# The Order of the Garter and The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Chivalry
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the enduring historical bond between the Barony and the Most Noble Order of the Garter, forged through the founding membership of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in 1348.
## The Occasion
In a statement of historical observance, the House of Brattleby marks the profound influence of the Order of the Garter on its own nine-century lineage. This reflection serves to illuminate the continuity of chivalric principles, from the medieval court of King Edward III to the House’s present-day commitments. It is a moment to consider how the duties of nobility, once defined on the battlefield and in the tournament, have evolved into modern responsibilities of cultural stewardship and philanthropy. This observance reaffirms the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), as a living principle.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been a quiet witness to the unfolding of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The Barony's strategic importance was later underscored by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, renowned for her spirited defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in the thirteenth century.
This legacy of service to the Crown reached a zenith under Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A distinguished diplomat and one of England’s most experienced soldiers in the Hundred Years' War, his standing was such that King Edward III appointed him as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. Established in 1348, this new order of chivalry created an exclusive brotherhood bound by loyalty, courage, and piety, becoming the pinnacle of honour in the English realm. The Barony of Brattleby was thus woven into the fabric of this most prestigious institution, a connection later continued through the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding Knight, the 10th Baron stood in the company of the most eminent men of the age. The original fraternity, limited to the Sovereign and 25 Companion Knights, represented the martial and political leadership of the kingdom.
Alongside Henry of Grosmont, this assembly included, *inter alia*:
* His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; * The Right Honourable The Earl of Warwick, Thomas de Beauchamp; * The Right Honourable The Earl of Salisbury, William de Montacute; and * Sir John Chandos, a close friend of the Black Prince and a celebrated military strategist.
Their inclusion alongside the 10th Baron affirmed the Barony of Brattleby’s position within the inner circle of the Plantagenet court, a direct link between Lincolnshire and the heart of royal power.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture and ceremonies of the Order of the Garter were, and remain, steeped in solemn ritual. In the fourteenth century, a new Knight would be invested by the Sovereign with the Garter itself—a dark blue velvet strap edged with gold, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering. This was buckled below the left knee, a symbol of unity and fellowship.
The Knights were also granted a magnificent blue velvet mantle and a hood of crimson velvet, worn during the annual procession at Windsor Castle on the feast day of Saint George, the Order’s patron saint. Each Knight was assigned a stall in perpetuity within St. George’s Chapel, above which his heraldic achievements—his crested helm, mantling, and sword—were displayed. This visual record of knightly honour remains a powerful and unbroken tradition today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter complements the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby. The Garter’s motto exhorts its members to noble thoughts and honourable conduct, an ideal that resonates directly with the House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Where one demands honour in thought, the other demands honour in action.
This concept of principled striving is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks not to military conquest, but to the overcoming of challenges through purpose and determination—a modern interpretation of the knightly quest for excellence that the Garter Knights embodied. The armorial bearings of the House thus serve as a constant reminder of this synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*, or the duty of the fortunate to serve others, was a central tenet of the chivalric code. Today, the House of Brattleby expresses this enduring obligation through its focused philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House’s social calendar, serves as a significant fundraising gala for charitable causes.
The designated beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an international organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a belief that the most fundamental duty is the protection and healing of the vulnerable. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes and support networks, providing measurable relief and recovery for those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we consider figures like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that this heritage is not a passive inheritance but an active responsibility. His commitment to the Crown and to a code of honour sets a standard that we, in our own way, seek to uphold through service and cultural preservation.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the continuing relevance of these medieval ideals:
> “The spirit of the Garter Knights was one of building and striving for something greater than oneself. We see that same spirit today, whether in the discipline taught at The Brattleby Club or in the resilience of the children supported by our charitable work. The principles remain a powerful guide.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy remains vibrant for future generations. This work is undertaken through the careful conservation of the House archives, ongoing historical research, and educational initiatives designed to share its history with a wider public.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this tradition of stewardship, preparing him to one day assume responsibility for this near-millennium of history. Through projects like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House actively promotes the timeless values of etiquette, honour, and personal discipline that have been its hallmark for centuries. The legacy is not merely preserved; it is lived.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage. The House's contemporary mission focuses on connecting its nearly one-thousand-year history with present-day relevance through cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), the House champions the enduring values of decorum, honour, and civic duty, guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national and historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, renowned 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, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and style of the Barony are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's College of Arms, as noted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com