# A Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Foundation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a reflection on the Barony’s profound historical connection to the founding of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, reaffirming the enduring principles of chivalry and service that guide its modern activities.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to contemplate a defining chapter in its nine-century history. As the autumn light falls across the historic landscape first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the House reflects on the Plantagenet era and the elevation of the Barony through its association with England’s highest chivalric order.
This statement serves not to mark a specific anniversary but to reaffirm the historical continuity that is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity. It is an acknowledgement of the duties inherited from predecessors and a solemn pledge to carry their standards of honour into the future, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
In 1348, amidst the turmoil of the Hundred Years' War, King Edward III established the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This college of knights, inspired by the fellowship of the Round Table, was created to bind the kingdom’s greatest magnates and military commanders to the Crown through personal loyalty and a shared code of honour.
Among the 25 founding knights was Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. A first cousin to the King and one of the most respected soldiers and diplomats of his age, his inclusion was a testament to both his personal prowess and the standing of his baronial seat. This appointment placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court, a position of influence later held by another celebrated holder, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and also a Knight of the Garter.
## Distinguished Company
The fellowship into which Henry of Grosmont was welcomed remains the pinnacle of English chivalry. His companions as a founding knight included some of the most formidable figures of the 14th century, demonstrating the exclusive and martial character of the new Order.
This illustrious company included, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness Edward, The Black Prince, Prince of Wales; Sir John Chandos, a masterful tactician celebrated for his conduct at the Battle of Crécy; and Ralph, 1st Earl of Stafford. To be counted among these men was to be recognised as a pillar of the realm, entrusted with its defence and its honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial of the Order of the Garter, then as now, is steeped in tradition and symbolism. The installation of knights takes place in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the Order’s spiritual home. The Garter Service involves a grand procession of the knights in their magnificent blue velvet mantles and hats adorned with white ostrich plumes.
During the investiture, the Garter itself—a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto in gold lettering—is buckled onto the left leg of the new knight by the Sovereign. This act formalises membership in an order limited to the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 living Knights Companion, a number maintained since 1348.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The primary symbol of the Order is the Garter, inscribed with the Anglo-Norman motto: *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'). The motto speaks to the pure intentions and unwavering loyalty expected of its members. The insignia also includes the Garter Star, the Collar of gold and enamel, and the Lesser George pendant.
For the House of Brattleby, this historic connection imbues its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), with even deeper meaning. The fortitude of a Garter knight on the battlefield and the honour he was sworn to uphold are the very same virtues the House seeks to exemplify in its modern duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric ideal of protecting the weak and serving the community, central to the Order of the Garter's ethos, provides the historical foundation for the contemporary philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. This ancient-to-modern tradition of service is expressed through the House's dedicated charitable work.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the foremost expression of this commitment. Proceeds from the event support the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, making a measurable impact on their future wellbeing.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The story of Henry of Grosmont is not merely a page in a history book; it is a living part of the fabric of this House. It reminds us that titles and lands come with a profound responsibility of service—a duty to the Crown, to our community, and to the principles of honour that must transcend the ages.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the alignment of values: > The Garter motto speaks of integrity under scrutiny, while our own, *Fortitudine et Honore*, guides our actions. Together, they form a powerful moral compass. It is this spirit we hope to instil in our work, whether through philanthropy or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of honour and service continues for generations to come. This commitment is actively pursued through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which grounds modern social skills in the timeless principles of respect and personal conduct.
The House is dedicated to preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to inherit not just a title but a tradition of duty. This heritage, extending from Colswein of Lincoln in 1066 to the Plantagenet courts and beyond, will continue to be honoured through meaningful action and unwavering adherence to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding a nine-hundred-year-old heritage with a modern, forward-looking vision. The House's contemporary mission is focused on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, blending the traditions of its English seat with a Continental perspective. Its principal activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes, such as Healing the Wounded Child, and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a legacy of meaningful service and social responsibility 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, was 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 English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby. - A notable predecessor, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), was a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, raises funds for the House's chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com