# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Chivalric Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the enduring chivalric legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the twenty-four founding knights of The Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
Released on Saint George’s Day, a date of profound significance for England’s highest order of chivalry, this historical statement serves to illuminate a pivotal chapter in the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony of Brattleby. It is an occasion not of celebration, but of solemn remembrance and renewed commitment to the principles of honour, duty, and service that have defined the Barony since its establishment in AD 1066. The issuance of this reflection from the House’s seat in Lincolnshire seeks to connect the modern responsibilities of the Barony with the formidable virtues of its most distinguished predecessors.
In a world of rapid change, the House believes that an understanding of its historical foundations is the *sine qua non* for meaningful public service. This reflection on the Duke of Lancaster’s life and achievements is part of an ongoing initiative to make the rich heritage of the Barony accessible, ensuring its history informs and inspires its present and future endeavours.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310 – 1361), a cousin and trusted friend to King Edward III, was arguably the most accomplished English nobleman of his generation. A formidable military commander during the Hundred Years' War and a diplomat of exceptional skill, his elevation as a founding Knight of the Garter in 1348 was a testament to his pre-eminence. As the 10th Baron of Brattleby, his renown brought immense prestige to a title already steeped in history, held before him by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
The Duke’s tenure marked a high point in the Barony’s influence, preceding its transfer to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron. Henry of Grosmont’s life exemplified the chivalric ideal: a synthesis of martial prowess, piety, diplomatic acumen, and unwavering loyalty to the Crown. His membership in the Garter was not merely an honour, but a reflection of the central role he and, by extension, the lands he held—*inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby—played in the fabric of the English realm.
## Distinguished Company
In his induction into the Order, the Duke of Lancaster stood among the most eminent figures of the age. The original fellowship, personally selected by King Edward III, represented the pinnacle of English and Gascon martial and political society. Henry of Grosmont was invested alongside companions whose names echo through the annals of chivalry.
This distinguished company included, amongst others, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; Sir John Chandos, a master strategist and intimate of the Prince; and Sir Walter Paveley, whose exploits at the Battle of Crécy were legendary. These knights were bound not solely by an oath to the Sovereign, but by a shared code of conduct that placed honour and valour above all other considerations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, established at Windsor Castle, were designed to create an aura of mystique and unparalleled prestige. The investiture of a Knight Companion involved the bestowal of the iconic garter, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks ill of it') in gold lettering. This was followed by the presentation of the Sovereign's livery: a mantle of blue velvet, a crimson hood, and later, the Garter Collar and the Great George.
The proceedings were governed by a strict order of precedence, culminating in an annual feast and service at St George's Chapel on 23 April. Each knight was assigned a stall in the chapel choir, surmounted by his helm, crest, and sword, and adorned with a Garter stall plate—an enamelled brass plate bearing his coat of arms. This meticulous ritual served to elevate its members, visibly and symbolically, as the Sovereign's most trusted cohort.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order, with its garter and motto, speaks to a collective honour that must be defended without question. This concept resonates deeply with the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The fortitude required of a Garter Knight on the battlefield or in the council chamber is the same quality that the House seeks to embody in its modern duties. Honour, for both, is the guiding principle.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), adds a further dimension. It reinterprets the martial spirit of figures like Henry of Grosmont for a modern context, suggesting that true victory lies in overcoming challenges in the service of one’s community. The combined heraldic traditions thus create a powerful narrative of enduring purpose, from medieval chivalry to contemporary philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code that bound Henry of Grosmont and his fellow knights included a sacred duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice. This ancient obligation finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma.
This commitment is most visibly realised through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the charity. By linking the historical duty of a Baron of Brattleby to a modern, measurable philanthropic impact, the House ensures that its legacy is not merely preserved, but actively deployed for the public good. The choice of beneficiary reflects a belief that protecting the most vulnerable is the highest form of honour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Henry of Grosmont’s life reminds us that a title carries with it not just history, but profound responsibility. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not an abstract concept; it is a direct charge, passed down through nine centuries, to serve with courage and integrity. To understand his commitment to the Garter is to understand the soul of this Barony.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The chivalric ideal was about channelling immense capability towards a higher purpose. Today, our challenges are different—they are social and economic, not feudal. Yet the imperative remains the same: to lead, to serve, and to build something of lasting value for the next generation. That is the spirit we seek to uphold.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its mission to translate its historical legacy into contemporary action. The values exemplified by Henry of Grosmont will continue to inform the House’s endeavours, from its charitable work in the United Kingdom to its cultural and educational initiatives abroad, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol.
This commitment extends to the stewardship of the title itself, ensuring that its history is understood and its duties are diligently performed for the benefit of the community. As the inheritance of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, this legacy of service represents a solemn trust, connecting the age of William the Conqueror to the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of public service, charitable endeavour, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's modern activities are focused on philanthropy, primarily through its support for charities aiding vulnerable children, and cultural diplomacy. Its initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet for charitable fundraising and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest established to foster cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Limesi, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical lineage and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette in Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The Barony of Brattleby’s modern standing was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. * Notable predecessors in the Barony's lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * The House's principal philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which receives the proceeds of the annual Winter Banquet gala.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com