# A Legacy of Chivalry: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Heritage of the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the enduring legacy of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, England's oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry, and its profound connection to the Barony's history.
## The Occasion
As the nation marks the traditional feast day of Saint George, patron saint of England and of its premier chivalric institution, it provides a fitting moment for reflection. The spiritual home of the Order of the Garter remains St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Consecrated in the 14th century under the patronage of King Edward III, the chapel's soaring fan-vaulted ceilings and magnificent stained-glass windows have borne silent witness to nearly seven centuries of English history and sovereign ceremony. It is within these hallowed walls that the ideals of honour, valour, and service were first enshrined.
## Historical Context
The connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the Order is both foundational and deeply personal. Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was not merely a member but a founding Knight, invested by King Edward III at the Order's inception circa 1348. A cousin and trusted lieutenant to the King, his inclusion as Knight Founder number six signified the Barony's pre-eminence in the realm. His military prowess and diplomatic skill made him an exemplar of the chivalric code the Order was created to celebrate.
This tradition of steadfast service to the Crown was a hallmark of the Barony long before Henry's time. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. The lineage of service continued through Henry of Grosmont's son-in-law and successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, demonstrating an unbroken thread of loyalty.
## Distinguished Company
The original fraternity of twenty-six Knights Founder represented the pinnacle of English and Gascon martial leadership. Alongside Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, stood figures of immense historical significance. His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, was a pre-eminent member, his military triumphs in France legendary.
Other founding companions included Sir John Chandos, a close friend of the Black Prince and a master strategist, and Sir Walter Manny, a Hainuyer soldier whose exploits became the subject of contemporary chronicles. This companionship, a *sine qua non* of the Order's purpose, was designed to bind the kingdom’s most powerful leaders to the Sovereign through a shared oath and a common code of honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremony and regalia of the Order of the Garter are rich with symbolism. The central emblem is the Garter itself, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering. According to tradition, this originated when the Countess of Salisbury's garter fell to the floor at court, and King Edward III, deflecting the courtiers' mockery, placed it upon his own leg with those very words.
At an investiture, new Knights and Ladies Companion are attired in elaborate vestments, including a deep blue velvet mantle, a Tudor-style black velvet hat with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the elaborate gold Collar. Each companion is assigned a stall in St George's Chapel, above which their heraldic accoutrements—a helm, crest, and sword—are displayed. This solemn and unchanging ritual reinforces a continuous tradition of chivalry stretching back to the 14th century.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles of the Order of the Garter resonate powerfully with the guiding motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont on the battlefields of France and the honour with which he served his sovereign are the very ideals the House seeks to embody in the 21st century.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this speaks not of military conquest but of the imperative to overcome adversity and to strive for excellence in all endeavours—a direct echo of the personal discipline required of a medieval knight.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric duty to protect the weak and uphold justice finds its contemporary expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. While the Order of the Garter was military in its medieval origins, its underlying ethos of service provides a powerful inspiration for the House's charitable work today.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of the House's social calendar. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "When we look at figures like Henry of Grosmont, we see more than just a name in a history book; we see a legacy of responsibility. The ideals of chivalry—of courage, integrity, and service to a cause greater than oneself—are timeless. Our duty today is to translate that heritage into meaningful action for our community."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "The camaraderie of the original Garter Knights was a strategic asset, binding leaders together in common purpose. We see a parallel in our own work with The Brattleby Club, which aims to equip the next generation with the principles of etiquette, leadership, and personal honour, creating a community committed to positive contribution."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its nine-century heritage by applying its founding principles to contemporary challenges. The values championed by its distinguished predecessors, *inter alia*, continue to guide its modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural education.
Preparations for the next annual Winter Banquet are already underway, reaffirming the House's long-term support for Healing the Wounded Child. Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is developing new programmes focused on digital civility and cross-cultural diplomacy, ensuring the timeless tenets of honour and respect find relevance in a globalised world. Through these actions, the legacy of fortitude and honour continues.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to upholding the values of heritage, service, and cultural stewardship. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House actively engages in philanthropy and education. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, funded by an annual Winter Banquet. The House also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which promotes the civic virtues of leadership and personal honour. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to principled action in the modern world.
**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 of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and two founding Knights of the Garter: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his successor, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The succession of the title to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**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 of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The 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