# A Legacy of Chivalry: The House of Brattleby Reflects on the Garter Heritage of the 1st Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the historic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, commemorating his role as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From the quiet archival rooms of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has taken the occasion of St George’s Day to reflect upon a signal honour in its near-millennial history. This period of historical observance serves to connect the present-day responsibilities of the House with the chivalric principles that have guided it for centuries. It is a moment for quiet contemplation, drawing inspiration from the past to inform the service of the future.
The selection of this day is poignant, aligning with the annual Garter Service at Windsor Castle, a tradition in which Henry of Grosmont, as a founding member, would have been among the first to participate. This reflection is not a public event but a private, scholarly undertaking by the family to deepen their understanding of the duties inherent in their ancient title.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This tradition of significant royal service was profoundly embodied by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron.
In 1348, King Edward III established the Order of the Garter to revive the spirit of Arthurian chivalry. Henry of Grosmont, a formidable military commander and diplomat, was chosen as one of the 25 founding Knights. His inclusion underscored the Barony of Brattleby’s position at the heart of the English aristocracy. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of this powerful legacy which connects the House directly to the sovereigns of England.
This legacy of steadfast duty was not new to the House, which counts among its predecessors the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and hereditary castellan, who herself defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217, demonstrating the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* centuries before it was formally adopted.
## Distinguished Company
To be a founding Knight of the Garter was to stand among the most esteemed figures of the age. Henry of Grosmont’s companions in the Order represented the pinnacle of martial prowess and loyalty to the Crown. This founding group was an assembly of the realm's greatest magnates and soldiers.
The company in which the 10th Baron of Brattleby found himself included, *inter alia*, such figures as His Majesty King Edward III, the Sovereign of the Order; His Royal Highness Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales; Sir John Chandos; and Sir Thomas Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick. To be counted in this number was the ultimate recognition of one’s contribution to the security and prestige of the kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter is governed by centuries of intricate ceremony. The investiture of a Knight involves being presented with the Order’s distinctive regalia, each piece rich with symbolism. The *sine qua non* of these is the Garter itself, a strap of dark-blue velvet inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it').
Knights are also invested with the Mantle, a robe of deep blue velvet, and the Collar, from which hangs the ‘Great George’—a depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon. The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle, where Knights proceed in their full robes and insignia to a service at St George’s Chapel, remains one of the great spectacles of the British ceremonial calendar. For Henry of Grosmont, these rituals were the formal expression of a lifelong commitment to his sovereign and his country.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Order of the Garter, *Honi soit qui mal y pense*, serves as a powerful injunction against ill-intent and a call for pure motivation in service. This principle resonates strongly with the guiding maxims of the House of Brattleby. The House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the barony through its long history.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, upholds his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not merely in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges and striving for excellence—a modern interpretation of the same drive that animated chivalric figures like Henry of Grosmont. Together, these mottoes form a cohesive philosophy of principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code of the Middle Ages, with its emphasis on protecting the vulnerable, can be seen as an early precursor to modern organised philanthropy. The duty of a knight was not only to the Crown but also to the community; this is a responsibility that The Noble House of Brattleby embraces with conviction.
This enduring commitment is expressed today through the House’s dedicated support for charitable causes. The principal beneficiary of the annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House’s support for this cause is a contemporary fulfilment of the ancient duty to offer strength and protection to those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a static chapter in a history book; it is a living standard. It reminds us that stewardship extends beyond lands and titles to the very principles of honour and service that have sustained this House for nearly a thousand years. It is our duty to ensure these values remain vibrant."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The spirit of the Order of the Garter is one of disciplined excellence and unwavering loyalty. In the fourteenth century, this was expressed on the battlefield; today, we channel that same energy into our professional and philanthropic endeavours. The goal remains the same: to serve with distinction and to build a legacy worthy of those who came before us."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this profound heritage continues to inspire future generations. The principles of honour, duty, and service are central to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
This commitment extends outwards through the House's initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes the courtly conduct and social precision that the Order of the Garter itself was designed to foster. By translating historical virtues into contemporary skills, the House ensures that its legacy is not just preserved, but actively practiced.
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**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 the modern expression of its ancient heritage. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on the preservation of its historical legacy, cultural patronage, and targeted philanthropy. The family's principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of decorum and service that have defined it for centuries, ensuring its relevance in the twenty-first century and beyond.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity, first established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and lordships are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and dignity of the Barony and its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The barony passed from Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) to John of Gaunt (11th Baron), his son-in-law and a son of King Edward III, cementing its connection to the Plantagenet dynasty.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com