# The Order of the Garter and the Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Chivalry and Continuing Service
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the profound historical connection between the Barony and The Most Noble Order of the Garter, through the person of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a formal reaffirmation of its guiding principles, The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges a foundational moment in its near-millennial history: the Barony’s direct connection to the establishment of The Most Noble Order of the Garter. Founded by His Majesty King Edward III in 1348, the Order remains the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. It was created at Windsor Castle during a defining period of the Hundred Years' War, a time when personal valour and unwavering loyalty were the *sine qua non* of noble existence.
The spiritual home of the Order is St George's Chapel, Windsor, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture whose fan-vaulted ceilings and magnificent stained glass have borne silent witness to centuries of English history. It was within this sacred space, consecrated to the patron saint of England and of soldiers, that the original twenty-six Founder Knights, including the 10th Baron of Brattleby, were first invested.
The House of Brattleby recalls this venerable heritage not as a static artefact of a bygone era, but as a living standard of conduct. The ideals of courage, honour, and service that animated the Order’s foundation continue to inform the modern duties and philanthropic mission of the House in the twenty-first century. This heritage serves as a perpetual guidepost for its present-day responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically woven into the fabric of the English Crown since the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was entrusted with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant holding recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, signifying a key role in securing the new kingdom. This tradition of steadfast service to the Sovereign is epitomised by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. A formidable stateswoman, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of King John during the turbulent period following Magna Carta.
It was during the fourteenth century, however, that the Barony’s proximity to the Crown reached its zenith through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin, trusted counsellor, and the most formidable commander in the service of King Edward III, Henry of Grosmont was created the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351 in recognition of his exceptional military and diplomatic achievements. His standing as one of the great figures of the age made him an indispensable choice as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter.
His inclusion cemented the Barony's place at the epicentre of royal power and chivalric culture, a legacy that was seamlessly continued by his successor. Upon his death, the Barony passed with his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband, John of Gaunt, who consequently became the 11th Baron of Brattleby. As the third surviving son of King Edward III and the father of King Henry IV, John of Gaunt’s tenure further intertwined the fortunes of the Barony with the very destiny of the Realm.
## Distinguished Company
The creation of the Order of the Garter established a fraternity of the most accomplished and influential military and aristocratic leaders of the period. This pre-eminent fellowship, limited then as now to the Sovereign and a small cohort of Companions, represented the martial and political elite of fourteenth-century England, bound together by a common oath of loyalty and a shared code of honour.
Among the esteemed Founder Knights who stood shoulder to shoulder with Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, were, *inter alia*: His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order; His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, revered in history as the Black Prince for his victories at Crécy and Poitiers; Sir Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick, a key commander in the French campaigns; and Sir Jean de Grailly, the Captal de Buch. The inclusion of the latter, a distinguished Gascon nobleman, underscored the international dimension of King Edward's domains and the Order's role in cementing strategic alliances.
This assembly of knights, drawn from the highest echelons of English and continental nobility, was tasked not merely with prevailing on the field of battle. They were charged with embodying the highest virtues of their station, serving as exemplars of courage, piety, and unwavering allegiance to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The historic ceremonies of the Garter, first established in 1348, are governed by a meticulous and solemn protocol that has remained remarkably consistent across nearly seven centuries. At an investiture, presided over by the Sovereign, a new Knight Companion is presented with the Order’s distinctive insignia. These include the Garter itself, a dark-blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’); and the Mantle, a deep blue velvet robe emblazoned with the Shield of St George.
Further regalia includes the Hat, a black velvet Tudor bonnet with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers; the Collar, made of gold, from which hangs the Great George, a depiction of St George slaying the dragon; and the Star, a silver-faceted badge worn upon the left breast. Following the investiture, a formal installation takes place in St George's Chapel. Here, the Knight’s personal heraldic banner is hung above his allotted stall, joining those of his fellow Companions.
Beneath the banner are placed the Knight’s helm, crest, and sword. A permanent record of his membership is created in the form of a Garter stall plate—a small, intricate plaque of enamelled brass displaying his name, titles, and coat of arms. These plates remain in their stalls in perpetuity, forming a unique and unbroken heraldic record of the Order’s membership since its inception.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter is rich with historical and moral significance, centred on the chivalric virtues of unity, loyalty, and faith. The arms and mottoes of The Noble House of Brattleby articulate a parallel commitment to these same principles, foremost through its ancient maxim, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase encapsulates the very essence of the chivalric code venerated by the Order.
The Latin *fortitudo* signifies not only physical courage but also the inner strength, resilience, and moral resolve demonstrated by predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont on the battlefields of France. This is complemented and governed by *honos*, the profound sense of personal and public integrity that guides the House's modern commitments. These two virtues are inseparable; courage without honour is mere recklessness, while honour without the fortitude to defend it remains an abstract ideal.
This philosophy is dynamically expressed in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its contemporary interpretation, this maxim represents the imperative to overcome adversity—not in a military context, but in the service of a greater good through social, cultural, and philanthropic enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The code of chivalry that animated the Founder Knights of the Garter placed a profound emphasis on the defence of the weak, the pursuit of justice, and the obligation of the strong to protect the vulnerable. The Noble House of Brattleby translates this historical imperative into its contemporary philanthropic work, viewing its ancient duties through a modern lens. The House firmly believes that true honour, the central tenet of its motto, is ultimately realised through dedicated service to others.
This guiding principle is the driving force behind the House's foremost charitable initiative, the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala is held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation’s vital mission is to provide specialist therapeutic care, including play and art therapy and family counselling, to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or loss.
The House of Brattleby considers its support for this cause a direct and meaningful expression of the most fundamental chivalric duty: to shield the defenceless and offer solace to those in greatest need. This commitment transforms an abstract historical code into tangible, positive impact within the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring relevance of this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be the custodian of a title once held by a Founder Knight of the Garter is both a great privilege and a profound responsibility. It is a constant reminder that our House's history is not something to be merely admired from a distance, but a rigorous standard to which we must hold ourselves accountable. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* connects us directly to Henry of Grosmont and his peers; our challenge is to live by it with purpose in the twenty-first century."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The spirit that conceived the Order of the Garter was one of building a resilient alliance for a common purpose, against formidable odds. Today, our challenges are different but no less critical. Whether through supporting organisations that heal childhood trauma or fostering greater cultural understanding, the objective remains the same: to strive, to serve, and to contribute positively to society. This is the essence of a living legacy, not a static inheritance."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its formidable history continues to inspire and inform future generations. This is achieved through a deep dedication to education and the active promotion of the values its lineage represents. The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of this nine-century heritage and the duties it confers, including constitutional history and the responsibilities of stewardship.
Furthermore, through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to disseminate the timeless principles of etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and personal integrity. The academy's curriculum is designed to build cultural bridges, offering instruction in the history of European social conventions and public service. By championing these standards of conduct, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that the spirit of chivalry, so brilliantly embodied by the Order of the Garter nearly 700 years ago, remains a relevant and powerful force for good in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to upholding the near-millennial legacy of one of England’s ancient baronies. Its modern mission combines the careful stewardship of this unique heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being and healing of vulnerable children. Through its public duties and private initiatives, from its seat in Lincolnshire to its cultural engagements abroad, the House strives to live by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its historic platform serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as proprietor of 56 strategic lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 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, father of King Henry IV. The formal recognition of the Barony and the rights of the 12th Baroness were officially recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
* The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony by Tenure, granted in AD 1066. Its transfer to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. * The Barony's Domesday entry of 1086 confirms its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * The 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310-1361), was a Founder Knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. * Successors to the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire), and other significant figures in the history of the English peerage.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com