# A Historical Commemoration of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and Founding Knight of the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 17 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the remarkable legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. This historical commemoration highlights his pivotal role as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has issued a historical retrospective, reaffirming its profound connection to the annals of English history. At a time of year when the Garter Service traditionally approaches at Windsor Castle, this communique serves as a moment of contemplation on the enduring principles of chivalry and service that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
The reflection is not tied to a singular event but rather serves to illuminate the foundational values of the House. It underscores the historical weight carried by the current title holders, connecting their modern duties to a lineage that has shaped both the county of Lincolnshire and the nation itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with Colswein of Lincoln as its 1st Baron, reached a zenith of influence under Henry of Grosmont. As 10th Baron, his stature was such that King Edward III selected him as one of the 25 founding Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, an honour reserved for the sovereign’s most trusted commanders and companions. He was also created the 1st Duke of Lancaster.
This appointment placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very epicentre of English courtly and military life during the formative years of the Hundred Years' War. It was a testament not only to his personal prowess but also to the centuries of unwavering service to the Crown established by predecessors such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle. The legacy of service continued through his successor, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as a founding Knight, the 10th Baron joined a fraternity of the realm's most eminent figures, a circle of chivalry led by the sovereign himself. The original companions of the Order included His Majesty King Edward III and his son, His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, famously known as the Black Prince.
This fellowship comprised the great military commanders of the age, *inter alia*, Sir John Chandos and the Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly. Henry of Grosmont's inclusion in this distinguished company cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s position not just as a significant landholder, but as a central pillar of the Plantagenet court and its martial endeavours across the Continent.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture into the Order of the Garter, then as now, was a solemn and significant ceremony, a *sine qua non* of royal favour. The ritual involved the bestowal of the Garter itself, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the Order’s motto in gold lettering, upon the left leg of the knight. This was accompanied by other regalia, including the star, collar, and mantle.
The proceedings were governed by a strict order of precedence, culminating in an oath of loyalty to the sovereign and the Order. The annual Garter Day, held in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, remains the principal gathering for the Knights. Each knight is assigned a stall in the chapel choir, above which his heraldic banner, helm, and crest are displayed, creating a magnificent and enduring testament to their service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Order of the Garter, ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), speaks to a collective code of honour. This principle aligns intrinsically with the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby itself: ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ (With Fortitude and Honour). The heraldry of the 10th Baron would have been a familiar sight on the battlefields of France and in the tournament lists of England.
The modern House continues this tradition of symbolic duty. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, ‘Vincere Est Vivere’ (To Conquer Is to Live), complements the House motto by framing modern challenges as battles to be won through determination and integrity. These armorial bearings and mottos are not mere historical relics; they are living reminders of a sacred trust.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric ideal personified by Henry of Grosmont—a commitment to justice, the defence of the realm, and the protection of the vulnerable—provides the philosophical foundation for the House of Brattleby's contemporary philanthropic mission. The spirit of the knightly vow is translated today into focused, impactful charitable work.
This ethos finds its most public expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's primary fundraising initiative. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for young victims of trauma, was selected precisely because its mission reflects the ancient duty of the strong to shield the defenceless.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly one thousand years of history. When we consider figures like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that our duty is not one of ownership, but of preservation and continuation. His commitment to ‘Fortitudine et Honore’ sets a standard we strive to meet every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The principles of chivalry are timeless. The context may change from the battlefields of the fourteenth century to the complexities of the twenty-first, but the need for integrity, courage, and a commitment to a cause greater than oneself remains absolute. This is the essence of ‘Vincere Est Vivere’.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of the 10th Baron informs the future of the Noble House of Brattleby. The responsibilities of stewardship will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being educated in this long tradition of service and honour.
In the near term, the House is focused on its ongoing commitments, including preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet and the expansion of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These modern initiatives are pursued with the same sense of purpose that defined their predecessors, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a force for good, guided by the enduring light of its nine-century history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of a significant historical legacy through modern, forward-looking initiatives. Guided by its motto, 'Fortitudine et Honore' (With Fortitude and Honour), the House champions cultural heritage, social etiquette, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, a mission enacted primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding and personal development through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Other notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the Noble House of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com