In Medieval Times, King Edward III lived at Windsor Castle. He was very fond of the place as he had been born there.

He loved tournaments and jousting, especially in the Great Park. He wanted to recreate the 'Order of the Round Table' set up by King Arthur. An 'Order' was a sort of club for all the best knights. King Edward hoped they would help him become King of France.

In 1348, the King held a big party at Windsor Castle. He danced with the 'Fair Maid of Kent' and she dropped her garter (which kept up her stockings). This was like your knickers falling down today! Everyone was very shocked.

King Edward picked up the garter and shouted, "Honi soit qui mal y pense". This is French and means, "Bad things will happen to you too, if you think badly of this". This probably didn't help the lady's embarrassment.

The King used the garter as the symbol for his new order of knighthood. He called it the 'Order of the Garter'.

There were, and still are, 26 knights. They meet in St. George's Chapel at the Castle on St. George's Day. He is their patron saint.