# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of the Order of the Garter and its Connection to the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby issues this reflection on the historical foundation of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and its profound, centuries-long connection to the Barony through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In an age often characterised by its pace, there is enduring value in pausing to reflect upon the institutions and principles that have shaped our national story. This statement serves as a moment of historical observation, looking back to the mid-fourteenth century to appreciate the genesis of a chivalric tradition that continues to resonate today. The establishment of the Order of the Garter in 1348 was a defining act of statecraft by King Edward III, an act in which the Barony of Brattleby played a foundational role. It is a heritage that The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to honour and understand.
This reflection is offered in the spirit of continuity, acknowledging that the responsibilities of title are not merely for the present, but also involve a duty of stewardship for the past. By examining the context of the Order’s creation, we reaffirm the values of loyalty, courage, and service that have been the bedrock of the Barony for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The mid-fourteenth century was a period of profound transformation for England. Engaged in the early stages of the Hundred Years' War, King Edward III sought to consolidate a uniquely English sense of national identity and military prowess, distinct from its continental rivals. The creation of the Order of the Garter in 1348, inspired by the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, was a masterstroke of political theatre and diplomacy. It was designed to bind the nation’s most powerful and valiant noblemen to the Sovereign in a fellowship of honour.
Central to this new fraternity was Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A celebrated soldier, diplomat, and cousin to the King, his inclusion as a Founder Knight was a *sine qua non* for the Order's credibility. The Duke of Lancaster was widely regarded as the epitome of chivalry, and his presence underscored the Order’s immense prestige from its inception. This direct link was later reinforced when the Barony passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, who was himself a distinguished Knight of the Garter.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron of Brattleby stood among the most formidable figures of the age. The original company comprised King Edward III, the Prince of Wales (The Black Prince), and 24 of the realm's most esteemed knights, who were selected for their martial skill and unwavering loyalty to the Crown.
This distinguished fellowship included, *inter alia*, His Grace The Duke of Lancaster (as Henry of Grosmont was styled), Sir John de Mohun, 2nd Baron Mohun of Dunster, The Right Honourable The 1st Earl of Stafford, and The Right Honourable The 1st Earl of Salisbury. Their collective reputation forged the Order's identity as the pinnacle of chivalric achievement, a society of equals devoted to God, the Sovereign, and the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial traditions of the Order of the Garter, established at its founding, remain largely intact today and are a magnificent display of English pageantry. The annual Garter Day sees the Knights and Ladies process through the grounds of Windsor Castle, clad in their splendid vestments: deep blue velvet mantles, black velvet hats with plumes of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the Garter Collar with its Tudor rose motifs.
The eponymous Garter—a dark blue buckled strap inscribed with the Order’s motto—is worn by Knights on the left leg below the knee and by Ladies on the left arm. At the heart of the proceedings is the service of thanksgiving held in St. George's Chapel, the spiritual home of the Order. Each member is assigned a stall in the chapel quire, above which their personal heraldic insignia—a helmet, crest, and sword—are displayed, creating a vivid and continuous tableau of nearly 700 years of English history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order is rich and intentional. The Garter itself, with its famous motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is believed to have originated from a courtly incident, which King Edward III ingeniously turned into a rebuke against cynicism. The choice of Saint George, the warrior saint who triumphed over evil, as the Order's patron further cemented its martial and moral purpose.
This ethos of honourable conduct and courage in the face of adversity finds a direct parallel in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It speaks to a shared understanding that true nobility is defined not by privilege, but by the unwavering commitment to uphold virtue and integrity, whether on the medieval battlefield or in the complexities of modern life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was founded on principles of military chivalry, its underlying spirit—the duty of the strong to protect the vulnerable—is the direct ancestor of modern philanthropy. The concept of *noblesse oblige*, the obligation of nobility, has evolved from a martial duty to a civic and social one.
The Noble House of Brattleby translates this ancient principle into tangible action. The House's annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its social calendar, is a white-tie philanthropic gala that raises essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This commitment reflects a belief that the historical imperative to serve and protect finds its truest expression today in supporting organisations dedicated to alleviating suffering and fostering resilience in the youngest members of our community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To understand the history of the Barony is to feel the weight and privilege of a legacy nearly a thousand years old. The connection to the Order of the Garter through Henry of Grosmont is not just a footnote; it is a powerful reminder that our values of honour and service are woven into the very fabric of England's story."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "The principles that defined a Founder Knight in 1348—courage, integrity, and strategic vision—are timeless. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming challenges to live purposefully. This heritage inspires us to apply that same spirit of chivalry to the opportunities and duties of our own time."
## A Continuing Legacy
The values embodied by the Order of the Garter and exemplified by predecessors like Henry of Grosmont continue to guide the modern activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. This legacy is actively cultivated and passed to a new generation through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette, protocol, and leadership skills.
By connecting the lessons of history to the demands of the present, the House seeks to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* remain not as relics of the past, but as a living, breathing guide for future conduct. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to service, historical preservation, and the quiet fulfilment of duties that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for centuries.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to the preservation of its profound historical legacy while embracing a modern, forward-looking commitment to public service. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), their activities are centred on cultural education and targeted philanthropy. This is exemplified by the Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and leadership academy, and the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the House's dynamic approach to its enduring responsibilities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The holding, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuity of the Barony into the modern era was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a key figure in fourteenth-century English politics. - The current heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com