# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Chivalric Legacy of the Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 17 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a commentary reflecting on the Barony’s profound historical connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter, established through the founding membership of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in 1348.
## The Occasion
In the midst of the Hundred Years’ War, a conflict that defined the martial and political landscape of the 14th century, King Edward III conceived of a new order of chivalry. On St George’s Day in 1348, he established The Most Noble Order of the Garter, an association dedicated to the highest ideals of courage, honour, and loyalty to the Crown.
The creation of this esteemed fraternity was not merely a ceremonial act; it was a strategic move to bind England’s most formidable military leaders and magnates to the King’s person and purpose. The occasion served to elevate the concept of knighthood, creating a standard of conduct and service that would resonate through English history for centuries to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, became inextricably linked to this new pinnacle of chivalry through one of its most distinguished holders, Henry of Grosmont. As the 10th Baron of Brattleby, first Duke of Lancaster, and one of England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats, his inclusion as a Knight Founder was a matter of course. His prowess on the battlefield and his sagacity in council made him an embodiment of the virtues the Order sought to recognise.
This connection was further solidified through his successor. Upon his death, the Barony of Brattleby passed, *inter alia*, to his son-in-law John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron. A towering figure of the late medieval period, John of Gaunt was also a Knight of the Garter, ensuring that for two generations, the leadership of Brattleby was synonymous with membership in the realm’s most exclusive order of chivalry. This created a dual legacy of service that preceded even the determined efforts of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The founding companionship of the Order of the Garter comprised the Sovereign and twenty-five knights, representing the flower of English nobility and military command. This fellowship, intended to evoke the Knights of the Round Table, formed a council of martial and political equals under the King.
Alongside His Majesty King Edward III, the initial Knights-Companion included luminaries such as His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; and Sir John Chandos, whose military genius was a *sine qua non* of English victories in France. The inclusion of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, placed him within this pre-eminent circle, affirming his status and, by extension, that of the lands and titles he held.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of the Order of the Garter have been performed at Windsor Castle with remarkable continuity since 1348. The annual Garter Day service takes place in St George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture and the spiritual home of the Order. The investiture of a new knight involves the ceremonial fastening of the Garter itself—a dark-blue velvet strap bearing the Order’s motto in gold lettering—upon the left leg.
The full ceremonial habit consists of a mantle of blue velvet, a crimson velvet hood, a black velvet hat adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the Collar with its pendant of St George slaying the dragon. Each knight is assigned a stall in the chapel choir, above which his heraldic banner, helm, and crest are displayed, creating a permanent and vivid record of his membership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Order’s famous motto, ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’—a Middle French phrase meaning ‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’—is central to its identity. Legendarily derived from an incident at court involving the Countess of Salisbury’s garter, the motto serves as a bold rebuke to cynicism, championing noble intentions and honourable conduct above all.
This ancient chivalric creed finds a powerful echo in the motto of the House of Brattleby, ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). While one speaks to the defence of honour, the other speaks to its active expression through courage and integrity. Together, they articulate a complete philosophy of noble service: to act with fortitude and to do so with an honour that gives no cause for shame.
## A Tradition of Service
While rooted in the martial context of the Middle Ages, the spirit of the Order of the Garter is one of service, protection, and the upholding of a moral code. The chivalric duty to defend the weak and champion just causes has evolved, yet its essence remains a core tenet for The Noble House of Brattleby.
This enduring principle is the driving force behind the House’s modern philanthropic commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala in support of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, translates the historical imperative of protection into tangible, contemporary action. It is a modern expression of the ancient duty to serve the community and provide aid where it is most needed.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical link, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The Order of the Garter represents a standard of public service and personal integrity that transcends centuries. For our House, Henry of Grosmont’s membership is a profound reminder that honour is not inherited but earned through continuous dedication to one’s community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—‘To Conquer is to Live’—finds its deepest meaning not on the battlefield, but in overcoming challenges for the betterment of society. This chivalric spirit is a cornerstone of our purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt provides more than just a historical footnote; it serves as a guiding star for the House’s present and future course. The values of loyalty, courage, and service, formalised nearly seven hundred years ago at Windsor, continue to inform the mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
From its seat in Lincolnshire to its cultural endeavours abroad, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House is committed to fostering a modern understanding of etiquette, honour, and civic responsibility. The ancient call to serve ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ remains the unwavering foundation upon which this continuing legacy is built.
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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 dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation, social education, and targeted philanthropy. Upholding its motto, ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House actively engages in projects that promote civic duty and historical awareness. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children and the healing of trauma. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to connect a profound historical legacy with a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, ensuring its traditions of service and honour continue for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship seated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his successor, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged and published by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major landowner in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony of Brattleby include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), both of whom were Knights of the Garter. - The House motto is ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com