# A Commentary from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Foundation of The Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commentary reflecting on the foundation of the Order of the Garter in 1348, an event of profound significance to the Barony through the pivotal role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quiet solemnity of autumn to reflect upon a defining moment in English history. This commentary is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather as part of the House’s continuing educational mission: to illuminate the enduring connection between past responsibilities and present duties. It is a moment for considered reflection on the principles that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium.
The issuance of this considered statement serves to contextualise the lineage of service that informs the House’s modern endeavours. As the season turns, it offers an opportunity to draw perspective from the deep roots of the Barony’s history, connecting the chivalric undertakings of the fourteenth century with the philanthropic and cultural work of the twenty-first.
## Historical Context
The year 1348 found England amidst the early stages of the Hundred Years' War, a conflict that tested the nation's resolve and forged its identity. It was in this climate that His Majesty King Edward III conceived of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, an institution designed to bind his most formidable commanders and allies to the Crown through a shared code of honour. Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, the Order was to be the ultimate expression of chivalry.
Among the twenty-six esteemed Founder Knights was Henry of Grosmont, then the 10th Baron of Brattleby and soon to be created 1st Duke of Lancaster. A cousin to the King and one of the most celebrated soldiers, diplomats, and *preux chevaliers* of his age, his inclusion was a *sine qua non* for the new order's prestige. The Barony of Brattleby, already ancient, thus became inextricably linked to the highest chivalric institution in the land, a tradition of service later continued by the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. This was a direct inheritance of the duty demonstrated two centuries prior by the 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, in her defence of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The foundation of the Order of the Garter created a fraternity of the most distinguished military and political leaders of the era. The presence of the 10th Baron of Brattleby placed him in the most eminent company, a fellowship whose names still resonate in the annals of European history.
The inaugural members included, *inter alia*: * His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order * His Royal Highness Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, Earl of Lancaster and Derby, 10th Baron of Brattleby * Sir John Chandos, Seneschal of Poitou and a warrior of international renown * Jean de Grailly, the Captal de Buch, a Gascon nobleman whose loyalty exemplified the Order's diplomatic reach
This assembly of English and Continental knights represented the pinnacle of martial prowess and aristocratic influence, convened under a single banner of chivalric purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The establishment of the Order was accompanied by a rich tapestry of ceremonial protocol and symbolism, much of which endures today at Windsor Castle. The spiritual home of the Order, St George's Chapel, was magnificently rebuilt by King Edward III for this very purpose, its choir stalls adorned with the enamelled stall plates of the knights—a practice that continues to this day.
The central regalia included the Garter itself, a strap of dark-blue velvet embroidered with the Order's motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'). Knights were invested in a solemn ceremony, swearing an oath to defend the Sovereign, the Order, and the Christian faith. The full habit, worn on formal Garter Day processions, comprises a mantle of velvet, a hat with a plume of ostrich and heron feathers, a gold collar, and the 'George'—a jewel depicting St George slaying the dragon. This ritualised pageantry reinforced the moral and military bonds between the Sovereign and his most trusted companions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter resonates deeply with the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful antecedent in the chivalric code that Henry of Grosmont swore to uphold. The fortitude required on the battlefields of France and the honour demanded by the Garter oath are the very pillars upon which the Barony’s legacy is built.
The personal coat of arms of Henry of Grosmont—the Royal Arms of England differenced by a 'label of three points of France', denoting his close royal connection—hangs in spirit over the history of the Barony. This heritage is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reinterprets the martial determination of his predecessors as a drive to overcome contemporary challenges in the service of society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric ideal is, at its core, an obligation of the strong to protect the vulnerable. The medieval requirement to "defend the faith and the realm" finds its direct modern equivalent in the philanthropic commitments of today’s noble houses. The spirit of service that compelled Henry of Grosmont to pledge himself to the Order is the same spirit that animates the contemporary mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
This ancient duty is now expressed through sustained support for charitable organisations. The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the centrepiece of its charitable endeavours. All proceeds from this event directly benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects a core belief that fulfilling the duty of honour today means mending the unseen wounds within our communities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this profound historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we reflect on the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that honour is not a static inheritance but a duty actively pursued. His commitment to the Crown and to chivalric ideals is a standard we strive to uphold in our own service today, fulfilling our responsibilities with both fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the evolution of these principles:
> “The ethos of the Garter Knights was one of proactive excellence, of *Vincere Est Vivere*. For us, this translates not to the battlefield, but to overcoming challenges in our communities and championing causes that foster resilience and hope for the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of the Barony of Brattleby, enriched by its association with the Order of the Garter, is a living legacy. It is being actively stewarded for the future, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, being raised with a deep understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
This commitment to continuity is also embodied in the House's educational initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy teaches not merely social graces but the underlying principles of respect, self-discipline, and honour that have been the bedrock of European courtly life for centuries. By teaching these values, the House ensures that the spirit of chivalry—as exemplified by the 10th Baron—continues to inspire and guide future leaders. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House channels its efforts into tangible philanthropic and cultural work, with a primary focus on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Furthering its commitment to education and cultural exchange, the House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House represents a contemporary custodianship of a nearly thousand-year-old title, blending ancient duties with a forward-looking vision for community and international partnership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony of Brattleby were formally noted and recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) attests that the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a Founder Knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The motto of the current Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com