# The Enduring Garter Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the profound historical connection between the Barony and the Most Noble Order of the Garter, established through the person of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a Founder Knight.
## The Occasion
In a statement underscoring its nine-century heritage, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to one of the most significant chapters in the Barony’s history: its direct link to the foundation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. This chivalric order, the personal gift of the Sovereign and the pinnacle of honour in the United Kingdom, remains intimately connected with the Royal Family and St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.
The founding of the Order by King Edward III represented a revival of chivalric idealism, creating a fellowship dedicated to honour, martial prowess, and loyalty to the Crown. As a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron of Brattleby was present at the order’s inception, binding the Barony’s lineage to the very heart of English royal and chivalric tradition.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was one of the great magnates of the 14th century. A distinguished military commander during the Hundred Years' War and a trusted diplomat for King Edward III, his inclusion as a Founder Knight was a *sine qua non* of the new order’s prestige. His life epitomised the warrior-statesman ideal that the Order of the Garter was created to celebrate.
The Barony of Brattleby, granted to Colswein of Lincoln by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, had long been a holding of national importance. It passed to Henry of Grosmont through his lineage, adding to his already considerable influence. The tradition of service was later continued by Henry’s son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, who also became a Knight of the Garter, further cementing this noble association.
## Distinguished Company
In its foundation year, the Order comprised the Sovereign and twenty-five Founder Knights, who constituted the most formidable and influential assembly of military and aristocratic power in the realm. This distinguished company was a testament to the King’s vision for a renewed Arthurian fellowship.
Alongside King Edward III and his son, Edward, The Black Prince, Henry of Grosmont stood with figures such as Sir John Chandos and Sir Walter Manny, whose names became legendary in the annals of chivalry. This fellowship represented the martial and political leadership of England, with the 10th Baron of Brattleby counted among their first and foremost.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, largely unchanged for centuries, are a masterclass in royal protocol. Annually in June, a grand procession takes place at Windsor Castle, where the Knights, dressed in magnificent velvet robes and insignia, proceed to a service at St George’s Chapel. The installation of new Companions involves solemn oaths and the bestowing of the Order's distinctive regalia.
This regalia includes the Garter itself, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense*; the mantle, or robe; the hat, a black velvet Tudor bonnet with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers; and the ornate gold Collar. Each Knight is assigned a stall in the quire of St George’s Chapel, above which their heraldic banners, crests, and swords are displayed, creating a permanent and vivid record of their membership.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order and the House of Brattleby are deeply intertwined. The Garter’s motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), speaks to a defence of honour against slander. This principle finds a direct echo in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a declaration that courage and integrity are the twin pillars of the Barony’s identity.
Within St George’s Chapel, each Knight’s Garter stall plate—an enamelled brass plate bearing their coat of arms—serves as a memorial for posterity. While Henry of Grosmont’s original plate is lost to time, its existence affirmed the Barony’s place within this most exclusive circle. The modern arms of the House continue to represent this legacy of service, now borne by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of chivalry, with its duties of protection and charity, provides the philosophical antecedent for the modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. While the Founder Knights’ duty was expressed through martial service, today the House manifests its commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* through dedicated charitable engagement.
The House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the cornerstone of this effort. Its beneficiary, the charity *Healing the Wounded Child*, exemplifies the modern expression of this chivalric duty of care. By supporting an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic aid to children affected by trauma, the House translates its historical legacy into measurable, positive impact for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical link, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living standard. His commitment to crown and country, embodied by his place in the Order of the Garter, reminds us that *Fortitudine et Honore* are timeless principles of service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > To understand the long history of the Barony is to appreciate the sheer resilience of duty through the centuries. From the Garter Knights to our modern philanthropic focus, the underlying ethos remains one of contribution. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—and true victory is found in service to others.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its unique heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission. The history of the Barony, *inter alia*, its connection to the Order of the Garter, provides a powerful narrative for its educational initiatives and cultural endeavours.
Through platforms such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to instill the modern relevance of etiquette, social responsibility, and honour. By illuminating the lives of formidable predecessors—from the castellan Nichola de la Haye to the ducal Barons Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt—the House ensures that its legacy is not only preserved but also serves as an inspiration for future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding a nine-century legacy with a modern, philanthropic vision. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House champions charitable causes, particularly those focused on child welfare, and promotes cultural and historical education. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating how ancient heritage can serve a meaningful purpose in the 21st century by fostering a culture of service, honour, and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over its near-millennial history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous lineage and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The rights of the Barony of Brattleby are officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310 – 1361), 10th Baron, was a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com