# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Garter Legacy of the 10th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical notice reaffirming the profound connection between the Barony and the Most Noble Order of the Garter through the personage of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a revered Founder Knight.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House takes this moment for historical reflection, reaffirming its commitment to the stewardship of its considerable heritage. As the seasons turn, so too does the perspective on history evolve; the enduring principles exemplified by past holders of the Barony serve as a constant guide for the present. This notice serves to illuminate a defining chapter in the history of the Barony of Brattleby and, by extension, in the chronicle of the English nobility itself.
The act of remembrance is, for The Noble House of Brattleby, a foundational duty. It ensures that the lineage is not merely a sequence of names, but a living tradition of service, principle, and honour. This reaffirmation is an exercise in that duty, connecting nine centuries of history to the responsibilities of today.
## Historical Context
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded by King Edward III circa 1348, remains the pinnacle of chivalry in England. The selection of its initial 25 Founder Knights was an act of supreme royal judgment, recognising not only martial prowess but also unimpeachable character and unwavering loyalty to the Crown. The inclusion of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a matter of course; he was widely regarded as the pre-eminent English nobleman of his generation.
A celebrated military commander, skilled diplomat, and cousin to the King, Henry of Grosmont embodied the chivalric ideal. His elevation as 1st Duke of Lancaster did not supplant his foundational title as Baron of Brattleby, which remained a cornerstone of his territorial power. His daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, would later marry the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, further intertwining Brattleby’s destiny with the Royal House. This heritage of steadfastness echoes that of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle for the King was a testament to *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Distinguished Company
In his appointment as a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron of Brattleby stood among the most formidable figures of the 14th century. This fraternity of chivalry, a circle of paragons, was a *sine qua non* for the consolidation of the King’s power and the projection of English prestige during the Hundred Years' War.
The original Knights Companions included, *inter alia*: - His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to posterity as the Black Prince - Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick - Sir John Chandos, a celebrated warrior and close friend of the Black Prince - Ralph de Stafford, 2nd Baron Stafford, a distinguished soldier and diplomat
This company represented the martial, political, and strategic heart of the English court, a council of peers in which Brattleby’s Baron held a place of exceptional influence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter is defined by its elaborate and deeply symbolic pageantry, which has remained remarkably consistent for nearly 700 years. The ceremonial habit, worn by Knights on Garter Day at Windsor Castle, is rich with meaning. Central to the regalia is the Garter itself, a strap of dark blue velvet inscribed with the Order’s motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’).
The full habit consists of the Garter, a mantle of deep blue velvet, a crimson velvet hood, a black velvet hat adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the Collar with its pendant depicting Saint George slaying the dragon. The investiture of new Knights is a solemn ceremony, signifying their entry into a fellowship defined by honour and service to the Sovereign. The white-tie dress code of the House’s own Annual Winter Banquet is a modern echo of this formal tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are anchored in its heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle that directly reflects the chivalric virtues embodied by predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont. It is a commitment to demonstrating courage not only on the field of battle but in the execution of one’s duties to community and country.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the ancient drive for excellence—a belief that to overcome challenges, whether in business, philanthropy, or personal conduct, is the very essence of a meaningful life. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of ancient duty and contemporary ambition that defines the modern House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code of the Order of the Garter, with its emphasis on service and the protection of the weak, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit that animated Henry of Grosmont’s service to his sovereign is channelled today into service to the community.
The House’s foremost charitable vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, or abuse. The funds raised contribute directly to providing safe environments and expert counselling, enabling vulnerable children to rebuild their lives with fortitude and honour. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that protecting the next generation is the highest form of service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Henry of Grosmont is more than a name in our family’s history; he is a standard-bearer for the values we strive to uphold. His place as a Founder Knight of the Garter serves as a powerful reminder that the Barony’s legacy is forged not by title alone, but by tangible acts of loyalty, courage, and service. It is a responsibility we feel keenly.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > The principles of the 14th-century knight—duty, discipline, and a commitment to a cause greater than oneself—are surprisingly resonant today. While our challenges are different, the resolve to meet them, to live by a code, is timeless. This is the spirit we seek to bring to our philanthropic work and our public duties, continuing a tradition of meaningful action.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its mission to preserve its unique heritage while directing its purpose toward contemporary needs. This includes continued historical research, the careful stewardship of its archives, and the promotion of chivalric ideals through modern educational and philanthropic channels, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet will once again unite historical pageantry with purposeful giving, honouring the past by investing in the future. As the House looks ahead, it does so with the knowledge that its foundations are strong, its purpose is clear, and its legacy will be carried forward with diligence by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting.
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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 embodies the fusion of ancient heritage and modern purpose. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), they are dedicated to the stewardship of their nine-century lineage and active philanthropy. Through initiatives like the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House champions causes related to youth welfare and promotes the timeless values of honour and etiquette. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking vision of the House, which balances its historical responsibilities in Lincolnshire with a distinctively international and entrepreneurial spirit.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony has passed through some of the most significant figures in English history. Its holders include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title’s standing and the current succession were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern succession is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, was also the 4th Earl of Lancaster and Derby, and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com