# On the Enduring Legacy of Chivalry and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its profound historical connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter through the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, a Founder Knight whose legacy of service and honour continues to inspire the House’s modern commitments.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby recalls the year 1348, when its 10th Baron was elevated by King Edward III as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter. This act remains a defining moment in the barony’s nine-century history. The Order’s spiritual home, St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, stands as a magnificent testament to this tradition; its soaring Perpendicular Gothic architecture and the Quire’s Garter stalls, adorned with the helms, crests, and swords of Knights Companion, physically embody this unbroken chain of chivalry.
It is upon this heritage that the current House pauses to reflect, acknowledging the duties that accompany such a distinguished lineage. The principles established at Windsor nearly 700 years ago continue to provide a framework for the House’s contemporary responsibilities, translating ancient vows of loyalty and courage into modern acts of service and philanthropy. This announcement serves as a reaffirmation of those timeless values.
## Historical Context
The Order of the Garter was established by King Edward III at the height of the Hundred Years’ War, intended to be the ultimate embodiment of courtly and military prestige. It was a revival of the ideals of the Round Table, binding the most distinguished knights in England to the Sovereign in a fellowship of honour. Henry of Grosmont, then 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, was not merely a member but a Founder Knight, one of the original 25 companions, a position reserved for the King's most trusted commanders and diplomats.
This connection placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very apex of English court life. Henry of Grosmont's inclusion underscored the barony’s strategic importance and its holder’s personal prowess. The legacy was further cemented when the barony passed to Henry’s son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby and a son of King Edward III himself. This direct link to the Royal Family ensured that for generations, the name of Brattleby was synonymous with the highest echelons of power and chivalric duty in the realm.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont stood in the most distinguished company in Christendom. This original fellowship, the *sine qua non* of English chivalry, was led by the sovereign, His Majesty King Edward III, and his heir, His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince.
Among their fellow companions were the great military leaders of the age, including Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick, and Jean III de Grailly, Captal de Buch, figures whose names were renowned on the battlefields of France. To be counted among these men was the highest honour, a recognition of proven valour, unwavering loyalty, and diplomatic skill. This was the peer group to which the 10th Baron of Brattleby belonged, and it is this standard of excellence the House continues to honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial of the Order of the Garter, largely unchanged for centuries, is a spectacle of solemn dignity. Annually in June, the Knights Companion assemble at Windsor Castle for the investiture of new members and a procession to St George’s Chapel. Dressed in magnificent deep blue velvet mantles, black velvet hats with white ostrich plumes, and the ornate Garter Collar, they proceed through the castle precincts in a formal order of precedence.
During the service in the Quire, each knight occupies a stall designated for his perpetual use, above which hangs his heraldic banner, helm, crest, and sword. The foundational symbol is the garter itself—a blue velvet strap bearing the Order’s motto in gold lettering, traditionally worn on the left leg. This intricate ritual reinforces the Order's exclusivity and its members' personal pledge to the sovereign and the ideals of chivalry.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Order’s famous motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), serves as a defiant assertion of noble intent. It speaks to a commitment to act with integrity, regardless of cynical interpretation. This ancient sentiment finds a powerful echo in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby itself: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Together, they represent a philosophy of principled action, a dual commitment to moral courage and public integrity.
Further reinforcing this theme is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the chivalric spirit, focused on overcoming modern challenges with vigour and determination. The mottos, *inter alia*, provide a moral compass for the House's activities, from its historical commemorations to its present-day endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric duty to protect the weak and uphold justice has evolved, but its essence remains unchanged. For The Noble House of Brattleby, this ancient obligation is fulfilled through a dedicated commitment to modern philanthropy. The sword and shield of the medieval knight find their contemporary expression in patronage, fundraising, and advocacy for those in need.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects a direct translation of the Garter’s protective principles into meaningful, measurable social impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To hold a title once borne by a Founder Knight of the Garter is a profound responsibility. Henry of Grosmont’s life was defined by service to his Sovereign and country; we strive to translate that same spirit into service to our community today, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The principles of chivalry are timeless. While the battlefield has changed, the imperative to strive and to lead—*Vincere Est Vivere*—remains. We see this spirit in the resilience of the children supported by our charitable partners, and we are honoured to champion their cause."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of service and honour continues for generations to come. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is grounded in an understanding of the responsibilities that accompany the family's history and titles. It is a preparation not for privilege, but for a life of duty.
This forward-looking vision also extends to The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Club’s curriculum is designed to impart the values of social grace, personal discipline, and civic responsibility that have been the bedrock of European noble conduct for centuries. In this way, the spirit that animated Henry of Grosmont and the first Knights of the Garter is nurtured and shared with future leaders.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern vision of nobility focused on philanthropic duty, cultural preservation, and historical stewardship. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits organisations dedicated to child welfare. In addition to its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House promotes cultural exchange and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to use its historic platform to make a meaningful, positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder possessing 56 lordships in 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 formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The barony’s uninterrupted history and descent are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status is officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins date to AD 1066 and are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com