The motto of New College is ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’, which means ‘evil be to him who evil thinks’ – or, more or less, don’t criticise others lest ye be criticised.

The motto is adopted by the Order of the Garter. Membership of the Order is limited to the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 living members, or Companions. This Order started in 1347 by Edward III.  It is said it was formed as an attempt to re-create the Knights of the Round Table as in the Arthur legends.

Apparently its origin is a bit mysterious but the best story is when King Edward III was dancing with Joan of Kent, his first cousin and daughter-in-law. Her garter slipped down to her ankle causing those around her to snigger at her humiliation. Edward placed the garter around his own leg saying, “Honi soit qui mal y pense. Tel qui s’en rit aujourd’hui, s’honorera de la porter.” (“A scoundrel, who thinks badly by it. Those who laugh at this today, tomorrow will be proud to wear it.”)

I think garters were a bit more important in those days.