# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Founding Knight of the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement commemorating the historic role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as a founding knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter upon its establishment in 1348.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House marks this anniversary during the season of Saint George, the patron saint of England and of the Order itself. This commemorative act serves as a moment of reflection upon the unbroken chain of duty that links the modern Barony to its medieval origins. The statement was composed within the very county that Henry of Grosmont once governed, a landscape whose history is woven into the fabric of the nation and the story of the Barony.
The occasion is not one of public pageantry but of quiet historical observance, reaffirming the principles that have guided the Barony for over nine centuries. It is a tribute to the enduring relevance of chivalric ideals—courage, honour, and service—that were formalised by King Edward III and his most trusted companions during a defining era of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over the centuries, the title passed to figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. However, few holders embodied the pinnacle of martial and courtly achievement more than Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby.
In 1348, against the backdrop of the Hundred Years' War, King Edward III established the Order of the Garter to bind his most valued commanders and counsellors to him in a new fellowship of honour. The inclusion of Henry of Grosmont as a founding knight was a *sine qua non* of the Order’s prestige. As one of England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats, his presence lent immediate and unquestionable gravity to this new institution, inextricably linking the honour of the Barony of Brattleby with the highest chivalric Order in the realm. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
As a charter member, the 10th Baron stood in the company of the most distinguished men in the kingdom. The original fellowship of the Order of the Garter represented the martial and political leadership of 14th-century England, a circle of trust and prowess around the Sovereign.
Among the 25 founding knights alongside Henry of Grosmont were, *inter alia*: * His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order * His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince * The Earl of Warwick, Thomas de Beauchamp * The Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly * Sir John Chandos, a celebrated commander and close friend of the Black Prince
This assembly of knights underscored the Order’s purpose: to revive the spirit of King Arthur’s Round Table and to project English strength and unity at a time of Continental conflict.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The original protocol of the Order of the Garter, established at its founding, was a masterful blend of religious ceremony and courtly ritual. The knights were required to attend an annual feast on Saint George’s Day at Windsor Castle, the spiritual home of the Order. The centrepiece of the ceremonial regalia was, and remains, 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.
Upon their installation in Saint George’s Chapel, Windsor, each knight was assigned a stall, above which their heraldic accoutrements—a helm, crest, and sword—were placed. A Garter stall plate, an enamelled brass plate bearing the knight’s name, arms, and date of induction, was affixed to the back of the stall. This created a permanent and visible record of their membership, cementing their place in the annals of the kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect historical expression in the legacy of Henry of Grosmont. His life as a soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter was a testament to these twin virtues. The House coat of arms, formally recognised alongside the Barony, visually represents this lineage of strength and principled conduct.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different tradition, it resonates with the active and purposeful spirit of the chivalric code. It signifies a modern interpretation of fortitude—not merely enduring, but overcoming challenges to build a meaningful legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric ideal of service to others, which lay at the heart of the Order of the Garter’s foundation, remains a core tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby. This historical principle is given contemporary expression through the House’s dedicated philanthropic work. The spirit of noblesse oblige that guided the 10th Baron continues to inform the House’s modern mission.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s support, notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing essential therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children whose lives have been impacted by conflict, trauma, and profound loss. The House’s commitment helps to ensure that these vulnerable young people receive the specialised help required to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The mantle of this Barony carries with it the echoes of its predecessors. Henry of Grosmont’s selection as a founding Knight of the Garter was not merely a personal honour; it was a charge of responsibility that has passed down through the centuries. His example of unwavering service to Crown and country, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains our guiding principle today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> “Heritage is not a static monument; it is a living foundation upon which we build for the future. Henry’s legacy reminds us that true nobility is found in purposeful action. It is this synergy between honouring the past and actively shaping the future that defines our work and our commitment to service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its duty to preserve and honour its profound history, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Henry of Grosmont is understood by future generations. This commitment is central to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the responsibilities inherent in his heritage.
Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the modern relevance of civility, discipline, and social grace—values that are the contemporary successors to the chivalric code. The House will continue to uphold its duties to heritage and community, guided always by Fortitude and Honour.
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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 stewardship of a significant English heritage. The House’s mission is to bridge its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of etiquette and social responsibility. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to principled leadership and enduring service in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and ancestor to a dynasty of English kings. The modern Barony’s rights and historical lineage were formally recorded and recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter (1348), and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com