Master Cromwell Order of The Garter Chain Of Office

Master Cromwell Order of The Garter Chain Of Office as worn by Mark Rylance in Wolf Hall, The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel.

This is my original design, handcrafted by myself and purchased by the wardrobe department of the BBC.

The Chain Of Office is linked by antique gold and enamelled connectors with rope connectors in between. Each enamelled connector carries the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" within a unique belt design. I enamel these by hand and alternate between red and white roses.

From the centre of the chain hangs a gold plated pendant depicting Saint George killing the dragon. I have cast the image in double sided gold plated alloy with the front individually enamelled by hand. To the pendant I add a natural cultured freshwater pearl.

In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter. The Order of the Garter is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint.

The order's emblem is a garter with the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense (Middle French: "Shame on him who thinks evil of it") in gold lettering. The motto refers to Edward's claim to the French throne, and the Order of the Garter was created to help pursue this claim.


The Chain of the Order of The Garter can be seen in many Tudor and Elizabethan portraits such as those of Edward VI, The Earl Of Leicester, Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk (C. 1484-1545) Sir Henry Guildford (after Hans Holbein the younger) amongst others. I also have another version of this chain with a different pendant which more closely depicts the one worn by Edward VI.

This is a unique and hand crafted item. It cannot be found anywhere else as the design and make are my own. It measures approximately 1 metre and is a continuous piece.