British honours system

The honours system of the United Kingdom is a means of rewarding personal bravery, achievement or service to the country. The system is made up of three types of award: honours, decorations and medals.

Brief history

Although the Anglo-Saxon kings are known to have rewarded their loyal subjects with rings and other symbols of favour, it was the Normans who introduced knighthoods as part of their feudal system of government. Later, the first English order of chivalry, the Order of the Garter was created in 1348 by Edward III. Since then the system has evolved and branched out to address the changing need to recognise other forms of service to the United Kingdom. Various orders of knighthood were created (see below) as well as awards for military service, bravery, merit and achievement.

Related Topics:
Anglo-Saxon - Normans - Feudal - Order of the Garter - 1348 - Edward III - United Kingdom

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