Edward prince of wales popularly known as the black prince was an exceptional military leader and his victories over the french at the battles of creacutecy and poitiers made him very popular during his lifetime he was one of the founders of the order of the garter and in 1348 he became the first knight of this order his tomb effigy in canterbury cathedral is one of the most impressive in the world and lies beneath his heraldic 39achievements39 including a crested helmet shield and g