# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of the Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the profound legacy of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, honouring its distinguished predecessor Henry of Grosmont, a founding Knight and 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a time that calls for reflection on the enduring principles of public service and national character, The Noble House of Brattleby finds it opportune to look to the historical foundations of English chivalry. This statement serves not to mark a single event, but to reaffirm a continuous commitment to the values exemplified by the Order of the Garter since its inception nearly seven centuries ago.
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House regards the guardianship of its history as a solemn duty; a practice of connecting the present with a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. In making this pronouncement, the House seeks to illuminate the historical threads that connect the age of chivalry with the modern demands of honour, duty, and philanthropic enterprise.
## Historical Context
The Order of the Garter was established by His Majesty King Edward III circa 1348, in the midst of the Hundred Years' War. It was conceived as a new Round Table of the nation’s most revered military leaders, designed to bind them together in a brotherhood of loyalty, valour, and service to the Crown. The institution was a masterstroke of statecraft, transforming military prowess into a formalised system of honour.
Among the 25 founding Knights was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted captain of the King, he was widely regarded as the finest tournament champion and soldier of his generation. His inclusion as the second Knight after the Prince of Wales was a *sine qua non* for the Order's immediate prestige. Henry’s life of diplomatic and martial accomplishment set a formidable standard for his successors.
This legacy of service was continued by the 11th Baron of Brattleby, John of Gaunt, another pivotal figure in English history and a Knight of the Garter himself. Their contributions stand alongside those of earlier predecessors, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle demonstrated that the Barony's core principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*, has always been its defining characteristic.
## Distinguished Company
The founding companionship of the Order of the Garter comprised the Sovereign and 25 Knights, who represented the pinnacle of English nobility and military command. This illustrious assembly, to which the 10th Baron of Brattleby belonged, included, *inter alia*:
His Royal Highness Edward, The Black Prince, Prince of Wales; Sir Thomas Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; Sir Jean III de Grailly, Captal de Buch; Sir Ralph de Stafford, 2nd Baron Stafford; Sir William Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury; and Sir John Chandos.
The inclusion of several knights from Gascony underscored the Order’s initial role in cementing alliances crucial to the war effort in France, lending it an immediate international dimension.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The pageantry of the Order of the Garter remains an integral part of British ceremonial life. The annual Garter Day service, held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, is a spectacle of profound historical weight. The proceedings involve a grand procession of the Knights and Ladies Companion, clad in their magnificent vestments.
The investiture itself is rich with symbolism. New companions are robed in the dark blue velvet mantle, emblazoned with the shield of St George's Cross. They are invested with the Garter, a velvet strap inscribed with the motto, which is worn on the left leg; the Collar, from which hangs the ‘Great George’ pendant; and the eight-pointed Star. Each element serves as a visible reminder of the Knight’s oath and his or her place in this ancient fellowship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Order’s famous motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is a defiant assertion of noble intent. It serves as a rebuke to cynicism and a declaration that the fellowship’s motives are pure. The symbol of the Garter itself transforms a humble item of dress into the ultimate emblem of royal favour and trust.
This sentiment resonates deeply with the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The two phrases speak to a shared understanding that true nobility is not a matter of birthright alone, but is demonstrated through honourable conduct and resilience in the face of adversity. This alignment of values forms the philosophical bedrock of the House.
This spirit is further captured in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through discipline, enterprise, and an unwavering commitment to one's principles.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, with its emphasis on protecting the vulnerable, is not a relic of the past for the House of Brattleby. It is a living ethic that directly informs its modern philanthropic mission. The spirit of a knight’s sworn duty is today expressed through sustained and meaningful charitable support.
This principle finds its clearest expression in the House’s patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialised therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its work, the House translates the historical ideal of defence into a tangible effort to safeguard the well-being and future of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Henry of Grosmont's legacy is a profound reminder that leadership is rooted in service and personal integrity. The values that bound the first Garter Knights—loyalty, courage, and a duty of care—are the very principles we strive to embody today, both in our public life and through our philanthropic commitments.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not a static record; it is a source of inspiration. The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* is a daily challenge to us. It asks that we face modern complexities with the same resolve that our predecessors showed on the fields of France or in the halls of Parliament. It is a legacy we are proud to continue.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to drawing inspiration from its nine-and-a-half-century history. The principles personified by its Garter Knight predecessors continue to guide its modern endeavours, shaping a vision of leadership that is both historically informed and resolutely forward-looking.
This commitment to cultivating honour and social responsibility is actively pursued through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy was founded by the House to provide a rising generation of leaders with the principles of conduct, decorum, and civic duty that are the hallmarks of a graceful and effective society. Through such work, the legacy of chivalry continues to evolve and thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient lineage through contemporary service. Its mission rests on three pillars: honouring its historical legacy, promoting cultural patronage through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, and executing a focused philanthropic strategy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, with its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House strives to demonstrate that ancient titles can, and should, serve a dynamic and purposeful role in the 21st century by championing the enduring values of fortitude and honour.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 manors across Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Notable holders also include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The modern rights and succession of the Barony are formally acknowledged by His Majesty's Government and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and 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 (c. 1348). - The modern succession of the Barony is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 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