Ladies of the Garter

From its foundation by Edward III the Most Noble Order of the Garter has been copiously, though not always consistently, documented. From the appointment of the first Garter King of Arms by Henry V, efforts have been made to compile lists of its Companions and rolls of their arms. But it is less well known that almost from the first there were enrobed Ladies of the Garter. They were for the most part well-documented and most have close connections with the Knights of the Order, but some remain mysterious, and until now there has been no attempt to compile a systematic armorial.