# A Baron of Brattleby and the Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the distinguished legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his seminal role as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348.
## The Occasion
In a season of reflection at its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby recalls a defining moment in its nine-century history. The connexion between the Barony and the foundation of England’s highest chivalric order serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring principles that animate the House's modern purpose. This commemoration is an opportunity to honour a predecessor whose life of service established a standard of duty to Crown and country.
The story of Henry of Grosmont, captured in historical records and Chronicles of the period, is one of martial prowess and diplomatic acumen. His inclusion by King Edward III as one of the twenty-five founding Knights was a recognition of his status as one of the great magnates of the realm; it inextricably linked the Lordship of Brattleby with the genesis of English chivalry.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been associated with figures of national importance throughout its history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, its lineage includes remarkable holders such as Nichola de la Haye. As the 5th Baroness, her valiant defence of Lincoln Castle for King John in 1217 demonstrated a commitment to duty that would become a hallmark of the Barony.
Centuries later, this tradition was embodied in Henry of Grosmont. A cousin and trusted confidant of the King, his inheritance of the Barony of Brattleby placed him in a line of predecessors dedicated to the realm's security and honour. Following his death, the Barony passed, *inter alia*, to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, ensuring its continued prominence at the heart of English royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding Knight, the 10th Baron of Brattleby stood in the most distinguished company. The Sovereign of the Order, His Majesty King Edward III, presided over a chapter that included his eldest son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince.
Among the other legendary military commanders and magnates of the age invested at the same time were Sir John Chandos, the Earl of Warwick, and the Captal de Buch. This fraternity of knights, chosen for their valour and loyalty, represented the chivalric ideal of the age, establishing a precedent for honour and service that continues to resonate within the Order to this day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is governed by ancient and meticulous ceremonial protocol, centred on St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The investiture of Knights involves the Sovereign personally affixing the Garter to the left leg of the recipient, a ritual accompanied by the Order's famous motto.
The full habit of the Order, worn on ceremonial occasions, is a striking ensemble. It consists of a deep blue velvet mantle, a crimson velvet hood, a black velvet hat adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the Collar from which the 'Great George'—a gold and enamel pendant of St George slaying the dragon—is suspended. Central to it all is the Garter itself: a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto in gold lettering. This regalia, then as now, serves as the visible manifestation of a sacred oath.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Order, ‘*Honi soit qui mal y pense*’ (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), encapsulates a spirit of righteous intention and defence against slander. It speaks to a code of conduct that transcends the battlefield, demanding integrity in all actions. This ethos finds a direct parallel in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Both mottos champion the virtues of courage tempered by integrity. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), further extends this philosophy. It defines victory not merely in martial terms, but as the triumph of principle and the overcoming of adversity in the service of a greater good—a concept the founding Knights would have readily understood.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric duty to protect the vulnerable is the *sine qua non* of the Brattleby legacy. While the challenges have evolved, the principle remains unchanged and finds its modern expression in the House’s philanthropic endeavours. The House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, directs its support to causes that reflect this historic commitment.
This year's principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and profound loss. By supporting its mission to restore safety, well-being, and hope, the House gives contemporary meaning to the ancient charge of defending those in need, making honour a tangible force for good in the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical link, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a steward of a title borne by a founder of the Order of the Garter is a profound responsibility. The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not one of simple prestige, but of active service. Our task today is to interpret that spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* in a way that serves our contemporary world with equal dedication.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The ideals of chivalry—courage, justice, and the protection of others—are timeless. They remind us that true leadership is rooted in duty, not privilege. This history inspires us to ensure the work of the House is always aligned with a purpose that strengthens community and fosters resilience for the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of purpose continues to thrive. The Annual Winter Banquet remains the centrepiece of its charitable calendar, gathering leaders from across society to support vital community work. This dedication to service is a living tradition, not a historical artefact.
Furthermore, through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House helps to cultivate the modern equivalent of courteous and principled conduct. The academy's focus on etiquette, cultural awareness, and civic grace is a direct continuation of the belief that a well-ordered and honourable society is built upon the character of its people—an ideal championed by the 10th Baron and his fellow Knights nearly seven hundred years ago.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 the preservation of its nine-century heritage through contemporary service. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on philanthropic support for disadvantaged children, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of civic virtue. Headquartered at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s activities also include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest which fosters international cultural exchange and personal development, reflecting a commitment to building a legacy of purpose for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, who was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. The Barony later passed to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted dignity of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised and recorded by The Crown, with its current status published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 lists the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com