Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, was the eldest son of King Edward III of England. In his early life he was known as Edward of Woodstock after his birthplace in Oxfordshire. He was never known as The Black Prince during his lifetime, the title seems to have originated during the 16th century. He was an exceptional military leader and commanded the vanguard of the English army at the Battle of Crecy when he was only 16. In 1348 he founded and became the first Knight of the Order of the Garter. Edward died in 1376, one year before his father, becoming the first English Prince of Wales not to become King of England. His amazing tomb effigy can be seen in Canterbury Cathedral along with his heraldic “achievements” including helmet, shield and gauntlets.
The Black Prince Sword is a magnificent piece and produced by the world famous Art Gladius workshop in Toledo, Spain. The black and gold hilt is heavily adorned with decoration and features the Royal Arms of England at the centre of the guard. One side of the pommel is decorated with coats of arms associated with the Black prince whilst the other side bears the words “HONNI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE” being Old French for “Evil be to him who evil thinks”. This is also the motto of the Knights of the Garter. The polished stainless steel blade is masterfully etched with medieval symbols and features a fuller to decrease the weight without sacrificing strength.