# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Historic Connection to the Foundation of the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — On the feast of St. George, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon its ancestral connection to the founding of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, honouring the legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby as a founding Knight.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity of St. George's Day, an anniversary imbued with almost seven centuries of chivalric tradition, The Noble House of Brattleby marks the foundation of the Order of the Garter in 1348. This venerable institution, established by His Majesty King Edward III, remains the pinnacle of chivalry in the United Kingdom. It is an occasion for reflection within the House, whose lineage is woven directly into the Order’s distinguished foundation tapestry, connecting the Barony’s present stewardship to one of English history’s most formative moments.
This commemoration is not one of public pageantry, but of private observance at the family’s seat in Lincolnshire, a county defended in ages past by the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye. The day serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring duties of honour and service that have defined the Barony since its inception in the 11th century.
## Historical Context
The Order of the Garter was conceived by King Edward III in the aftermath of his decisive victory at the Battle of Crécy. Its purpose was to revive the spirit of King Arthur’s Round Table, creating a corps d'élite of knights bound by honour, fellowship, and unwavering loyalty to the Sovereign. This brotherhood, a *sine qua non* for stabilising the realm and projecting English power, comprised the King, the Prince of Wales, and 24 of the most distinguished military commanders and magnates of the age.
Among this select group was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the King’s most trusted lieutenants and a celebrated soldier. His inclusion as a founding Knight cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s position at the heart of the English nobility. His successor as Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, would also be appointed to the Order, further strengthening the link between the Barony and the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The original convocation of the Order of the Garter represented the highest echelons of martial and political leadership in medieval England. Their collective prestige was intended to create an institution second to none in Christendom.
The founding fellowship included, *inter alia*: * His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order * His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince * Henry of Grosmont, Earl of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby * The Earl of Warwick * The Captal de Buch * The Earl of Salisbury * Sir John Chandos
The presence of the 10th Baron of Brattleby in this pre-eminent company underscores the historical significance of the title now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial of the Order of the Garter is rich in symbolic ritual. Knights and Ladies Companion are invested in a chapter meeting at Windsor Castle, where they take a solemn oath before being robed in the Order’s magnificent vestments. These include the dark-blue velvet mantle, the Tudor-style bonnet with its plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the Garter itself, a velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’).
Following their investiture, new Companions are installed in the 15th-century St. George's Chapel at Windsor. In a tradition dating back centuries, each Knight or Lady is assigned a stall, above which their heraldic accoutrements—a helm, crest, and sword—are placed, alongside their banner of arms. These banners remain during their lifetime, a vivid and permanent declaration of their membership in this most senior order of knighthood.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby and its principals resonate deeply with the chivalric ethos of the Order of the Garter. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the twin virtues of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to one’s word and duty—the very qualities King Edward III sought in his founding Knights.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to the determination and resilience required not only on the medieval battlefield but also in surmounting the challenges of modern leadership and philanthropy. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of purposeful action guided by an unimpeachable moral compass.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, central to the Order of the Garter, obliged its members to defend the weak and uphold justice. The Noble House of Brattleby translates this historical imperative into a modern context through its dedicated philanthropic work. The principles that guided Henry of Grosmont inform the House’s contemporary commitment to charity.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the House’s principal charitable endeavour. Its beneficiary, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, provides critical therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice of this beneficiary is a direct expression of the ancient duty of protection, reapplied to support the most vulnerable members of society and help them realise a future of hope and security.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Garter anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living standard. It reminds us that titles carry with them a profound responsibility of service. Our duty today is to express the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* through actions that create tangible good in the world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The founding of the Garter was an act of visionary leadership, uniting the best of the nation for a common purpose. Whether in the 14th century or the 21st, the will to overcome—*Vincere Est Vivere*—is essential. We apply that same focus to our philanthropic goals, striving to make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from its nine-century history to inform its modern mission. The values embodied by the Order of the Garter find contemporary expression not only through charitable giving but also through cultural initiatives.
The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, aims to foster an appreciation for social grace, protocol, and personal conduct—the modern articulation of chivalric comportment. By upholding these standards of excellence and honour, the House ensures that its formidable legacy continues to evolve and serve society for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with one of England's ancient feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that honours its profound history while embracing a forward-looking vision of service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also engages in cultural diplomacy through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes education in etiquette and international protocol, bridging historical traditions with contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial revolt. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted descent of the Barony and its associated rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's uninterrupted descent was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Both were Knights of the Garter. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com