Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/221

Rh a common practice, and this token or Emprize was regarded with feelings of which we can have no idea.

Camden assigns for the period of the foundation of the Order the battle of Crecy, at which, says that great antiquary, Epwarp ordered his Garter to be displayed as a signal for the onset. Be the origin of the institution, however, what it may, no Order in Europe is so ancient, none so illustrious, for "it exceeds in majesty, honour, and fame all chivalrous fraternities in the world."

The original statutes of this most noble institution have undergone continuous changes: suffice it to add that by a Statute passed on the 17th January, 1805, the Order is to consist of the and twenty-five, together with such lineal descendants of , as may be elected, always excepting the Prince of Wales, who is a constituent part of the original institution. Special Statutes have since, at different times, been proclaimed for the admission of Sovereigns and extra Knights, the latter of whom have, however, always become part of the twenty-five Companions, on the occurrence of vacancies.

HABIT AND INSIGNIA.

, of dark blue ribbon edged with gold, bearing the motto '" Honi soit qui mal y pense" in golden letters with buckle and pendent of gold richly chased, is worn on the left leg below the knee.

is of blue velvet, lined with white taffeta; on the left breast the star is embroidered.