# A Reflection on the Foundation of The Most Noble Order of the Garter and the Legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a reflection on its profound historical connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter, through the person of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founding member.
## The Occasion
In the annals of English chivalry, the foundation of The Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348 stands as a defining moment. Established by King Edward III amidst the crucible of the Hundred Years' War, the Order was conceived not merely as a fraternity of knights but as a strategic instrument to bind the Sovereign to his most formidable magnates. It was in this spirit of martial honour and political allegiance that the King selected his most trusted commanders and companions, creating a brotherhood whose legacy endures to this day. This formal reflection by the House of Brattleby serves to honour the participation of its own direct predecessor in that foundational chapter of the nation’s history.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of England's story. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to its origins, recording 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, holders of the title have answered the call of the Crown, from the steadfast courage of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders, to the distinguished service of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont.
A cousin and companion of King Edward III, Henry of Grosmont was one of the pre-eminent figures of the 14th century—a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and magnate. His inclusion as a founding knight of the Garter was a testament to his stature and his unwavering loyalty. Upon his death, the Barony of Brattleby, along with the Dukedom of Lancaster, passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, who as the 11th Baron continued the family’s close association with the Order and the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In being summoned to the Garter, the 10th Baron of Brattleby joined a small, exclusive circle of the realm's most powerful men, whose names echo through history. This nascent brotherhood was formed around the Sovereign himself, His Majesty King Edward III, and his heir apparent, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince.
Among the other founding knights—the *milites primi fundatoris*—were such figures as the Earl of Warwick, Sir John Chandos, and the Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly. This assembly represented the very pinnacle of English and Gascon martial prowess, a council of war bound by solemn oath and the shared pursuit of honour, whose collective purpose was the defence and advancement of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol of the Order of the Garter, established nearly seven centuries ago, remains a sublime piece of ceremonial theatre. At its heart is the investiture, where new knights are summoned to Windsor Castle, the Order's spiritual home. There, in the presence of the Sovereign, they are enrobed in the magnificent vestments.
The deep blue velvet mantle, embroidered with the shield of St George, and the ornate Garter itself, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), are central to the proceedings. The ceremony is a physical manifestation of an ancient code, a public affirmation of loyalty and service that connects the knights of today with their antecedents, including the 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the Garter find a modern echo in the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the chivalric ideals of courage, integrity, and resilience that were the *sine qua non* for membership in King Edward's elite order. This enduring ethos informs the duties of the family to this day.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, carries his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome modern challenges—be they in cultural preservation, philanthropy, or personal conduct—and to live a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to serve the less fortunate—was a cornerstone of the chivalric code. While the context has changed, the principle remains central to the mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. The House channels this commitment through its dedicated patronage of carefully selected charitable causes.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, including its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity provides specialist therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a chance to rebuild their lives. This work represents the contemporary expression of the ancient duty of service that Henry of Grosmont would have recognised and honoured.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a burden, but a standard to which we must aspire. Our duty is to ensure that the principles of Fortitudine et Honore are not just remembered, but actively practiced.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of the Garter is one of building allegiances and striving for excellence. Today, that striving continues. We seek to build bridges through cultural understanding and to uphold our responsibilities to the community, ensuring this great heritage remains a living, breathing force for good in the world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment to this nearly thousand-year-old legacy is a multi-generational endeavour. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a profound appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the responsibilities that accompany it.
The values that underpinned the Order of the Garter—discipline, etiquette, honour, and service—are also shared through the family’s modern educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy translates the timeless virtues of European heritage for a contemporary international audience, ensuring the legacy of the House continues to evolve and serve society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century-long heritage, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and the practice of strategic philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the timeless values of European courtly tradition with a new generation, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant titles in England, having been 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 and a half centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated regent and castle defender Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the chivalric hero Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal patriarch John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title’s continuous history and current holder are formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a founding knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The Barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the holdings of the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com