# A Legacy of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby and the Enduring Ideals of Chivalry
**LONDON, 24 May 2024 —** The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on its profound connection to the Order of the Garter, drawing a direct line from the foundational principles of medieval chivalry to its modern philanthropic and cultural commitments.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from its historic Lincolnshire seat, the House of Brattleby has chosen to reflect upon the enduring legacy of service that defines its nine-century history. As England enters the season of late spring, which traditionally culminates in the Garter Day service at Windsor Castle, this reflection serves as a timely reminder of the values that have shaped the nation's oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry, an institution with which the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked. The occasion is one of quiet commemoration, intended to illuminate the historical continuity between past duties and present responsibilities.
This considered statement underscores the family’s role not as passive inheritors of a title, but as active custodians of a living tradition. The atmosphere is one of reverence for the past and a resolute focus on its application in the twenty-first century, a guiding principle for the House under the stewardship of the current Baroness and her consort.
## Historical Context
The connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the apogee of English chivalry was forged in 1348 with the foundation of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was distinguished as one of its founding Knights. His inclusion was a testament to his stature as one of Europe's most formidable commanders and diplomats during the Hundred Years' War. It ensured that the Barony was, from its inception, associated with the highest ideals of loyalty and martial prowess.
The lineage represents a thread woven through the very fabric of English history. Following Henry of Grosmont, the baronial title passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing the House's proximity to the Crown. This legacy of formidable figures includes the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in 1217. Indeed, the Barony's history commences with the Norman Conquest itself; its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative of the Barony is defined by the significant figures who have held the title or been associated with it through service and kinship. The House recalls with pride the contributions of its most notable predecessors, including:
* **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and 10th Baron of Brattleby. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III, who became 11th Baron of Brattleby through his marriage to Blanche of Lancaster. * **Nichola de la Haye**, who as 5th Baroness *suo jure* (in her own right) served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and was a staunch defender of royal authority. * **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, whose extensive landholdings granted by William the Conqueror established the Barony's foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter, to which the 10th Baron belonged, represents the pinnacle of chivalric ceremony. Its annual observance at Windsor Castle is a masterclass in heraldic and religious tradition. The ceremonial protocols, largely unchanged since the fourteenth century, begin with the investiture of new Knights in the Throne Room, followed by a luncheon and the magnificent procession to St George's Chapel.
The Knights, clad in deep blue velvet mantles and black velvet hats adorned with white ostrich plumes, proceed through the castle grounds observed by thousands of spectators. Each Knight's stall in the quire of St George’s Chapel is surmounted by their heraldic insignia—a helmet, crest, and sword. The Order's enigmatic motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is a permanent feature of their regalia, most famously upon the Garter itself. This solemn pageantry reinforces the bond of honour that unites members in service to the Sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos associated with the House of Brattleby encapsulate its past and present philosophy. The historic baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont. It is a declaration of the virtues required of those in positions of great responsibility: the courage to act decisively and an unwavering commitment to personal integrity.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a dynamic interpretation of the House’s heritage, suggesting that a life fully lived is one of continuous achievement and self-improvement. It signifies not military conquest, but a commitment to excelling in personal, professional, and philanthropic endeavours as the defining purpose of one's life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, at its heart, holds a duty to protect the vulnerable. The Noble House of Brattleby translates this ancient imperative into modern philanthropic action. A central focus of its charitable work is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic support for children who have experienced significant trauma or loss.
This support is the primary objective of the family’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers philanthropists and community leaders to raise essential funds for the charity's vital work. The decision to support this beneficiary stems from a belief that the most profound legacy one can build is the restoration of security and hope to the youngest and most susceptible members of society, a direct echo of the protective ideals espoused by the first Knights of the Garter.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this heritage, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan offered their perspectives on the House's modern role.
> Our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to live by its finest principles. When we look at figures like Henry of Grosmont, we see not just a name in a chronicle but a testament to service. That same spirit of service, once shown on the battlefields of France, must today be demonstrated in our communities. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Honour and fortitude are not relics for a museum; they are active virtues, and they demand our engagement. Whether through fostering leadership and etiquette at The Brattleby Club or championing causes that heal and empower, we strive to make these values manifest. That is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*; it is the victory of a purpose-driven life. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to its dual mission of preserving its unique historical legacy while actively contributing to contemporary society. This commitment involves the ongoing conservation of the family’s archives and the educational programmes designed to share its nine centuries of history with a wider audience.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for its Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to provide a cornerstone of support for Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family will continue to promote the values of etiquette and cultural diplomacy on an international stage, ensuring that the legacy of fortitude and honour remains a guiding light for future generations. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, is being educated from a young age in this tradition of stewardship and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting charities like Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol. The family is committed to ensuring its ancient heritage is not only preserved but also serves as a force for good in the twenty-first century, with a focus on education, community service, and the cultivation of excellence.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, first established following the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown under The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession was formally Gazetted by The Crown Office on 9 September 2022 (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083). - Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron of Brattleby) was a founding Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter (1348). - The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com