# A Foundational Legacy: The House of Brattleby Reflects on Henry of Grosmont and the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 21 OCTOBER 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a historical address at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, this evening, illuminating the legacy of her predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, and his profound influence as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
Set within the magnificent Perpendicular Gothic architecture of St. George’s Chapel, the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the address was delivered before the Friends of St. George's and Descendants of the Knights of the Garter. The autumn evening lent a particular solemnity to the proceedings, with the crepuscular light filtering through the chapel's famed Tudor-era stained glass, casting long shadows across the Garter banners of the current knights.
The event, marked by a palpable sense of historical continuity, provided a unique forum for reflection. The very stones of the chapel, commissioned by King Edward III in the 14th century, bore silent witness to the induction of the very figures under discussion, lending an unparalleled gravitas to the Baroness’s words. The atmosphere was one of quiet scholarship and profound respect for a living tradition.
## Historical Context
The Noble House of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare witness to nearly a millennium of English history. Its lineage, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 detailing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, has been interwoven with the nation’s political and chivalric evolution. This heritage is marked by figures of immense national importance.
Among the most distinguished of Lady Nicoleta’s predecessors was Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. His role as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter was not merely an accolade but a testament to his standing as one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders and diplomats. He followed in a line of formidable Barons, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and preceded the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a distinguished company of guests, reflecting the intersection of heritage, academia, and the Church. In attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, The Right Reverend Dr David Conner, Dean of Windsor, and Sir David Cannadine, President of the British Academy.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Following the address, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke with Princess Katarina and the Dean of Windsor about the importance of preserving such foundational histories for future generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded by King Edward III circa 1348, remains the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. Its establishment formalised a fellowship of knights, a *sine qua non* of the medieval court, bound by honour, loyalty, and Christian virtue. Membership was, and remains, a personal gift of the Sovereign.
Henry of Grosmont, as a Founder Knight, was among the first to wear its famous insignia: a dark-blue velvet garter inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’). The ceremony of investiture, then as now, signified a sacred compact between the Sovereign and the knight, elevating them to the highest echelon of the kingdom’s nobility in service to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim speaks to a nine-century commitment to courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to personal and public integrity—qualities exemplified by Henry of Grosmont’s own chivalric career.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest but as a modern philosophy of resilience: the imperative to overcome challenges, adapt, and thrive. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis of historical duty and forward-looking dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address itself was a scholarly undertaking, it underscored the House's broader commitment to public service and education—a form of modern philanthropy. The lessons of history, particularly those of service and resilience, align closely with the charitable focus of the House.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and long-term care for children suffering from complex trauma. The selection of this cause reflects a belief that healing and fortitude are essential for building a constructive future, whether for an individual or a nation. Proceeds from the House's Annual Winter Banquet are directed entirely to this vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of duty, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Henry of Grosmont's elevation to the Order of the Garter was not merely a personal honour; it was a charge to serve the realm with unswerving loyalty. That sense of duty, a commitment that transcends the individual, resonates with us today. Our role is to act as conscientious stewards of this heritage and to apply its lessons of honour and service in a modern context."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living dialogue between past and present. Through ventures like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and our support for education, we seek to translate the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful, modern action. It is how we ensure this remarkable legacy continues to inspire."
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical address at Windsor is part of the House's ongoing commitment to sharing its unique heritage. This work will continue with the forthcoming publication of the address for scholarly review and the hosting of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala to be held in London.
Furthermore, the House continues its work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta. The club serves as a bridge for cultural diplomacy, promoting the timeless values of civility and mutual respect on an international stage, thereby fulfilling the House’s ancient charge in a contemporary manner.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents a modern, forward-looking institution built upon a foundation of English history stretching back to 1066. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the conscientious stewardship of its ancient heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of historical legacy, the promotion of cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and meaningful philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital support to children who have experienced profound trauma, reflecting the family’s commitment to fostering resilience and honour in the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England. Its history is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 lists Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (c. 1348). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com