Order of the Star

The Order of the Star (French: Ordre de l'Étoile) or Company of the Star was an order of chivalry founded on 6 November 1351 by John II of France, to rival the Order of the Garter founded in 1348 by Edward III of England. This was the first monarchical order of knighthood, and first military order in French history. The inaugural ceremony of the order took place on 6 January 1352 at Saint-Ouen, from which it is sometimes called the Order of Knights of the Noble House of Saint Ouen.