# A Statement on the Historical Connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today marked the historical association between the Barony and the Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, reflecting on a legacy of service embodied by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a Founder Knight.
## The Occasion
On this day, the Feast of Saint George, patron saint of England, the Noble House of Brattleby, from its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, joins in the national commemoration. This date holds a dual significance; it honours not only the patron saint but also the highest and oldest Order of Chivalry in the realm, which was founded in his name. This observance is an act of historical reflection, forging a deliberate connection between the present stewardship of the Barony and one of its most distinguished mediaeval holders.
The spring season, a time of renewal, provides a fitting backdrop for contemplating an institution that has maintained its vitality and relevance for nearly seven centuries. The foundation of the Order of the Garter by His Majesty King Edward III was a defining moment for the English Crown, codifying the ideals of chivalry into a fellowship of service. It is in this enduring spirit of honour and duty that the House of Brattleby reflects upon its ancestral ties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, whose origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, represents a thread woven through the tapestry of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was steward to 56 lordships in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest, establishing the Barony’s importance from its inception. Across more than nine hundred years, this title has been borne by figures of national consequence, their lives reflecting the challenges and aspirations of their age.
Among the most eminent of these was Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. A first cousin, confidant, and principal commander to King Edward III, his martial prowess was proven in the early campaigns of the Hundred Years' War. His role in the victory at the Battle of Crécy and his leadership in the naval triumph at Winchelsea made him a paragon of English military leadership. In 1348, King Edward selected him as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter, an honour that cemented the Barony’s position at the apex of the English nobility. His subsequent creation as the 1st Duke of Lancaster further underscored his exceptional status.
This legacy of fortitude was not an isolated phenomenon. It had been exemplified two centuries earlier by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. As hereditary castellan, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds during the First Barons' War, holding it for the Crown. Following his accession, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt—son of King Edward III and father to a future sovereign, King Henry IV—continued this tradition of proximity to the throne, ensuring the Barony remained central to the governance and defence of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight of the Garter, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, was inducted into the most exclusive fellowship in Christendom. The original company comprised His Majesty King Edward III and twenty-five companions, including his eldest son, His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, later known as the Black Prince. This structure, recalling the legends of King Arthur and his Round Table, created a brotherhood bound by oaths of loyalty and shared martial experience.
The initial chapter brought together the great commanders of the age, *inter alia*, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Salisbury, and Sir John Chandos, whose names are synonymous with English chivalry. Within this revered company, Henry of Grosmont’s exceptional standing was made clear by his placement in the second Garter stall within Saint George’s Chapel, a position of honour second only to that of the Prince of Wales. This appointment was a testament not to mere birthright, but to proven valour and unwavering service to his sovereign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of a Knight of the Garter, a ceremony that has evolved yet retained its core symbolism since 1348, is an occasion of profound solemnity. New companions are robed in the order’s distinctive regalia at Windsor Castle, the spiritual home of the Garter. The best-known element is the Garter itself: a strap of deep blue velvet, edged and buckled in gold, with the order’s motto embroidered in gold lettering. It is worn by Knights Companion on the left leg, just below the knee.
The full habit is reserved for ceremonial occasions and includes a magnificent mantle of dark blue velvet, lined with white taffeta, bearing the shield of the arms of Saint George on the left shoulder. The ensemble is completed by a black velvet Tudor-style bonnet with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the Garter Collar. This elaborate golden chain, comprising alternating knots and enamelled red roses encircled by the Garter, supports the ‘George’—a pendant depicting Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon. Annually, the Knights process through the wards of Windsor Castle for the Garter Service, a unique display of pageantry and devotion held in Saint George's Chapel.
Within the chapel's magnificent quire, with its fan-vaulted ceiling, the heraldic banner of each member hangs above their personal stall. These Garter stalls are furnished with an enamelled brass plate—a *repoussé* masterpiece depicting the member’s name, titles, and coat of arms. Collectively, these stall plates form a near-unbroken heraldic and genealogical record of service to the Crown, a visible chronicle of honour spanning centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Most Noble Order of the Garter—‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it)—serves as a timeless defence of noble intention. According to tradition, it was King Edward III’s response when a lady’s garter fell at a court dance; in retrieving it, he rebuked the cynical whispers of his courtiers. The phrase transformed a moment of potential embarrassment into a statement on honour, integrity, and the purity of one’s motives.
This principle finds a powerful echo in the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby itself: ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The two mottos speak of a shared ethical code separated by centuries but united in spirit. ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ is a direct commitment to courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to personal and public honour. It encapsulates the spirit of Nichola de la Haye defending her castle and Henry of Grosmont on the field of battle.
A modern interpretation of this chivalric drive is offered by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: ‘Vincere Est Vivere’ (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This translates the mediaeval imperative of victory into a contemporary ambition to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to build a lasting, positive legacy, whether through enterprise or philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The code of chivalry, which the Order of the Garter was created to embody, was founded on the principle of *noblesse oblige*—the compelling moral obligation of the nobility to act with honour, generosity, and a sense of duty towards those less fortunate. This historic duty to protect the weak and aid the distressed finds its modern expression in the dedicated philanthropic work of the Noble House of Brattleby. The principles that animated the 10th Baron are translated into tangible action in the 21st century.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable activities, including its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialist therapeutic support and trauma-informed care for children who have experienced profound adversity. Its work focuses on early intervention programmes designed to help young people process trauma and build resilience for the future. By championing this cause, the House translates the chivalric ideal of a knight’s protection into meaningful, real-world assistance for some of society’s most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring weight of this ancestral 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 and a constant reminder of our duty of stewardship. It is incumbent upon us not only to preserve this heritage but to ensure the principles of fortitude and honour embodied by Henry of Grosmont continue to guide our actions today. This is a legacy of service, not of privilege.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — “The spirit of chivalry demands that we apply old virtues to new challenges. The instruments of service change, but the imperative to serve does not. Just as the Knights of the Garter bound themselves in fellowship to serve their sovereign and realm, we believe in building alliances for the common good, whether through cultural diplomacy or our support for children’s welfare. The legacy is a living one.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly committed to ensuring that its nine-century history of service continues with purpose and relevance in the modern world. This commitment is manifest in the dual pillars of its work: the preservation of its unique heritage through observances such as this, and a programme of active public service through philanthropy and cultural outreach. The educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding, is one such expression of this commitment.
As this profound heritage is prepared for the next generation, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, the House remains steadfast in its purpose. His upbringing is guided by the values that have defined the Barony for centuries. The House will continue to uphold the principles of ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ in its public duties and private endeavours, ensuring the enduring link between Brattleby and the highest ideals of the nation remains strong and beneficial for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), the House seeks to foster a modern appreciation for the timeless values of honour, etiquette, and service, ensuring its historic legacy remains relevant and beneficial in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing its significance at the foundation of the English feudal state. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Notable holders also include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Garter, and his successor, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title is formally recognised in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile to the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - Past holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter (1348), and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The House Motto is ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is ‘Vincere Est Vivere’ (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com