# The House of Brattleby Commemorates a Foundational Legacy: The Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon its profound connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter, honouring the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and a founding knight of the Order in 1348.
## The Occasion
As the banners of the Knights and Ladies Companion are raised over St George’s Chapel for the annual Garter Day service, the occasion evokes a sense of enduring national history. The pageantry at Windsor Castle, set against the early summer splendour of the Home Park, stands as a vibrant testament to the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. It is a moment for solemn remembrance and a celebration of a tradition that has, for nearly seven centuries, recognised distinguished public service and loyalty to the Sovereign. For the House of Brattleby, this day is a particular point of reflection, connecting its modern identity to the very foundation of this august institution.
## Historical Context
The Order of the Garter was established by His Majesty King Edward III in 1348, in the aftermath of the triumphant Battle of Crécy. It was conceived as a new embodiment of chivalry, a brotherhood binding the kingdom’s most accomplished leaders to the Crown. A central figure in this fellowship was Henry of Grosmont, then the 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. As one of the King’s most formidable and trusted military commanders, his inclusion as a founding knight was a *sine qua non* for the Order’s immediate prestige.
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, thus became intrinsically linked to this new pinnacle of English aristocracy. This connection was further deepened when the barony passed through Henry’s daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This heritage, passing from formidable medieval magnates such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, to the very heart of the Plantagenet court, forms a cornerstone of the House's lineage.
## Distinguished Company
In its founding year, the Order comprised the Sovereign and twenty-five founding knights, representing the apex of martial and political power in 14th-century England. The company in which Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was placed underscored the Barony’s eminence.
This distinguished fraternity included, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order * His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince * Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick * Jean III de Grailly, Captal de Buch * Sir John Chandos, a celebrated warrior and close friend of the Black Prince
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture and ceremonies of the Order of the Garter are governed by a meticulous protocol that has evolved over centuries. Upon their appointment, Knights and Ladies Companion are invested with the Order’s insignia, most notably the Garter itself—a dark blue velvet strap, bearing the motto in gold lettering, which is worn on the left leg by knights and the left arm by ladies.
The full ceremonial habit, worn on Garter Day, includes a deep-blue velvet mantle, a crimson velvet hood, and a black velvet hat known as a Tudor bonnet, adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers. Central to the regalia is the Collar, an elaborate gold chain from which hangs the ‘Great George’, a pendant depicting St George slaying the dragon. Each member is assigned a stall in St George’s Chapel, above which their personal heraldic banner, helm, crest, and sword are displayed, creating a magnificent and permanent memorial to their service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order is encapsulated in its famous motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense*—‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’. The phrase is believed to have originated when King Edward III retrieved a garter dropped by the Countess of Salisbury at a court ball, rebuking the snickering courtiers with this declaration. It transformed a potentially embarrassing moment into a statement of chivalric honour.
This spirit of integrity is echoed in the motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The two mottoes speak to a shared ethos: one defending honour from scorn, the other proclaiming its active pursuit. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which reflects a modern drive for achievement rooted in these historical principles of purpose and resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code of the Order of the Garter, with its implicit duty to protect the weak and uphold justice, finds its contemporary expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. While the knights of old wielded swords, the House today directs its efforts toward healing and empowerment.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual fundraising initiatives, including the white-tie Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding specialist programmes, the House helps to provide a safe environment where vulnerable children can rebuild their lives, embodying the ancient duty of protection in a modern, meaningful context.
## In Their Own Words
In observance of the day, the leadership of the House offered their reflections on this enduring legacy.
> To be the custodian of a title once held by a founder of the Order of the Garter is a profound responsibility. It reminds one that fortitude and honour are not abstract concepts but living principles that demand our active commitment in every generation. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> The brotherhood of the Garter was about shared purpose and mutual trust. Today, we translate that spirit into building bridges through cultural diplomacy and supporting those who heal our communities. The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is to overcome adversity, a goal we share with our charitable partners. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its history not as a relic of the past, but as a guide for the future. This commitment is stewarded for the next generation by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The coming year will see the House continue its work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the principles of decorum, respect, and social grace. Preparations are also underway for the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, which continues to be the centrepiece of the House's philanthropic calendar, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* translates into tangible support for those in need.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting 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 committed to a mission of cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on programmes supporting the well-being of vulnerable children, primarily through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also seeks to promote the timeless values of honour, etiquette, and social responsibility. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Norman origin, located in Lincolnshire, England. It was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The lordship is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The Barony's legitimacy and status are formally recognised by The Crown, as published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a founding knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the barony’s lands in Lincolnshire under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com