Following the Battle of Crécy in 1346, Edward III instituted an order of chivalry in honour of St George, inspired (some said) by something he picked up in the street.
Two years after the Battle of Crécy in 1346, King Edward III instituted the Order of the Garter for twenty-six companions who had helped him to victory. Its colours were those of France, and the motto ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’ (shame on him who thinks ill of it) was a rebuff to those who questioned Edward’s claim to the French crown. Rumours abounded as to why Edward chose a garter for the emblem.