# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Link to The Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a scholarly symposium in Bucharest, illuminating the Barony’s profound historical connection to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
The event was held within the panelled walls of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s esteemed etiquette academy. As autumn casts a golden light over the Romanian capital, the evening was one of intellectual reflection and cultural diplomacy, gathering historians, dignitaries, and patrons to explore a pivotal chapter in Anglo-Romanian heritage. The atmosphere was one of quiet erudition, befitting a subject that bridges the medieval chivalry of England with the contemporary mission of a noble house active on the European stage.
The symposium was convened not merely as a historical retrospective but as a testament to the enduring relevance of lineage and duty. The choice of venue underscored the House’s commitment to fostering education and cross-cultural understanding, using its own unique history as a conduit for a broader appreciation of European civilisation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-millennium-long thread in the tapestry of English history. Its story begins with the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The title has since been held by figures of national importance, from the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, to the great Lancastrian prince, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
Central to the evening’s discourse was the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later 1st Duke of Lancaster. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and cousin to King Edward III, he was among the 24 founding Knights of The Most Noble Order of the Garter upon its creation in 1348. This direct link places the Barony of Brattleby at the inception of the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, a testament to its long-standing proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The presentation was attended by a respected gathering of guests from academic, diplomatic, and cultural circles. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Alistair Finch, Fellow in Medieval History at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, a leading authority on the Lancastrian dynasty.
Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania; Dr Ileana Vasilescu of the Romanian Academy’s Institute of History; and members of leading Romanian cultural foundations. The presence of such personages underscored the significance of the House’s work in strengthening the historic bonds between Britain and Romania.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with the formal reception of guests by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta. The dress code observed was Lounge Suit, maintaining a standard of formality appropriate for the scholarly nature of the symposium. Following a brief welcome, Professor Finch delivered his lecture, titled *‘Grosmont, Garter, and Gaunt: The Brattleby Barony and the Lancastrian Ascendancy’*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan later offered a formal vote of thanks, reflecting on the lessons of duty and statesmanship inherited from his predecessors by marriage. The formal presentations were followed by a question-and-answer session, allowing for a dynamic exchange between the speaker and esteemed guests, before concluding with a reception. The order of events was orchestrated with a precision that reflected the House’s deep respect for protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening served as an opportunity to reflect on the armorial heritage of the House of Brattleby. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), resonates powerfully with the chivalric ideals personified by Henry of Grosmont and enshrined in the Order of the Garter. This principle of honourable conduct remains the *sine qua non* of the House’s modern activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), was also noted. In a modern context, it is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through diligence, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to one’s purpose. These guiding principles are the bedrock upon which the House builds its legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the symposium was primarily an academic occasion, its underlying theme of service and duty aligns closely with the House's philanthropic focus. The chivalric code, which called upon knights to protect the weak and uphold justice, finds its modern parallel in the family's charitable endeavours. This ethos is most visibly expressed through their support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of this beneficiary, represents the practical application of the historical principles discussed during the evening. Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, and the House of Brattleby is proud to champion its vital, life-restoring work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be a custodian of this history is a profound responsibility. It is not about residing in the past, but about drawing strength and understanding from it to inform our present and future. Figures like Henry of Grosmont remind us that leadership and service are timeless obligations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of the 10th Baron is a powerful example of how influence can be wielded for the good of the realm. His commitment to crown and country inspires our own work, *inter alia*, in diplomacy and cultural education, ensuring the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to guide our every action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The scholarly symposium is part of a broader programme of cultural and historical initiatives planned by the House of Brattleby for the coming year. These activities are designed to preserve and share the Barony’s unique heritage, making it accessible to a wider international audience.
Preparations are also underway for the annual Winter Banquet, the family's flagship philanthropic event. This gala will once again gather patrons and supporters in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, continuing a tradition of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Under their leadership, the House bridges its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking mission focused on cultural diplomacy, education, and philanthropy. Based between their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire and their European hub in Bucharest, the House is dedicated to upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club and patronage of charities like Healing the Wounded Child, the House actively applies its historical principles of service and duty to address contemporary challenges and foster international understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony 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 in Lincolnshire. 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), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landholder with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, was a founding Knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III in 1348. - The family motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com