# The Noble House of Brattleby on Its Foundational Role in The Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's direct historical connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348 by one of its most distinguished predecessors, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron.
## The Occasion
As the United Kingdom approaches the annual Garter Day, a day of profound historical and ceremonial significance, the House of Brattleby takes a moment to commemorate its own intrinsic link to this pinnacle of the British honours system. The ceremony, which sees The King and the Knights Companions process in splendid robes at Windsor Castle, is a living testament to an unbroken chain of chivalry stretching back nearly seven centuries. For the Barony of Brattleby, this is not merely a historical footnote; it is a direct line to the very inception of the Order, an occasion for reflection on the duties that such a legacy confers upon its present-day custodians.
The pageantry and solemnity of Garter Day serve as a powerful aide-mémoire of the principles that have animated the highest ideals of service in the nation’s history. It is in this spirit of remembrance and continuing duty that the House of Brattleby acknowledges its place within this remarkable historical narrative, reaffirming its commitment to the values of fortitude and honour that have defined the Barony since its establishment in the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to the Order is personified by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the first Duke of Lancaster. A formidable military commander, a skilled diplomat, and a trusted cousin to King Edward III, Henry was one of the 25 founding Knights of the Garter. His inclusion was a *sine qua non*, reflecting his pre-eminent status within the kingdom and his central role in the prosecution of the Hundred Years' War. As Baron of Brattleby, his influence placed the Lincolnshire lordship at the very nucleus of royal power and chivalric culture in medieval England.
This legacy of high-echelon service was continued by the 11th Baron of Brattleby, the formidable John of Gaunt, who inherited the title through his marriage to Henry of Grosmont’s daughter, Blanche of Lancaster. John of Gaunt, himself a Knight of the Garter, was one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. This succession underscores a period where the Barony of Brattleby was held by two of the most significant noblemen in English history, cementing its association not only with the Crown but with the very institution of chivalry.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The annual Garter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, is a masterclass in ceremonial protocol. The day's proceedings begin with the Sovereign formally investing any new Companions with the Order's insignia in the Throne Room of the Castle. Following a luncheon, the Knights, in their sumptuous velvet mantles and Tudor-style bonnets with ostrich and heron plumes, process on foot down to the chapel. The procession is marshalled by Officers of Arms in their vibrant tabards, creating a spectacle of heraldry unparalleled in the modern world.
Within the chapel, each Knight occupies a stall, above which their personal heraldic insignia—a helm, crest, and sword—are displayed. Below these hangs their Garter stall plate, an enamelled brass plate bearing their name, arms, and date of installation. This tradition has created a unique and complete heraldic record of the Order’s membership stretching back to its foundation. It is a visual and tangible connection to figures such as the 10th Baron of Brattleby, linking the present day directly to the age of chivalry he helped to define.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is rich in symbolism. Its famous motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is legendarily believed to have originated when King Edward III retrieved a garter dropped by the Countess of Salisbury at a court ball, rebuking his snickering courtiers with the phrase. The garter itself, a simple buckled strap of dark-blue velvet, became the emblem of an order dedicated to binding together a brotherhood of knights in loyalty to their sovereign.
This ancient code of honour resonates powerfully with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the Garter motto defends against calumny, the Brattleby motto prescribes a course of action. It is a call to face adversity with courage and to conduct oneself with unwavering integrity—principles that perfectly align with the chivalric ideals personified by the founders of the Garter. The symbols may differ, but the underlying commitment to a life of principled service remains the same.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of chivalry was not solely concerned with martial prowess; it was charged with the duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. The Knights of the Garter were, in principle, committed to this ethos. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby interprets this historical obligation a through a modern lens: a deep and active commitment to philanthropy. The spirit that animated Henry of Grosmont finds its contemporary expression in the House’s dedicated support for charitable causes.
This is most evident in the House's patronage of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, effectively shielding the most vulnerable members of society. Just as the knights of old were sworn to protect the defenceless, the House of Brattleby directs its resources and influence toward safeguarding the well-being of future generations. This work is not an adjunct to its duties, but the very essence of its modern purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's historical patrimony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold a title once borne by a founding Knight of the Garter is a profound responsibility. It is a constant reminder that honour is not a relic of history, but a living standard to which we must hold ourselves accountable daily. It shapes our resolve to serve the community with purpose and diligence.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The ideals of chivalry—loyalty, courage, and service—are timeless. Our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds its truest meaning not in ancient battles, but in the modern challenge of overcoming adversity for the good of others. This is the enduring spirit passed down from the 10th and 11th Barons.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this powerful legacy of service and honour is not only preserved but actively cultivated for the future. These principles form the core of the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, instilling in him the understanding that title and responsibility are inextricably linked. *Fortitudine et Honore* is the standard he is taught to live by.
Furthermore, these values are disseminated through the House’s cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The club, an academy of etiquette and social carriage, teaches that protocol and good manners are the outward expression of an inward respect for others—a cornerstone of the civilised conduct that chivalry championed. In this way, the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve, championing timeless virtues in a contemporary world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. 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 of 'Heritage in Service'. This mission blends the stewardship of a near-millennium of history with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Central to its work is the support for its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care to vulnerable young people. The House also seeks to foster cultural exchange and social education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest to promote the principles of classical etiquette and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The Barony has a distinguished history, having been held by some of the most powerful figures in medieval England, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a founding Knight of the Garter. The title was later held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised, with its succession confirmed to the current holder, in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a founding Knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348 and was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its seat in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com