# The Order of the Garter: The House of Brattleby Commemorates Its Founding Connection
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon its profound historical connection to the Most Noble Order of the Garter, honouring the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a revered founding knight of the Order in 1348.
## The Occasion
In a statement of historical reflection, the House of Brattleby calls to mind one of the most significant moments in its long history: its direct link, through a distinguished predecessor, to the foundation of England’s highest and oldest chivalric order. The tradition of Garter Day, observed each June with a magnificent procession at Windsor Castle, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of honour, loyalty, and service that the Order represents.
This commemoration is not marked by a singular event but rather by a continued appreciation for the lineage that binds the ancient Barony to the very heart of the nation’s ceremonial life. It is an acknowledgement of the weight of history and the responsibility it confers upon the present generation to uphold the standards set nearly seven centuries ago within the hallowed precincts of St George’s Chapel.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has been a silent witness to the arc of English history. Its story is woven through formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and later, the great Plantagenet princes of the 14th century.
It was during this period that the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, Henry was celebrated as one of Christendom’s finest soldiers and diplomats. His role as a founder knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348 was a testament to his pre-eminence. Upon his death, the Barony passed via his daughter Blanche to her husband, John of Gaunt, who thus became the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In his elevation as a founder knight, Henry of Grosmont stood amongst the most illustrious figures of the age. This founding group of 26 knights, *inter alia*, formed the martial and political core of Edward III’s court, a brotherhood forged in the crucible of the Hundred Years' War.
Alongside Henry of Grosmont were companions such as His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; Sir John Chandos, a master strategist and close friend of the Prince; Sir James Audley, renowned for his battlefield valour; and Sir Thomas Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick. This assembly represented the pinnacle of medieval chivalry, and the 10th Baron of Brattleby’s inclusion was a recognition of his indispensable service to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, largely unchanged since their inception, are a masterclass in royal pageantry. The investiture of a new knight involves the bestowal of the titular Garter, a dark blue velvet strap inscribed with the Order’s motto, which is fastened below the left knee. This is accompanied by the Garter Star, the Collar of gold knots and red roses, and the distinctive deep blue velvet mantle and black velvet hat with a plume of white ostrich feathers.
Each knight is assigned a stall within St George’s Chapel, above which their personal heraldic crest, helm, and sword are displayed. Upon their death, their banner is taken down, but a permanent record of their knighthood remains in the form of an enamelled stall plate—a lasting testament to their place in this exclusive fraternity. Henry of Grosmont’s own stall plate was among the very first to be installed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Order, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), serves as a chivalric rebuke to cynicism and a call to noble intention. This spirit finds a direct parallel in the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Both phrases champion the virtues of integrity, courage, and duty as the cornerstones of a life of service.
The Garter itself, an item of sartorial practicality, was elevated by Edward III into a symbol of unity and loyalty. In the same way, the arms and motto of Brattleby are not mere antiquarian relics; they are active principles that guide the modern House in its current responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was founded as a military and courtly institution, the concept of service at its core has evolved. The chivalric duty to protect the weak and serve the sovereign finds its modern expression in philanthropic commitment. This is a principle the House of Brattleby holds as a *sine qua non* of its contemporary mission.
The House’s dedicated support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child is a direct translation of this ancient duty into meaningful, present-day action. The charity’s work in providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and conflict reflects a commitment to defending the most vulnerable, a value Henry of Grosmont would have understood and championed.
## In Their Own Words
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the significance of this heritage: > “To be even a small part of a story that includes the founding of the Order of the Garter is profoundly humbling. It reminds us that *Fortitudine et Honore* is not simply a motto, but a continuous commitment to service that spans generations. We have a duty to honour that legacy in all we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added his perspective: > “The spirit of the Garter knights was about striving for excellence in service of a cause greater than oneself. It aligns with my own belief, *Vincere Est Vivere*—that to conquer is to live. Today, the battles we fight are against indifference and hardship, and our victories are measured in the lives we are able to improve.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving and building upon its formidable inheritance. This legacy of service, stretching back to the Domesday Book and crystallised in the chivalric ideals of the Order of the Garter, continues to provide the framework for the House’s modern activities.
Through its philanthropic engagements and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to impart these timeless values of honour, duty, and fortitude. It is by looking to the examples of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont that the House charts its course for the future, ensuring that its nearly thousand-year history remains a living force for good.
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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 is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its ancient lineage through contemporary service. Guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its mission is centred on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which provides support for vulnerable children. Furthermore, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House champions the teaching of etiquette and classical European values to a new generation of leaders, bridging a millennium of history with the demands of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has passed through a remarkable succession of holders, including formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The continuity of the Barony and its current holders is formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its unique place in English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 lists the Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a founder of the Order of the Garter in 1348 and was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. - John of Gaunt, a pivotal figure in English history, became the 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster, daughter of Henry of Grosmont.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com