The Most Noble Order of the Garter is the highest order of knighthood in Britain and the most exclusive with traditionally only 24 knights as full members at any one time, along with the reigning monarch and the Prince of Wales. Created by Edward III of England c. 1348 CE, the chivalric order was one of the first of a growing trend where rulers and noble knights sought to differentiate themselves from the increasing number of knights in the late medieval period. The order's annual gathering at Saint George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, with its magnificent procession of members and retainers in full regalia, maintains the traditions of pomp and pageantry for which the Middle Ages are rightly famous.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 1348Edward III of England creates the Order of the Garter, a chivalric order for knights with its headquarters at Windsor Castle
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Apr 1421Henry V of England invites James I of Scotland to join the Order of the Garter.
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Jun 1572William Cecil, Lord Burghley is made a member of the Order of the Garter.
