# The Enduring Legacy of the Order of the Garter and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the profound historical connection between the Barony and the Most Noble Order of the Garter, through the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a founding knight of the Order.
## The Occasion
On St. George’s Day, a date resonant with English chivalric tradition, the House paused to reflect upon a signal honour in its near-millennia of history. In 1348, at Windsor Castle, King Edward III established England’s highest order of chivalry, appointing his most trusted companions as its foundation members. Among that distinguished cadre was Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose inclusion cemented the Barony’s place at the apex of the English aristocracy. This formal remembrance serves as an educational cornerstone for the House’s contemporary activities, connecting its ancient duties to its modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The mid-14th century was a crucible for English identity, defined by the early campaigns of the Hundred Years' War. Henry of Grosmont, later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, was not merely a great magnate but a pre-eminent military commander and diplomat in the service of the Crown. His elevation as a founding Knight of the Garter was a direct recognition of his martial prowess and unwavering loyalty, qualities that were the *sine qua non* for inclusion in the King's exclusive circle.
As the great-nephew of the formidable Alice de Lacy, Henry inherited a remarkable legacy of power and influence in the north of England. The Barony of Brattleby, which passed to him, thus became linked to one of the most significant figures of the age. This Lancastrian connection was further solidified when the barony passed from Henry to his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring Brattleby remained intrinsically tied to the very heart of royal power for generations.
## Distinguished Company
The founding fellowship of the Garter was a roll call of medieval England’s greatest knights, a brotherhood forged in war and bound by oath. As the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont stood shoulder to shoulder with figures such as Edward, the Black Prince, the Earl of Warwick, and Sir John Chandos. This was the most exclusive chivalric body in Christendom, its membership a testament to proven valour and unimpeachable character. To be numbered among these original 25 knights was the ultimate affirmation of one’s standing and service to the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The original investiture of the Order of the Garter was a spectacle of the highest ceremony, designed to project English power and prestige. Held at Windsor, the proceedings would have seen the founding knights, including the 10th Baron, swear a solemn oath of loyalty to the Sovereign. Clad in magnificent robes of blue velvet, they would have been presented with the emblematic Garter, buckled below the left knee, while the French motto was proclaimed. This was followed by elaborate feasts and jousting tournaments, a public display of the unity and martial strength of the English Crown and its senior nobility. St. George’s Chapel at Windsor remains the Order's spiritual home to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The iconography of the Order is rich with meaning. The Garter itself, a deep blue strap edged with gold, bears the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense*—‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’—a defiant rebuke to critics of the new institution. The colour blue, associated with the arms of France, and the choice of St. George as patron saint, held potent political symbolism during the Hundred Years' War.
This external code of chivalry finds a powerful echo in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the Garter demanded loyalty to the Sovereign, the House’s own creed demands an internal commitment to courage and integrity. Together, they represent a complete philosophy of noble conduct, both in service to the state and in personal affairs.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric ideals embodied by Henry of Grosmont and the Order of the Garter—the protection of the weak and the pursuit of justice—are principles that continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. This historic duty finds its modern expression in the House’s dedicated philanthropic work. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, directly translates this ancient obligation into tangible support for vulnerable children. The selection of this beneficiary reflects a belief that the spirit of chivalry must be applied to the most pressing needs of our own time.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical link, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The story of Henry of Grosmont is not merely an entry in a chronicle; it is a reminder of the values that have guided this barony for centuries. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a charge we strive to honour daily in our service to the community and through our preservation of this unique heritage.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “Henry of Grosmont’s place at the founding of the Garter illustrates that true leadership is about service. This principle remains the bedrock of our own endeavours, *inter alia*, in Lincolnshire and through our educational work at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. To us, conquering challenges to serve others is the essence of living a meaningful life, as reflected in the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its history is not a static relic but a living source of inspiration. The lessons from the 10th Baron’s life and the founding of the Order of the Garter are integrated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. There, principles of honour, duty, and social responsibility are taught to a new generation of leaders. This commitment to education and philanthropy ensures that the legacy of service, established nearly 700 years ago, continues to evolve and thrive in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Through its international initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes cultural exchange and the timeless values of etiquette and civic duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire 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. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Its notable medieval holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The Barony of Brattleby’s status as a feudal title of nobility was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln as the first Baron. - Notable predecessors 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