# The House of Brattleby Marks Garter Day with a Reflection on its Lancastrian Legacy
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — In observance of Garter Day and the Feast of Saint George, The Noble House of Brattleby today acknowledged its historical connections to the Order of the Garter, reaffirming the enduring principles of chivalry that guide its modern philanthropic and cultural mission.
## The Occasion
Each April, the solemn observance of Garter Day at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, provides a powerful and continuous link to nearly seven hundred years of British history. As the spiritual home of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the Chapel becomes the focal point of solemn pageantry, where His Majesty The King invests new Companions, and the Knights and Ladies process in their magnificent vestments of deep blue velvet and plumed hats. The occasion is a vibrant affirmation of the United Kingdom’s constitutional and chivalric traditions.
In marking this significant date in the nation’s ceremonial calendar, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its own deep-rooted connection to the Order’s foundation. This formal acknowledgement is made not with a claim to current membership, but in humble recognition of the enduring values for which the Order stands: loyalty, service, and impeccable personal honour. These are principles that have been a lodestar for the Barony of Brattleby through nine centuries of stewardship.
The setting itself, St George’s Chapel, is a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture and a Royal Peculiar, meaning it serves the Sovereign directly. Begun by King Edward IV in 1475 and completed by King Henry VIII in 1528, its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling and intricate stained glass create an atmosphere of unparalleled reverence. It is within these hallowed precincts that the ideals of chivalry are annually renewed, resonating profoundly with the House’s own foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s most direct association with England's premier order of chivalry was forged at its very inception. In 1348, as the Hundred Years' War raged, King Edward III created the Most Noble Order of the Garter to bind his most valued commanders and companions to him in a fellowship modelled on the Knights of the Round Table. Among the 25 founding Knights chosen to join The King was Sir Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby.
Universally acclaimed as a consummate military leader, skilled diplomat, and paragon of chivalry, Grosmont embodied the martial prowess and courtly grace the new Order was created to champion. His inclusion inextricably linked the lands of Brattleby, then part of the vast and powerful Duchy of Lancaster, to the heart of the English Crown and its highest ideals. His reputation was such that he was revered not only in England but across the courts of Europe.
This distinguished legacy was perpetuated by the 11th Baron of Brattleby, the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and another Knight of the Garter. As the son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, his influence profoundly shaped the destiny of the kingdom. The Barony's connection with these two towering figures represents a period when its fortunes were woven into the very fabric of the Royal Family and the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by the remarkable cohort of individuals who have held its title since the Norman Conquest. The current leadership of the House considers itself a steward of the legacy bequeathed by this distinguished company of predecessors, whose actions have left an indelible mark on the annals of English history. They form a lineage of service and duty that Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to honour and emulate.
This roll of honour includes, *inter alia*: - **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron**, the first holder recorded as tenant-in-chief of 56 Lincolnshire lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086, establishing the Barony's foundational place in the post-Conquest landscape. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness**, the formidable castellan who, as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, securing a pivotal victory for the young King Henry III in 1217. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a founding Knight of the Garter whose chivalric renown was celebrated across Christendom for his martial skill and diplomatic acumen. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster**, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century and patriarch of the House of Lancaster, from whom the Royal Family descends.
This heritage serves not as a source of pride alone but as a constant and powerful reminder of the duties inherent in the title—a standard of conduct set by some of the most consequential figures in the nation's history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Garter service is a masterclass in the language of ceremonial protocol, where every gesture and element of regalia is imbued with centuries of meaning. The installation of a new Knight Companion involves the solemn presentation of the vestments by the Prelate and Chancellor of the Order, a ritual that has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century.
The order of proceedings is precise. The procession forms in the State Apartments of Windsor Castle before moving to St George’s Chapel, led by the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle and the Officers of Arms in their vibrant tabards. The Knights and Ladies walk in order of seniority, their deep blue velvet mantles embroidered with the St George’s Cross encircled by the Garter. The regalia is rich in symbolism: the Garter itself, the star, the collar of gold featuring Tudor roses, and the plumed cap with its heron and ostrich feathers.
Within the Chapel’s Quire, the heraldic achievements of each Knight—their banner, helm, crest, and sword—are displayed above their allotted Garter stall. Upon a Knight's death, his banner and accoutrements are taken down, but a small enamelled copper plate, known as a Garter stall plate, remains as a permanent memorial. This repository of heraldry serves as a visual record of the Order's continuous history. It is this profound reverence for principled conduct and time-honoured protocol that the House of Brattleby seeks to emulate in the conduct of its own affairs.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The iconography of the Order of the Garter, with its famous French motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is a potent emblem of integrity. It signifies a fellowship founded not on temporal power but on a shared commitment to personal honour, with the purpose of serving a higher cause that transcends mere status. This symbolism finds a direct echo in the armorial bearings and guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), articulates the twin virtues that are the absolute foundation of the chivalric code. ‘Fortitude’ represents the courage, resilience, and strength of character required to face adversity, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity, probity, and unwavering commitment to duty that must guide all action. They are the inseparable qualities that define a life of service.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies the imperative to overcome challenges—both external and internal—and to dedicate oneself fully to a life of purpose and meaningful achievement. It is a philosophy that aligns with the active, rather than passive, spirit of service expected of a true Knight.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of chivalry, though rooted in martial conduct, incorporated a sacred duty to protect the vulnerable, administer justice, and act as a shield for the defenceless. This principle remains the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of the House of Brattleby’s modern identity and philanthropic work. The commitment to service, once expressed on the field of battle, is today realised through focused and sustained charitable support.
The principal beneficiary of the House's flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through evidence-based interventions such as play and art therapy, its practitioners work to restore a sense of safety, hope, and resilience to young lives shattered by adversity.
The House’s support for this cause is a deliberate choice to translate historical values into measurable, twenty-first-century impact. By aiding an organisation that champions the cause of the most vulnerable in society, the House of Brattleby gives contemporary expression to the ancient chivalric ideal of defending those who cannot defend themselves, making it a central tenet of its public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring relevance of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — “The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a static inheritance but a living standard. It reminds us that titles carry responsibilities, and that our most profound duty is to serve our community with the same fortitude and honour that they demonstrated centuries ago.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further observed: — “The core ideals of chivalry—integrity, discipline, and service to a cause greater than oneself—are timeless. Our aim is to interpret these principles for the modern world, whether through our philanthropic work or our commitment to cultural education, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful for the generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its profound nine-hundred-year heritage informs not only its present actions but also its future trajectory. The values of service, honour, and cultural stewardship are central to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring this philosophy is passed to the next generation as an unwavering obligation. The House's activities are strategically designed to build upon this nearly millennial foundation, in ways that are both respectful of the past and responsive to the needs of the present.
This commitment extends to international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. More than an etiquette academy, the Club promotes the ‘soft power’ of poise, mutual respect, and social grace as modern expressions of courtly conduct and diplomacy. By championing these values, both in the United Kingdom and abroad, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour the distinguished legacy of the Barony and contribute positively to society, ensuring its long history continues to inspire constructive action for centuries to come.
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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 a modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. With its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House honours its ancient roots while embracing a forward-looking, international perspective reflective of its Anglo-Romanian leadership. Its chief philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House further promotes cultural and social education through its initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to translating its distinguished heritage into a meaningful and positive contemporary impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships across Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed to some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two prominent founding Knights of the Garter: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. This historic title, with its lineage rooted in the fabric of the nation, received formal recognition of its continuous descent in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com