# A Statement on the Historical Connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its profound historical connection to the Crown and the Most Noble Order of the Garter, honouring the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a Founder Knight.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby took a moment to commemorate its unique position within the annals of English history. As England observes the traditions surrounding Garter Day at Windsor Castle, the House recalls the central role played by one of its most distinguished predecessors. The occasion serves not as a claim to present privilege, but as a sober reflection on the enduring duties of nobility and the principle of service, a commitment which has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This act of remembrance reinforces the unbroken chain of responsibility that links the medieval holders of the Barony to its current custodians. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the House’s core values, which are deeply rooted in the same chivalric ideals that led to the Garter’s foundation by King Edward III in 1348. The spirit of that age, one of valour and unwavering loyalty, continues to inform the House’s modern mission.
## Historical Context
The connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the Order of the Garter is embodied by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted confidant of King Edward III, he was among the 26 Founder Knights of the Order, an honour that recognised his status as one of Europe’s most formidable military commanders and diplomats. His investiture solidified his reputation and brought considerable lustre to the titles under his stewardship, including the ancient Barony of Brattleby.
This legacy of service to the Crown was not an isolated event. Earlier, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness by tenure, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds in the name of her sovereign. Later, upon Henry of Grosmont’s death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, the equally renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This succession created a direct link to the Lancastrian and Tudor dynasties, embedding the Barony deep within the fabric of the English monarchy. Such precedents of fortitude and honour are the foundation upon which the modern House stands.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating its Garter connection, the House of Brattleby recalls the esteem in which the 10th Baron was held. The original Companions of the Order constituted the most revered figures of the age, a circle of trust and martial prowess gathered around the monarch.
Among this fellowship were, *inter alia*: His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order; His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; And, in Stall S10 of St George’s Chapel, Henry of Grosmont, Earl of Lancaster and Derby, 10th Baron of Brattleby.
To be counted among such men was the supreme affirmation of one’s standing and character in fourteenth-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Most Noble Order of the Garter remains the pinnacle of the British honours system, its ceremonies steeped in centuries of tradition. Each June, Knights and Ladies Companion process at Windsor Castle, clad in magnificent velvet mantles of garter blue and wearing the insignia of the Order. This includes the Garter itself, a buckled strap of dark blue velvet inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’).
Central to the Order is the Collar, from which hangs the Great George—a gold and enamel figure of St George slaying the dragon. During the annual Garter Service in St George’s Chapel, the Sovereign and Companions occupy their assigned stalls, above which hang their heraldic banner, crest, and helm. This visual display of lineage and honour is a powerful reminder of the commitment each Knight makes to the Sovereign and the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of the Order of the Garter resonate strongly with the mottos of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the chivalric virtues of courage in adversity and integrity in action, as exemplified by Henry of Grosmont. It is a declaration that true nobility is defined not by title alone, but by character and conduct.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, it speaks to an ethos of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence in all endeavours—a contemporary echo of the martial and diplomatic triumphs of his predecessors by marriage. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of purposeful leadership.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ancient chivalric obligation to protect the weak and uphold justice is the *sine qua non* of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work. While the context has shifted from the battlefield to the boardroom, the duty of care remains unchanged. This commitment is the modern expression of the honour that the Order of the Garter represents.
The House’s primary charitable focus is realised through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a hopeful future. The selection of this beneficiary is a deliberate choice, translating the abstract ideal of 'honour' into tangible support for the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a trophy to be admired, but a standard to be met. His fortitude on the fields of France and his place in the Garter Chapel serve as a constant reminder that our titles are defined by service. It is a profound inheritance, and with it comes an equally profound duty to act with honour in our own time.”
Lady Nicoleta continued: > “Whether through our support for children’s charities or our educational work at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we seek to give these ancient principles of chivalry modern relevance. The essence of *Fortitudine et Honore* is timeless; our task is simply to apply it to the challenges of the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this nine-century legacy of service continues with purpose and relevance. Under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House seeks to be a force for positive cultural and social impact, bridging its historic past with a dynamic present.
This enduring commitment will, in time, be passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The education of the next generation in these principles of duty, honour, and service is paramount. The House will continue to draw inspiration from its history not as a conclusion, but as a prologue for future contributions to society.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions cultural and educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and social grace. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that provide support and healing to vulnerable children. It seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a meaningful and contemporary purpose by translating the traditional obligations of nobility into tangible, positive action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted descent of the feudal dignity was formally acknowledged and confirmed by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The acknowledgement of the Barony of Brattleby and its descent to the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, occupying Stall S10 in St George's Chapel, Windsor. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief directly under the King. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and father of King Henry IV, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris* through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of the 10th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com