# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Legacy of the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 17 June 2024 — On the occasion of the annual Garter Service at Windsor, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects on its ancestral connection to the Order through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding knight invested by King Edward III in 1348.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate a defining moment in its nine-century lineage. This day of reflection, coinciding with the annual Garter Day ceremonies at Windsor Castle, considers the profound and enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his integral role in the foundation of England’s most senior Order of Chivalry.
The occasion, observed in the full bloom of early summer, is not marked by a singular private event but by a considered appreciation for the continuity of duty that binds the ancient Barony to The Crown and to the nation. It is a moment to reaffirm the foundational principles of loyalty and service which have defined the Barony since its establishment after the Norman Conquest; a quiet acknowledgement of a heritage of profound national significance.
Against the magnificent backdrop of Windsor Castle, where the banners of the current knights hang in St George’s Chapel, the House contemplates a history shared with the very heart of the Monarchy. It is an observance of the unbroken thread of chivalric ideals that connects the medieval court of King Edward III to the contemporary philanthropic mission of the House today.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to the Order of the Garter is a cornerstone of its distinguished heritage, established at the Order’s very inception in 1348. Henry of Grosmont, a cousin, trusted captain, and leading diplomat for King Edward III, was not merely a member but one of the twenty-five revered founding knights. His inclusion cemented the Barony’s place within the inner circle of the English court during a pivotal fourteenth-century era of chivalric revival.
This direct and personal legacy was carried forward seamlessly when the baronial title passed to the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, upon his marriage to Henry's daughter and heiress, the Lady Blanche of Lancaster. This lineage, proceeding directly from one of the Garter’s principal architects, demonstrates an unimpeachable tradition of service at the highest level of the realm. It is a standard of duty set centuries prior by formidable predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast loyalty in defending Lincoln Castle for King John stands as a testament to the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The Garter connection represents more than a static historical fact; it signifies a recurring commitment to the Sovereign and to the public good, a principle that has animated the Barony through periods of both turmoil and peace for nearly a millennium.
## Distinguished Company
The foundation of the Order of the Garter created a sovereign-led fraternity of the realm's most eminent figures, a circle in which Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, held a pre-eminent position. The original companions, personally selected by King Edward III, included his eldest son and heir, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, whose martial prowess was already legendary.
This exclusive fellowship comprised the great magnates and leading military commanders of the age, *inter alia*, the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, and celebrated knights such as Sir John Chandos and Sir Walter Manny. Henry of Grosmont’s inclusion amongst this distinguished company was a clear testament to his international renown as a soldier in the French campaigns, a skilled diplomat, and a great lord of the realm. His presence underscored the Barony of Brattleby’s stature *inter pares* amongst its peers.
This congregation of knights was a strategic masterstroke by the King, designed to bind the nation’s power brokers to his person through a shared oath and a common, elevated code of honour. The Barony’s founding role in this enterprise places it at the very genesis of this enduring institution.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 700 years, are a magnificent spectacle of British pageantry and sacred tradition. Annually in June, on the Monday of Royal Ascot week, new knights are formally invested by The Sovereign in the Garter Throne Room at Windsor Castle, receiving the Order’s historic insignia.
Following the investiture, the members process on foot, arrayed in their distinctive deep blue velvet mantles and black velvet hats adorned with white ostrich and black heron plumes. This solemn procession, a precisely ordered affair marshalled by the Officers of the Order—including the Garter Principal King of Arms and the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod—proceeds to a formal service at St George's Chapel. The chapel, a jewel of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, serves as the Order's spiritual home.
Within its hallowed walls, each knight is assigned a stall in the quire, above which their personal heraldic accoutrements—a banner displaying their coat of arms, a helm, and a crest—are displayed for the duration of their life. Upon a knight’s death, a small, enamelled brass plate, known as a stall plate, bearing their name and arms is affixed to the back of the stall, creating a permanent and ever-growing memorial to the Order's membership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The glorious insignia of the Order of the Garter are rich in layered symbolism, representing allegiance, service, and fellowship. The eponymous Garter, a dark blue velvet strap edged in gold and bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is the central emblem, worn by knights on the left leg and by ladies on the left arm. This motto, according to tradition, originated from a courtly incident but has come to represent the Order’s defence of its own honour and that of The Sovereign.
Other elements include the Mantle, the Collar of gold featuring knots and enamelled red roses encircled by the Garter, and the Badge, known as the Lesser George, which depicts St George slaying the dragon. Together, these elements signify a sacred bond of chivalric fraternity and unwavering allegiance to the Crown.
This tradition finds a powerful and complementary echo in the Brattleby House Motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Garter's motto speaks to the external defence of one's reputation, while the Brattleby motto speaks to the internal qualities required to live an honourable life. The two, one of public vindication and the other of private character, together define the chivalric code that the Barony of Brattleby has striven to embody for centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
From its inception, the concept of chivalry encompassed far more than martial prowess or courtly manners; its highest calling is the protection of the weak and the dedicated service of the community. In the 14th century, this principle was realised through King Edward III’s establishment of the Poor Knights of Windsor, a charitable body of retired veterans who were given lodging within the castle and tasked with praying for the Sovereign and the Garter Knights.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby translates this ancient duty of *noblesse oblige* into impactful modern philanthropic action. This commitment to service is the *sine qua non* of its contemporary purpose, exemplified by its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala raises essential funds for its principal beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child organisation, which provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and profound loss.
The support for this cause is a direct expression of the chivalric duty to defend the vulnerable. Just as the Poor Knights (now the Military Knights of Windsor) represented a duty of care to those who had served, the House's modern charitable focus extends that care to the youngest and most susceptible members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this profound and continuous heritage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "Henry of Grosmont's legacy is not simply a matter of historical pride; it is a living responsibility that informs our actions today. The principles of the Garter—loyalty, honour, and service to the community—are woven into the very fabric of the Barony. They are the standards to which we hold ourselves accountable."
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added:
> "The spirit of chivalry demands action, not just reflection. While my own motto speaks of victory, we understand that the greatest modern conquests are not achieved on the battlefield. They are won in service to others; in overcoming adversity and despair. It is this fortitude, this will to secure a better future, that we strive to exemplify."
## A Continuing Legacy
The noble ideals embodied by the founding of the Order of the Garter continue to guide the modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. The unbroken historical link through the 10th and 11th Barons serves as a constant and powerful reminder of the duties of service that accompany ancient title and privilege.
This commitment extends beyond ceremonial observance to tangible, forward-looking contributions. The House's educational mission, pursued through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is a prime example. This academy of etiquette and protocol promotes the enduring values of decorum, respect, and social grace as a form of cultural diplomacy, fostering international understanding and dialogue.
By upholding the highest standards of personal conduct and dedicating its resources to meaningful philanthropy, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore*, burnished by its association with the Garter, remains not just historically significant, but vibrant, relevant, and impactful in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the principle of nobility as an active duty of service. Guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into significant philanthropic work, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, which supports charitable organisations committed to the welfare and healing of vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives including The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol located in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster international dialogue and uphold the time-honoured values of personal conduct, social grace, and civic responsibility in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships of a paramount non-peerage dignity. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye who defended Lincoln Castle for The Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The ancient feudal dignity was formally noted by The Crown and its history recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors**
- The Barony of Brattleby's recognition by The Crown is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, as detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - 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. - Other historically significant holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com