Order of the Garter
Badge
ca. 1640 (made)
ca. 1640 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 and is the oldest order of chivalry in Europe. The collar, introduced by Henry VIII, consists of 26 Tudor roses within blue garters, with an image of St George killing the dragon hanging by a gold tassel. The image is known as the 'Greater George', while the badge shown here is called the 'Lesser George'. It would be worn for less formal occasions and shows St George and the dragon surrounded by a garter with the motto of the Order.
People
There are only 26 members of the order at any time. This badge was owned by Thomas Wentworth, who was knighted by James I and made Earl of Strafford by Charles I in 1640. He represented Yorkshire in Parliament and pressed for greater honesty and efficiency in government. His occasional ruthlessness and greed made him many enemies and in 1641, after a set-back in the war with Scotland, he was tried by Parliament and executed.
Design & Designing
The collar could not be set with precious stones, but the other insignia could be decorated according to taste and income. This badge is made of coloured enamels and gold, while Charles I's insignia, which he wore to his execution, was set with over 400 diamonds.
Condition
The weapon carried by St George is missing. It would have been a sword or a spear.
The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 and is the oldest order of chivalry in Europe. The collar, introduced by Henry VIII, consists of 26 Tudor roses within blue garters, with an image of St George killing the dragon hanging by a gold tassel. The image is known as the 'Greater George', while the badge shown here is called the 'Lesser George'. It would be worn for less formal occasions and shows St George and the dragon surrounded by a garter with the motto of the Order.
People
There are only 26 members of the order at any time. This badge was owned by Thomas Wentworth, who was knighted by James I and made Earl of Strafford by Charles I in 1640. He represented Yorkshire in Parliament and pressed for greater honesty and efficiency in government. His occasional ruthlessness and greed made him many enemies and in 1641, after a set-back in the war with Scotland, he was tried by Parliament and executed.
Design & Designing
The collar could not be set with precious stones, but the other insignia could be decorated according to taste and income. This badge is made of coloured enamels and gold, while Charles I's insignia, which he wore to his execution, was set with over 400 diamonds.
Condition
The weapon carried by St George is missing. It would have been a sword or a spear.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Order of the Garter (popular title) |
| Materials and techniques | Gold and enamel |
| Brief description | Badge of the Order of the Garter |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
INSIGNIA OF THE ORDER OF THE GARTER The Order of the Garter, founded on St George's day in about 1348, is still Britain's highest order of chivalry. Charles I promoted this ancient order and introduced an embroidered star to be worn in public by Knights of the Garter on their cloaks. This star is embroidered with silver thread, but gold and even diamonds were also used. The badge was first introduced by Henry VIII and was worn on a blue riband or sash. It is known as the Lesser George and replaced the official Great George for everyday use.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Said to have belonged to Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford (born London, 1593, died there 1641), who was elected a Knight of the Garter in 1640, but never installedMade in London |
| Summary | Object Type The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III in 1348 and is the oldest order of chivalry in Europe. The collar, introduced by Henry VIII, consists of 26 Tudor roses within blue garters, with an image of St George killing the dragon hanging by a gold tassel. The image is known as the 'Greater George', while the badge shown here is called the 'Lesser George'. It would be worn for less formal occasions and shows St George and the dragon surrounded by a garter with the motto of the Order. People There are only 26 members of the order at any time. This badge was owned by Thomas Wentworth, who was knighted by James I and made Earl of Strafford by Charles I in 1640. He represented Yorkshire in Parliament and pressed for greater honesty and efficiency in government. His occasional ruthlessness and greed made him many enemies and in 1641, after a set-back in the war with Scotland, he was tried by Parliament and executed. Design & Designing The collar could not be set with precious stones, but the other insignia could be decorated according to taste and income. This badge is made of coloured enamels and gold, while Charles I's insignia, which he wore to his execution, was set with over 400 diamonds. Condition The weapon carried by St George is missing. It would have been a sword or a spear. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 273-1869 |
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| Record created | April 29, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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