King Edward III

Born at Windsor Castle on 13 November 1312 at 5.40 a.m., the very first English King to have the exact time of his birth noted. He succeeded his father, King Edward II , who was deposed on 20 January 1327. The coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on 2 February. During his reign, the parliament was divided into two houses which still exist today, the office of "Justice of Peace" was created, and the French language was replaced by the English in the law courts. In 1348, he founded the "Order of the Garter", still one of the most prestigious orders of chivalry in Europe. On 21 June 1377, he died following a stroke at Sheen Palace.

Below is a part of a document (1350); the final line is attributed to the King. This is the oldest surviving example of a sovereign´s autograph (not signature).