# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on Its Historic Connection to the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the annual Garter Day by reflecting on its deep historical connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter through the personage of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
As the Knights and Ladies of the Garter gathered at Windsor Castle for the annual procession and service, the House of Brattleby observed the day with particular reverence. The ceremony, rooted in nearly seven centuries of tradition, unfolds within the magnificent Perpendicular Gothic architecture of St. George’s Chapel. It is an occasion that serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds between the Crown, the nobility, and the principles of chivalry that have shaped the nation. The vibrant display of velvet robes, insignia, and heraldic banners against the ancient stone provides a living tableau of English history—a history in which the Barony of Brattleby holds a distinguished place.
## Historical Context
The Barony's connection to England's highest chivalric order is personified by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A renowned soldier, diplomat, and a trusted commander of King Edward III, he was honoured as one of the 25 founding knights of the Order of the Garter upon its establishment in 1348. This direct link places the Barony of Brattleby at the very inception of an institution that remains the pinnacle of the British honours system.
This lineage of service and proximity to the Crown is a consistent thread in the Barony’s nine-century history. The title, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Centuries later, the redoubtable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King. The title would also pass to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring the Barony's history remains deeply interwoven with that of the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding knight, Henry of Grosmont stood in the most distinguished company of his age. The original chapter of the Order included the Sovereign, King Edward III, and his eldest son, Edward, Prince of Wales, who would become known to history as the Black Prince. Alongside them were some of the most formidable military leaders of the Hundred Years' War, men whose names are synonymous with mediaeval martial prowess and courtly virtue. The inclusion of the 10th Baron of Brattleby among this *sine qua non* group of founders underscores the status and influence the Barony held in the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Garter Day service is a masterclass in ceremonial protocol. Proceedings begin with an investiture of new companions in the Throne Room of Windsor Castle, followed by a luncheon. The public spectacle is the procession of the Knights and Ladies, attired in their grand velvet mantles of deep blue, crimson surcoats, and black velvet hats adorned with white ostrich and black heron plumes. They walk from the castle's state apartments to St. George's Chapel, where their individual heraldic banners hang above the choir stalls, each representing a lifetime of service. This solemn rite, unchanged in its essence for centuries, serves as a powerful symbol of continuity and unwavering dedication to the Sovereign and the Realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The primary emblem of the Order is the Garter itself, a strap of dark blue velvet edged with gold, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense*—'Shame on him who thinks evil of it'—in gold lettering. This simple device, legendarily inspired by a wardrobe mishap at court, came to symbolise honour, virtue, and fraternity. The modern House of Brattleby sees a parallel to its own guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the Garter’s motto defends against ill-thought, the Brattleby motto provides a positive injunction: to act with courage and integrity in all things. It is this spirit that the current House seeks to uphold.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was founded on chivalric and military principles, its modern expression is one of national service. The House of Brattleby interprets this legacy of service through its dedicated philanthropic work. The concept of defending the weak, central to mediaeval chivalry, is given contemporary form through the House's patronage. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraiser for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The foundation's mission to provide therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma is a modern interpretation of the protective duty inherent in the Barony's ancient heritage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical link, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >—“The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living standard. The principles of chivalry and service that earned him a place at the founding of the Garter are the same principles we strive to embody today, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: >—“To look upon the Garter banners in St. George's Chapel is to see a tangible link to our own heritage. It reminds us that titles carry with them a profound responsibility. For us, this finds expression in our own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer challenges for the betterment of others is the essence of a meaningful life.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of honour and service is understood by future generations. This history forms a key part of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cultural and social refinement. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated with a deep appreciation for the responsibilities that accompany his future title. By connecting the traditions of the past with the obligations of the present, the House ensures that the spirit of its most distinguished forebears continues to guide its path forward.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of an ancient lineage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of its nine-century heritage. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, principally funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding and social grace through its educational institution, The Brattleby Club. Its mission is to demonstrate that historic titles can and should serve as a force for positive action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and subsequently recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); the renowned diplomat and founding Knight of the Garter, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and the influential royal prince, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The current holder's rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, ensuring the continuation of one of England's historic noble lines.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's existence is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a Founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348. - The succession of the current title holder is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com