# The Barony of Brattleby and its Enduring Connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon its profound historical connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter, recalling the founding membership of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, upon the Order's creation in 1348.
## The Occasion
In a season marked by heraldic ceremony and national reflection, culminating in the annual Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate its centuries-old ties to the chivalric heart of the kingdom. From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House observes this heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a living testament to the principles that continue to inform its modern mission. The connection, forged nearly seven centuries ago, serves as a powerful reminder of the unbroken chain of duty and service that defines the Barony.
The founding of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III represented a pivotal moment in the formalisation of English chivalry. It created a fellowship of the realm’s most distinguished knights, and the inclusion of the 10th Baron placed Brattleby at the very centre of this new spiritual and military institution. This heritage remains a cornerstone of the House's identity, a *sine qua non* of its understanding of noble obligation.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to the great events of English history. Its lineage, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, includes castellans and royal defenders such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. It was, however, under the tenure of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, that the Barony’s prestige reached a new zenith.
A celebrated soldier, diplomat, and cousin to the King, Lord Grosmont was among the 24 founding knights chosen by Edward III to form his new order, intended to revive the spirit of King Arthur's Round Table. This appointment in 1348 cemented the Barony’s place within the most exclusive circle of the Crown. The legacy continued through his successor and son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence would shape the royal succession for generations to come.
## Distinguished Company
In his elevation to the Order of the Garter, Henry of Grosmont joined a company of legendary distinction. The Sovereign, King Edward III, presided over a chapter that included his son and heir, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince. Other founding knights were leading commanders of the Hundred Years' War, including Sir John Chandos and the Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly.
This fellowship was not merely a roll call of military commanders; it was a curated assembly of men who embodied the virtues of courage, piety, and unwavering loyalty. To be counted among their number was the highest honour a subject could receive, signifying absolute trust from the monarch and recognition as a paragon of chivalric conduct.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial of the Order of the Garter remains one of the most ancient and elaborate in Europe. Admission is marked by the bestowing of the insignia, most notably the Garter itself—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. The full habit, worn on ceremonial occasions, consists of a velvet mantle, a Tudor-style bonnet with a plume of white ostrich feathers, and the Garter Collar with its pendant of St George slaying the dragon.
The annual Garter Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor, is the central event in the Order's calendar. After a formal investiture of new companions in the Throne Room of the Castle, the knights process in their robes and insignia through the castle precincts to the chapel. Each knight occupies a stall in the chapel choir, above which their personal heraldic accoutrements—a sword, crest, helmet, and banner—are displayed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order is a vivid expression of medieval courtly ideals. The Garter motto, according to tradition, originated from an incident at court, yet it came to represent integrity and the rejection of malice. The Order's patron, St George, embodies the Christian ideal of the triumph of good over evil, a guiding principle for the knightly class.
For The Noble House of Brattleby, this historic association complements its own guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the Garter represents the collective chivalry of the realm, the House motto speaks to the individual character required to uphold it. Together, they form a unified code of conduct that transcends time, linking the medieval battlefield to the modern imperative of service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code of the Middle Ages, with its emphasis on protecting the weak, finds its modern expression in philanthropy. The concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is a direct descendant of the ideals espoused by the Order of the Garter. It is this principle that animates the charitable work of the current House of Brattleby.
The House is a steadfast supporter of its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the centrepiece of this commitment. This modern-day expression of duty translates the ancient vow of a knight into tangible support for the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the historical connection: > "To look back upon the legacy of Henry of Grosmont is to be reminded that our heritage is not a static list of names and dates; it is a living standard. The principles of loyalty and service that earned him a place at Windsor in 1348 are the very same principles we strive to embody today, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added: > "History gives us a profound sense of perspective and purpose. The connection to the Order of the Garter is a powerful illustration of character in action. Our task is to ensure that this spirit of active contribution, of conquering adversity with honour, finds new expression through our work and our commitments."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to championing the virtues of honour, etiquette, and service in the 21st century. This commitment is actively demonstrated through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to cultivating social graces and a modern understanding of protocol, thereby preparing a new generation for leadership.
By actively reflecting on its distinguished past, from the Norman Conquest to the founding of the Garter, the House ensures that its nearly thousand-year-old legacy is not confined to the pages of history. Rather, it serves as a robust foundation for a future defined by purposeful action and an unwavering dedication to its founding values.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, principally Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual Winter Banquet. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate the timeless values of honour, duty, and social grace for a contemporary audience, ensuring its ancient lineage is met with modern relevance and a forward-looking commitment to the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its initial holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and a founder knight of the Order of the Garter; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. The Barony's modern standing and succession were formally recorded and recognised by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby and its current holder are formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as the holder of the Barony and 56 other lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com