Age of Empires II\History
"Originally the codes of chivalry had crossed regional and national boundaries, and the knightly
class throughout Europe had been linked by ideals of Christian purpose, benevolence, and valor.
However, as the power of the nation-states increased in western Europe, knights came to see
themselves as waging war for the glorification of their nation and the extension of their king's
power. To encourage the nobility's patriotism, kings developed new national chivalric orders.
One of these, the Order of the Garter, was used in England at the end of the 14th century to
reward knights and nobles for their participation in decisive battles during the Hundred Years'
War. The Order of the Garter quickly became an exclusive social distinction, and it was soon
copied in France, Bourgogne, and the Spanish kingdoms as well."
Exerpt from
"Chivalry," Microsoft� Encarta� Encyclopedia 99.
� 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
See also The Rise of Knights
Some ancestor Knights of the Order of the Garter
Sir Bartholomew de Burghersh
Sir Edward Despenser K.G. 4th Lord of Glamorgan
Sir Ralph de Stafford
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Knight of the Order of the Garter