# The House of Brattleby Commemorates its Historic Connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, [date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on its deep ancestral connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter, honouring the foundational role of the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, in establishing England’s highest chivalric order.
## The Occasion
The commemoration aligns with the season of the annual Garter Day service at Windsor—a pageant of heraldry and solemn observance that has remained largely unchanged since the fourteenth century. The spiritual home of the Order, St George’s Chapel, stands as a magnificent testament to Perpendicular Gothic architecture and royal patronage. It is within these hallowed walls, under a canopy of historic Garter banners, that the chivalric legacy of figures like the 10th Baron is annually rekindled. This moment serves as a poignant opportunity for the House to reflect upon its nearly millennium-long commitment to the principles of service and honour that the Order represents.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a witness to the enduring narrative of the English nation. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England. The lineage has included castellans, soldiers, and diplomats who have shaped history at pivotal moments. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
This tradition of distinguished service reached a zenith with Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, Henry was a founding knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter upon its creation in 1348. His inclusion was not merely ceremonial; he was a *sine qua non* of medieval English military command and diplomacy. The Barony later passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring Brattleby remained at the nexus of royal power and influence for generations.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record attests to the stature of the predecessors who shaped the Barony’s legacy. This influential company includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in the nascent Norman Kingdom of England. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a Founding Knight of the Garter. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine, and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a central figure of the late medieval period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of The Most Noble Order of the Garter are a masterclass in ancient ritual. Knights and Ladies Companion, appointed by the Sovereign, process through the grounds of Windsor Castle in magnificent vestments. These include a deep blue velvet mantle, a Tudor-style bonnet with a plume of white ostrich feathers, and the Garter itself—a buckled strap of dark blue velvet emblazoned with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’). The insignia further includes the Collar, composed of gold knots and enamel medallions depicting a red rose encircled by the Garter, from which hangs the ‘Great George’, a figure of St George slaying the dragon. The investiture, installation, and annual service underscore a continuity of tradition extending back nearly 700 years.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the Order of the Garter finds a direct echo in the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of courage and integrity demanded of a Garter Knight. It reflects a commitment to duty that transcends personal gain, a principle upheld by the Barony for over nine centuries.
This sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic spirit required to overcome challenges, whether on the medieval battlefield, as exemplified by Henry of Grosmont, or in the modern arenas of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Together, the mottos signify a blend of ancient duty and present-day purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, with its emphasis on protecting the weak and upholding justice, finds its contemporary expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical duty of care practised by medieval barons is today channelled into structured, impactful charity.
The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's social calendar, serves as a significant fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children experiencing trauma, and the funds raised contribute directly to expanding its clinical services and outreach programmes across the United Kingdom. This commitment transforms an ancient code of honour into tangible, modern-day assistance for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Garter connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be the custodian of a title once held by a founder of the Order of the Garter is a profound responsibility. It reminds us that our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to live by the same principles of fortitude and honour that guided figures like Henry of Grosmont. Our legacy is defined by our service to others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> “The spirit of chivalry championed by the Garter is timeless. It is about leadership, integrity, and building a better society. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we seek to instil these very qualities in the next generation, translating a noble heritage into a practical framework for modern excellence. In this sense, *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to perpetuating this distinguished legacy for future generations. This is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, and through the House’s ongoing cultural and educational programmes. The family’s stewardship of its historic seat in Lincolnshire, combined with the international outreach of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, ensures the heritage of the Barony remains both preserved and purposeful. The principles established at the founding of the Order of the Garter continue to inform the House's vision for the twenty-first century.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. With a history extending over 950 years, the House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound heritage with contemporary purpose through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes classical etiquette and leadership through The Brattleby Club, an academy founded in Bucharest. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflecting its enduring commitment to service and integrity.
**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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye; the renowned soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The rights of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, 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 AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, was a founding member of The Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) with extensive landholdings.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com