# The House of Brattleby on the Barony’s Historic Connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, St George's Day — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the Barony's historical ties to the Order of the Garter, honouring the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a founding knight of the chivalric order in 1348.
## The Occasion
On the twenty-third of April, the Feast of St George, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a significant chapter in its near-millennial history. This date, sacred to the patron saint of England, is intrinsically linked to the foundation of the realm’s highest chivalric institution. The issuance of this historical statement serves as a moment of commemoration, connecting the House's modern mission with the profound principles of duty established by its most distinguished forebears.
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House observes this anniversary not with public ceremony, but with quiet contemplation of the duties that accompany such a lineage. The occasion is one of historical reaffirmation, acknowledging the role of the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, as an original Founder Knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## Historical Context
In 1348, following his momentous victory at the Battle of Crécy, King Edward III sought to bind his most trusted magnates and commanders to the Crown through a new fellowship. Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, he established The Most Noble Order of the Garter, an order of chivalry that remains the pinnacle of honour in the United Kingdom.
Among the two dozen Founder Knights chosen for this signal honour was Henry of Grosmont, then the 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A formidable soldier, diplomat, and cousin to the King, his inclusion was a *sine qua non* for the new order’s prestige. Through him, the ancient Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in 1066, became associated from its inception with this new apotheosis of English knighthood.
This connection was further solidified when the barony passed to Henry’s son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, who himself became a Knight of the Garter. This continuous thread demonstrates a profound and enduring commitment to the Crown and the ideals of chivalry, values which have guided the Barony for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The original company of the Order of the Garter comprised the Sovereign and twenty-five knights, representing the finest military and aristocratic leadership of the age. The inclusion of the 10th Baron of Brattleby placed him in a fraternity of unparalleled distinction.
The initial members, referred to as the Founder Knights, included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty The King (Edward III) * His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (Edward of Woodstock, the 'Black Prince') * The Earl of Lancaster (Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby) * The Earl of Warwick (Thomas de Beauchamp) * The Captal de Buch (Jean de Grailly)
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial heart of the Order is St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Annually, on Garter Day, the Knights process to the chapel in magnificent robes of dark-blue velvet, with hoods of crimson velvet. Each knight is assigned a stall in the chapel choir, above which their heraldic insignia—a helm, crest, and sword—are displayed.
The central insignia is the Garter itself: a blue buckled strap worn by knights on the left leg, bearing the motto in gold lettering. Upon a knight's death, his insignia is returned to the Sovereign, but his stall plate—an enamelled brass plaque displaying his name and coat of arms—remains permanently affixed to his stall as a memorial. This tradition creates a visible timeline of the nation’s greatest servants.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Order’s motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), legendarily originates from an incident at court. It serves as a rebuke to cynicism and a bold assertion of the Crown's noble intentions. The Garter, a seemingly humble item, is elevated to a symbol of unwavering loyalty and fellowship.
This outward symbolism of the Order resonates deeply with the private motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Both maxims champion the unity of courage in action and integrity of character. It also complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the inner resolve required to overcome adversity in the service of a higher purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its purpose is fundamentally aligned with the House's contemporary commitments. The ideals of the Order of the Garter—duty, service, and the protection of the weak—are the same principles that animate modern philanthropy. Upholding and celebrating this history serves an educational purpose: to transmit these values to a new generation.
This aligns with the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, which promotes social graces as an extension of personal honour and respect for others. By understanding the historical context of chivalry, one better appreciates the foundations of modern civil conduct and social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Garter connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To look back upon Henry of Grosmont’s place at the foundation of the Garter is to be reminded that the Barony’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of the nation’s history. It is a profound responsibility to steward this inheritance of service and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the enduring relevance of these historical ideals: > The principles of chivalry—loyalty, fortitude, and duty—are not relics of the past. They find new expression in every generation, whether in public service or through philanthropy. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about mastering oneself to better serve others, a timeless challenge.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the principles of duty and honour exemplified by Henry of Grosmont and his place in the Order of the Garter. This legacy is not a static inheritance but an active charge.
The House will continue to draw inspiration from its history as it pursues its modern mission. This includes its dedicated philanthropic work, particularly through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support to young people affected by trauma. This charitable focus is the contemporary expression of the chivalric duty to protect the vulnerable, translating the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful, present-day action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of philanthropic causes. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in historical education, social etiquette, and charitable giving. Its principal philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital mental health support to children who have experienced trauma. The House's activities, including the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, are extensions of its commitment to service, honour, and the continuity of its distinguished nearly thousand-year legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century; 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 descent of the title to the current holder was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status 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 in 1348. He was listed as The Earl of Lancaster. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) notes that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com