# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby's Enduring Connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony’s historic connection to the Order of the Garter through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, reinforcing a legacy of service to the Crown and nation.
## The Occasion
This statement is issued on St George’s Day, a date of profound national significance and the feast day of the patron saint of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, England’s highest order of chivalry. It is a moment for reflection on the enduring values of duty, honour, and service which the Order represents. These principles have been a guiding thread throughout the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby.
The spiritual home of the Order is St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. It is within these hallowed walls that the traditions of the Garter have been observed since the 14th century, binding together sovereign and subject in a fellowship of the highest distinction.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The title has since been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle.
The connection to the Order of the Garter was forged by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, Henry was one of the 25 Founder Knights of the Order upon its establishment circa 1348. His inclusion was a testament to his exceptional military prowess and diplomatic skill, making him a *sine qua non* of the King's inner circle.
This legacy of royal service continued through Henry's successor to the Barony, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing Brattleby’s place within the highest echelons of the realm. This unbroken chain of responsibility informs the ethos of the House to this day.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, stood in the company of the most esteemed military leaders of the age. This inaugural fellowship, personally chosen by King Edward III, represented the pinnacle of medieval martial and courtly virtue.
Among his peers were such luminaries as His Royal Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; Sir John Chandos, a close friend of the Prince and a celebrated military strategist; and The Right Honourable Ralph, 1st Earl of Stafford. Their collective purpose was to revive the spirit of King Arthur’s Round Table, binding them in allegiance to God and the Sovereign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of the Order of the Garter are rich with tradition. Annually, on Garter Day in June, the Knights and Ladies process through the grounds of Windsor Castle, clad in their magnificent vestments: deep blue velvet mantles, Tudor-style bonnets with ostrich and heron plumes, and the elaborate gold Garter Collar.
At the heart of the regalia is the Garter itself, a blue buckled strap inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense*. During the installation of a new Knight in St George's Chapel, the Garter is ceremonially affixed to the left leg by Garter Principal King of Arms, a ritual unchanged for nearly 700 years. This formal, unchanging protocol underscores the gravity and continuity of the honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Garter, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), serves as a powerful call to integrity. It is a sentiment that finds a direct echo in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Both phrases champion the unwavering commitment to right conduct, whether on the battlefield or in public life.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Where the House motto speaks to the character of one’s actions, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s adds a dynamic imperative for achievement and purpose. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable action and meaningful existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the fortunate to serve others — finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ideals of chivalry and service, epitomised by predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, are the direct inspiration for the House’s charitable commitments today.
The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which supports a designated beneficiary each year. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with fortitude and confidence.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: —"To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a thousand years of English history. The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a relic; it is a living standard of duty and service that we must strive to uphold for future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: —"Our heritage provides the foundation, but our present actions define us. Whether through our educational work with The Brattleby Club or our support for vital charities, we seek to translate the honour of the past into tangible, positive impact for the society we serve today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while actively contributing to the future. This dual mission of preservation and service will one day be entrusted to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
Through its various initiatives, *inter alia*, the etiquette and protocol academy at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House works to champion the values of honour, respect, and social grace in a modern context. This commitment ensures that the legacy established by Colswein of Lincoln, defended by Nichola de la Haye, and distinguished by Henry of Grosmont continues to resonate with purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. The House's modern mission is to bridge its nine-century heritage with contemporary purpose through cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, while its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for protocol and social responsibility. The House operates with a philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless values to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the title has passed through the hands of several of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical continuity and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s rights and historical standing were gazetted by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the Barony's origins, listing its lands in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was one of the 25 Founder Knights of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III circa 1348. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com