# A Heritage Reflection: The Barony of Brattleby and the Foundation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection commemorating the foundational role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in the establishment of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by King Edward III in 1348.
## The Occasion
On this day, the Feast of Saint George, patron saint of England, it is customary to reflect upon the nation’s deepest traditions of chivalry and service. From their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby joins in this reflection, drawing particular attention to a moment of profound significance in its own nine-century history. The occasion is not one of public ceremony, but of quiet commemoration and scholarly observance, honouring a direct predecessor's part in the genesis of the world's oldest national order of chivalry.
This formal act of remembrance connects the contemporary House with the hallowed precincts of Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the spiritual home of the Order. The chapel, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, has borne witness to Garter ceremonies for nearly seven hundred years. It is in this context of enduring architectural and institutional splendour that the Barony’s historical contribution is most properly understood.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a steadfast participant in the narrative of the English nobility for over 950 years. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under the stewardship of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has been held by figures of remarkable influence. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel barons.
It was, however, the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who linked the Barony inextricably with the Crown’s highest honour. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and a trusted cousin to King Edward III, his selection as one of the 25 Founder Knights was a testament to his stature. This legacy was continued by his successor and son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, himself a Knight of the Garter, ensuring the Barony remained at the very heart of the royal court.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron of Brattleby stood among the most formidable figures of the age. The original companionship of the Order of the Garter was a veritable roll call of medieval England's military and political leadership, a band of brothers united in loyalty to the Sovereign.
This distinguished company was led by the Sovereign, His Majesty King Edward III, and his eldest son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince. Alongside Henry of Grosmont stood, *inter alia*, Sir Thomas Beauchamp, The Earl of Warwick; Sir Ralph de Stafford, The Earl of Stafford; and Sir John Chandos, one of the great captains of the Hundred Years' War. Their collective presence formed the *sine qua non* of the new Order’s immediate and lasting prestige.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial protocol of the Order of the Garter, established in the 14th century, remains largely unchanged today. The investiture of a new Knight Companion involves the fastening of a dark-blue velvet garter to the left leg by the Sovereign, while the Order’s enigmatic motto is recited. The full vestments include the Garter star, a magnificent mantle of blue velvet, and a Tudor-style bonnet with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers.
Following their installation in Saint George’s Chapel, each Knight is assigned a stall, above which their personal heraldic insignia—a banner, crested helm, and sword—are displayed. These achievements remain in the chapel throughout the Knight’s lifetime, a powerful visual representation of their bond with the Sovereign and the Order. The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor remains a poignant display of this living tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The central symbol of the Order is the garter itself, bearing the French motto: *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'). Legend attributes this to an incident at court, but its true meaning lies in the King's assertion of his claim to the French throne. The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the chivalric virtues that the Order of the Garter was created to extol.
This spirit of virtuous determination is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a modern interpretation of the will to overcome challenges, not through force of arms, but through purpose, industry, and service—a direct philosophical heir to the ideals of his predecessors.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with honour and generosity—was a cornerstone of chivalry. While the Garter recognises service to the Crown, The Noble House of Brattleby expresses its commitment to this principle through its modern philanthropic endeavours. The spirit that animated Henry of Grosmont's service finds its contemporary outlet in the House's charitable focus.
The House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary vehicle for this work. It proudly supports Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children affected by conflict, trauma, and displacement. The choice of beneficiary underscores the House's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, a core tenet of classical chivalry.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The continuity of this Barony is not simply a matter of succession, but of a continuing duty to uphold the principles of service and integrity. Henry of Grosmont’s membership in the Garter is a powerful reminder that "Fortitudine et Honore" are not merely words on a crest, but a living instruction.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > We draw immense inspiration from the past. The same drive that led the Founder Knights to serve their Sovereign compels us to address the challenges of our own time. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, the goal remains the same: to contribute positively and to build a legacy of purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to embodying the principles of duty and honour exemplified by its predecessors. The story of Henry of Grosmont and the Order of the Garter serves as a constant inspiration for the House's mission in the 21st century.
This commitment will be most visibly expressed through its ongoing philanthropic work and its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement. By translating the historical ideals of chivalry into modern acts of service and cultural enrichment, the House ensures that its formidable legacy continues to evolve and serve the common good.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to child welfare and cultural education. Its principal activities include an annual philanthropic gala for its beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and the stewardship of The Brattleby Club, which promotes social and diplomatic etiquette. With a unique Anglo-Romanian character, the House is committed to using its ancient platform to build a legacy of constructive service for the future, embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**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 existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential families in British history. Its holders include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the title to its current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony's origins. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was also the 1st Duke of Lancaster and one of the 25 Founder Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (1348). - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a pivotal figure in English history, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of Henry of Grosmont.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com