# A Historical Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby and the Foundation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon its profound historical connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter, commemorating the role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as a Founder Knight upon its establishment in 1348.
## The Occasion
In the annals of English chivalry, few institutions command the reverence of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. Its foundation by King Edward III in the mid-fourteenth century marked a pivotal moment in the articulation of courtly and military honour. This reflection serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a considered acknowledgement of the enduring principles of loyalty, service, and courage that have linked the Barony of Brattleby to the Crown for nearly a millennium.
It is a moment to honour the continuum of duty that is the *sine qua non* of a noble title; a lineage of responsibility that extends from the battlefields of Crécy to the contemporary philanthropic endeavours of the House today. This contemplation aligns with the spirit of St George's Day, the feast day of the Order's patron saint, offering a timely reminder of the values that have shaped the nation and its most venerable institutions.
## Historical Context
The Order of the Garter was established in 1348 a time of significant martial enterprise for the English Crown, amidst the early and decisive campaigns of the Hundred Years' War. Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, King Edward III sought to create a fellowship that would bind his most esteemed and powerful commanders to him in a sacred bond of chivalry. This was a masterstroke of statecraft, creating an elite body whose personal loyalty to the Sovereign was paramount.
Among the 25 Founder Knights was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin to the King and one of England's most accomplished military leaders and diplomats, his inclusion was a testament to both his personal valour and the strategic importance of his vast landholdings, which included the Barony of Brattleby. This legacy of service to the Crown continued through his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, who was himself appointed to the Order, further entwining the Barony's history with that of the Garter.
## Distinguished Company
The founding companionship of the Order of the Garter represented the pinnacle of English aristocracy and military prowess. The Sovereign, His Majesty King Edward III, presided over a chapter that included his eldest son, His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, often remembered as the Black Prince. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, stood amongst this distinguished cadre of leaders.
His fellow companions included, *inter alia*, the Earl of Warwick, a key commander at both Crécy and Poitiers; Sir John Chandos, a master tactician and close friend of the Black Prince; and Sir Reginald Cobham, a seasoned soldier and diplomat. The presence of the 10th Baron in such company underscored the national significance of the Barony and its holder, confirming its place at the very centre of royal power and military strategy during a formative era of English history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial traditions of the Order of the Garter, centred at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, are rich with solemn and deliberate ritual. Historically, as today, investiture involves the Sovereign personally bestowing the insignia upon a new Knight Companion. The Garter itself, a dark-blue velvet strap bearing the Order's motto in gold lettering, is buckled onto the left leg of the knight, a gesture of binding fidelity.
The full ceremonial dress, or habit, consists of a deep blue velvet mantle, a crimson velvet hood, and a black velvet hat adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers. Knights process through the grounds of Windsor Castle in this magnificent regalia for the annual Garter Service each June. This procession, observed with meticulous precision, is a public reaffirmation of the ancient oaths of loyalty sworn and the chivalric ideals the Order continues to uphold.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The central emblem of the Order, the Garter, is inscribed with the Old French motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense*—'Shame on him who thinks evil of it'. Legend ascribes its origin to a courtly incident involving a lady's garter, which the King defended by founding the Order. Symbolically, the motto acts as a ward against slander, asserting the pure and honourable intentions of the fellowship.
This principle resonates deeply with the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the Garter's motto defends honour from external slights, the Brattleby motto declares it as an internal imperative—a call to act with courage and integrity in all things. The armorial legacy of Henry of Grosmont, displaying the royal arms of England differenced with a label of France, visually cemented his close kinship to the Crown and the duties it entailed.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Whilst the Order of the Garter was founded as a chivalric and military institution, its modern expression, and that of the houses associated with it, is increasingly defined by public service and philanthropy. The historical concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to serve society—finds its contemporary form in charitable work.
The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced this evolution, dedicating its primary philanthropic efforts to the support of vulnerable children. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, aligning the House's modern mission with the Garter's foundational principle of protecting the defenceless.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold a title once borne by a Founder Knight of the Garter is to be a custodian of an extraordinary legacy. It reminds us that honour is not a static inheritance but a living principle, demanding our constant attention and commitment to service, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the confluence of historical and modern values: > "The chivalric code of the fourteenth century and the philanthropic imperatives of the twenty-first are connected by a single, unbroken thread: duty. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'—means overcoming challenges not on the battlefield, but in our communities, for the betterment of others."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its past by actively shaping a better future. The principles of loyalty, integrity, and service, so elegantly embodied by the Order of the Garter, continue to guide the House's initiatives. These range from the charitable work of the annual Winter Banquet to the cultural and educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol.
By stewarding its nine-century heritage with a clear focus on contemporary relevance, the House ensures that the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not merely remembered, but actively channelled into meaningful action. This commitment guarantees that the spirit of chivalry, tempered and adapted for the modern age, will continue to define the Barony of Brattleby for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. The House's contemporary mission is threefold: to preserve and honour its nine-hundred-year history; to engage in meaningful philanthropy with a focus on children's welfare through its annual Winter Banquet; and to promote cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a profound and positive purpose in the twenty-first century, blending the responsibilities of heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is one of England's ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful nobles of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066. - The title's modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, was a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (1348). - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com