# A Legacy of Chivalry: The House of Brattleby and the Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its profound historical connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter, honouring the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a revered founding Knight of the Order.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire countryside, a season traditionally given to reflection and harvest, the House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to commemorate a cornerstone of its nine-century history. This formal remembrance serves to highlight the enduring principles of chivalry that have guided the Barony since its inception in the 11th century.
The occasion is not one of public ceremony but of quiet, deliberate contemplation within the family’s ancestral seat. It is a moment to draw a direct line from the martial and diplomatic achievements of the past to the duties and responsibilities shouldered by the House in the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to England's highest chivalric order is embodied by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and close companion of King Edward III, he was among the 25 founding Knights of the Order of the Garter upon its creation in 1348. This places the Barony at the very genesis of an institution that remains the pinnacle of honour in the United Kingdom.
This legacy of service to the Crown is a consistent thread throughout the Barony's history. It extends back to the Norman Conquest, with the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships. The line includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Following Henry of Grosmont, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing its place at the centre of medieval power.
## Distinguished Company
This commemoration honours the memory and contributions of the Barony’s most celebrated predecessors, whose actions shaped the course of English history. The company whose legacy is celebrated includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror and a foundational figure in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a loyal and resolute defender of the Crown’s interests during the First Barons' War and a rare example of a woman entrusted with high military command. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a peerless military commander, trusted royal diplomat, and founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful and influential men of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter, which lies at the heart of today’s reflection, is governed by centuries of revered protocol. Its motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), is legendarily believed to have originated at a court ball held by King Edward III.
The investiture of new Knights Companion takes place at Windsor Castle, followed by an installation service in St George’s Chapel. The vestments are rich in symbolism, comprising a deep blue velvet mantle, a Tudor bonnet with a plume of white ostrich feathers, and the Garter itself—a buckled strap of dark blue velvet, bearing the motto in gold lettering, worn by Knights on the left leg. This pageantry is not mere display; it is a living expression of personal loyalty to the Sovereign and a commitment to the chivalric ideal.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical commitment to service is reflected in the heraldry of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues of courage in adversity and an unwavering adherence to one's duty. This creed connects the actions of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the modern responsibilities of the family.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a modern interpretation of the chivalric spirit, emphasising a dynamic and purposeful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of today, ensuring the Barony's legacy remains not just preserved but animated.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, with its emphasis on protecting the weak and serving the community, is the *sine qua non* of the House of Brattleby's contemporary mission. This historical principle finds its modern expression in the family’s dedicated philanthropic work.
The House’s primary charitable focus is its support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and care for children suffering from trauma. This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the charity's principal fundraising event, translating the noble ideal of service into tangible support for those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Garter legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "Reflecting on the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not an exercise in nostalgia; it is a profound reminder of our duty. The principles of the Garter—loyalty, honour, and service—are timeless, and it is our responsibility to embody them for a new generation."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "History gives us our foundation, but it must also inspire our future. The fortitude shown by the 10th Baron in the service of his sovereign is the same spirit we strive to bring to our own commitments, both in Lincolnshire and beyond. Heritage must be lived, not merely curated."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby's reverence for its history is matched by its commitment to the future. Preparations are currently underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of hospitality and philanthropy in the service of Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette academy, pursues its educational mission to equip the next generation of leaders with the principles of protocol, civility, and social grace. The continuity of the Barony itself is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time inherit the duty to carry this near-millennium of history forward with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of its profound historical legacy. The House’s mission is to demonstrate that ancient heritage can, and should, serve a dynamic and purposeful role in the 21st century. This is achieved through carefully managed conservation, focused educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and a deep commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical support to vulnerable children. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides all its contemporary endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first 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 the county. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title and dignity of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition 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 Order of the Garter in 1348. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House of Brattleby's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com