# A Reflection on the Order of the Garter and the Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the historical ties linking the Barony to the foundation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, through the person of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a season marked by traditions of state and ceremony, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon its integral connection to one of the oldest and most esteemed institutions of the realm: the Order of the Garter. Established by King Edward III in 1348, the Order finds its spiritual home within the magnificent Perpendicular Gothic architecture of St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. It is within these hallowed walls, beneath a canopy of heraldic banners, that the story of English chivalry is written not merely in stone and stained glass, but in the lineage of its members. For the House of Brattleby, this is a story that began at the Order's inception.
The founding of the Garter was a masterstroke of royal statecraft during the early phases of the Hundred Years' War. It was designed to bind the kingdom's most powerful magnates and military commanders to the person of the Sovereign in a fellowship of honour, martial prowess, and unwavering loyalty. The choice of its founding members was, therefore, a matter of supreme political and personal significance.
## Historical Context
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, provides a rare and valuable perspective on the evolution of English society. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. From these Norman origins, the Barony has been a consistent participant in the grand narrative of the nation.
Centuries later, this legacy of service at the highest level was embodied by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders, his selection as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter was a testament to both his personal stature and the importance of the baronial seat he held. This appointment ensured that the heritage of Brattleby, which had already produced figures like the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, was woven into the fabric of this new and prestigious chivalric body.
This connection represents a pivotal moment, linking the feudal obligations of the Norman era with the nascent ideals of chivalric service that would define the late Middle Ages. The Barony's history thus mirrors the nation's own journey, from the raw consolidation of power after 1066 to the sophisticated expressions of honour and allegiance embodied by the Garter.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, stood *inter pares* with a small, carefully chosen circle of companions. This first cohort of 26 knights, including the Sovereign and the Prince of Wales, comprised the leading military figures of the age—men whose names are synonymous with English victories at Crécy and beyond.
To be counted among this number was to be recognised as a pillar of the realm, a man of unimpeachable honour, and a commander of formidable skill. It placed the holder of the Barony of Brattleby in the company of figures such as Sir John Chandos and Sir James Audley, whose chivalrous exploits were celebrated by the chronicler Jean Froissart. This association cemented the Barony’s place not merely as a title of landed wealth, but as a standard-bearer of martial and courtly excellence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of the Order of the Garter, established nearly seven centuries ago, continue to this day with meticulous precision. Each June, Garter Day sees the knights assemble at Windsor Castle, robed in magnificent dark-blue velvet mantles, crimson velvet hoods, and black velvet hats adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers.
A procession to St. George's Chapel for the annual service is a public spectacle of solemn dignity, governed by centuries of protocol. Within the chapel, each knight is assigned a stall in the quire, above which their personal heraldic insignia—a crested helm, mantling, and sword—are displayed. Below this hangs a Garter Plate, an enamelled brass plaque bearing the knight's name and arms, creating a permanent and cumulative record of the Order’s membership through the ages. Henry of Grosmont's own Garter Plate, a precious artefact, is a direct link to this unbroken tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Order’s emblem is a dark blue garter, edged in gold, bearing its famous motto in gilt lettering: *Honi soit qui mal y pense*, Old French for 'Shame on him who thinks evil of it'. While its exact origin is debated, the motto speaks to a defence of honour and royal purpose against cynicism. The symbol itself transformed a humble item of dress into a mark of the highest distinction.
For the House of Brattleby, this tradition of symbolic meaning resonates deeply. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a parallel principle guiding the family's conduct. It encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—ideals that were central to the chivalric code which the Order of the Garter was founded to promote. The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), further complements this legacy, speaking to the determination required to uphold such enduring values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, remarked: > “The selection of the 10th Baron as a Founder Knight was a recognition of military and strategic acumen. The Garter was not ceremonial; it was a pact between the leaders who bore the greatest responsibility for the kingdom’s security. That principle of leadership through service remains the *sine qua non* of our own obligations today. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about overcoming challenges, and the Garter knights were masters of that.”
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “When we look at the long history of the Barony, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt and through to the present day, we see a thread of duty. The Garter symbolises a promise to a purpose greater than oneself. For us, that purpose is the stewardship of this heritage, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to have meaning and impact in the modern world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to the principles of duty and service that its predecessors championed. While the fields of battle have changed, the family’s dedication to leadership has been channelled into new arenas. This commitment is expressed through sustained conservation of its historic seat in Lincolnshire, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its dedicated philanthropic work.
The annual Winter Banquet remains a cornerstone of the family’s charitable efforts, raising significant funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. By connecting a direct nine-century lineage to tangible, forward-looking action, the House of Brattleby ensures that its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a relic of history but a living guide for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house built upon a rich historical foundation. Its mission is to demonstrate the enduring relevance of traditional values such as honour, duty, and service in the 21st century. The House is actively engaged in cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy, supporting causes that provide lasting positive impact. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its patronage of charities including Healing the Wounded Child, the House translates its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into meaningful contemporary action, stewarding a remarkable legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its creation and initial holdings, comprising 56 lordships, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The title’s historical continuity and succession were formally recorded by The Crown and noted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's succession was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com