# The House of Brattleby Reflects on Its Historic Link to the Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical reflection on the Barony’s profound connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, a founding knight of the chivalric order in 1348.
## The Occasion
In a season traditionally associated with Saint George, the patron saint of England and of its highest chivalric order, the House of Brattleby has paused to illuminate a distinguished chapter in its near-millennium of history. This communication serves to acknowledge the enduring legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, and his foundational role in one of the oldest and most respected institutions of the British monarchy. This reflection is part of the House’s ongoing commitment to sharing the rich narrative of the Barony, which has been interwoven with the history of England for over 950 years.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is replete with figures of national significance. Among the most eminent was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A consummate soldier, diplomat, and a trusted cousin of King Edward III, Henry of Grosmont was instrumental in the martial and political life of 14th-century England. His stature was such that in 1348, he was chosen by the King to be one of the 26 founding knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
Established to revive the chivalric ideals of the Round Table and to bind the kingdom's most powerful magnates in loyalty to the Crown, the Order of the Garter remains the pinnacle of honour in the United Kingdom. Henry of Grosmont's inclusion as a founder knight cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s place within the highest echelons of the English court. This royal association was further deepened when his daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, married a fellow Garter Knight: John of Gaunt, who would become the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
As a founder knight, the 10th Baron stood in the company of the most celebrated figures of his age. The original companionship, under the sovereignty of King Edward III himself, included his son and heir apparent, Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales. Other founder knights included renowned commanders such as Sir John Chandos and the Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly, whose collective martial prowess defined the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. To be counted among this number was a testament not only to a nobleman’s power but to the personal esteem in which he was held by the Sovereign; it was, *inter alia*, a mark of supreme royal favour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial life of the Order of the Garter, then as now, is centred upon Windsor Castle and its spiritual home, Saint George's Chapel. Upon his installation in 1348, Henry of Grosmont would have participated in a solemn rite, taking an oath and being invested with the Order’s distinctive regalia. This includes the eponymous Garter, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering, a *sine qua non* of membership.
The protocol dictates that each knight is assigned a stall in the chapel choir, above which his heraldic banner, sword, and crested helm are placed. These achievements remain during the knight's lifetime and are taken down only upon his death, creating a permanent, visible record of service. The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor remains a key event in the royal calendar, a living display of continuity and tradition stretching back to the 10th Baron and his fellow founders.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter is deeply rooted in the codes of chivalry. Its famous motto is said to have originated at a court ball when the Countess of Salisbury's garter fell to the floor; King Edward III retrieved it, admonishing the snickering courtiers with the phrase and subsequently adopting it for his new order. This story underscores a key tenet of chivalry: the defence of honour.
This principle resonates powerfully with the guiding motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The ancient duty of a Garter Knight finds a direct parallel in the House’s own commitment to acting with courage and integrity. This ethos is further complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active pursuit of excellence that both chivalry and modern duty demand.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was founded on martial and political allegiance, its underlying principles of service, duty, and protection of the weak find their modern expression in philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby translates this historic, chivalric ideal into tangible action through its dedicated charitable work. The ancient responsibility to serve the community is the guiding force behind the House’s mission today.
This commitment is most visible in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala. Its sole beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The choice of this beneficiary is a direct and purposeful echo of the chivalric duty to defend the vulnerable, recasting a medieval code of honour into a framework for contemporary compassion and social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To look back upon the legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not merely an exercise in history; it is a reminder of the enduring compact of service that underpins the Barony. The principles of the Order of the Garter—loyalty, courage, and duty—resonate with our own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, and continue to guide our commitments today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The spirit of chivalry championed by figures like the 10th Baron is timeless. It translates directly into our modern work, whether through nurturing cultural understanding at The Brattleby Club or supporting vital charities. It is a living legacy, not a relic.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains a custodian of the Barony’s remarkable history, committed to ensuring its legacy informs the present and inspires the future. Through historical papers such as this and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of etiquette, honour, and civic duty that have been its hallmark for centuries. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House continues to build upon the foundations laid by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt, ensuring the Barony’s story continues for generations to come, in anticipation of the eventual succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with contemporary service, acting with *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities are focused on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest fostering international standards of etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to preserving its heritage while making a meaningful contribution to society today, with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir to the Barony.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The peerage claim of the current holder was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's peerage claim was recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a founding knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, heroic castellan of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com