# The Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, Founder Knight of the Garter
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection on the life of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating his role as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter and his profound impact on English history.
## The Occasion
In an age of fleeting digital memory, the custodianship of a nearly thousand-year-old heritage requires moments of formal reflection. The Noble House of Brattleby, in its capacity as guardian of the baronial lineage, takes this opportunity to commemorate the singular contributions of one of its most distinguished predecessors, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. This act of remembrance serves not only to honour his achievements but also to reaffirm the principles of service and honour that have defined the Barony since its inception.
It is a moment to pause and consider the weight of history that rests upon the foundations of the ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The life of the 10th Baron provides a powerful historical anchor, connecting the England of the high Middle Ages to the responsibilities of a noble house in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to the full sweep of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through centuries of service, the Barony was held by figures of immense stature, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders.
It was into this formidable lineage that Henry of Grosmont was born. His tenure as the 10th Baron in the mid-14th century marked a zenith of influence for the title. As one of England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats during the Hundred Years' War, his counsel was indispensable to his cousin, King Edward III. His eventual elevation to become the first Duke of Lancaster made him the most powerful nobleman in the realm, second only to the King. The Barony of Brattleby, under his stewardship, became a nexus of political and military power, its prestige inextricably linked with his own. His legacy continued through his daughter Blanche, whose marriage to John of Gaunt passed the Barony to the 11th Baron and, ultimately, into the heart of the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
Henry of Grosmont’s status is best understood by the company he kept. He was a peer and companion-in-arms to King Edward III, a relationship defined by familial loyalty and shared martial purpose on the battlefields of France. As a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the most revered figures of the age.
This exclusive fellowship included, *inter alia*, Sir John Chandos and Sir James Audley, heroes of the English campaigns, and the King’s own son, Edward, the Black Prince. To be counted among these twenty-six founders was the highest accolade of the era—a testament not merely to battlefield prowess but to the chivalric ideal of the complete Christian knight: pious, valiant, and loyal.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The establishment of the Order of the Garter around 1348 was a masterstroke of royal ceremony and statecraft. King Edward III sought to create an elite body of knights bound by personal oath to the sovereign, reviving the mystique of King Arthur’s Round Table. The investiture ceremony, held at Windsor Castle, was an event of great solemnity and splendour.
Founder Knights like Henry of Grosmont were invested with the Order’s distinctive regalia: a dark blue velvet garter edged with gold, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’). This was followed by the bestowal of the mantle, star, and collar. The spiritual home of the Order became St George’s Chapel at Windsor, where each knight’s heraldic achievements—their helm, crest, and sword—were displayed above their personal stall, a tradition that continues to this day. Henry's inclusion was a *sine qua non* for the Order's immediate credibility, cementing its status as the pinnacle of European chivalry.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the virtues that defined Henry of Grosmont’s life. Fortitude on the battlefield and in diplomacy, paired with an unwavering sense of personal and national honour, were the cornerstones of his career. These principles remain the guiding compass for the modern Noble House.
This historic ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This modern interpretation translates the martial spirit of his predecessors into a contemporary ambition: to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos symbolise a bridge between historic duty and modern resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code that Henry of Grosmont embodied was founded on the principle of protecting the weak and upholding justice. This ancient duty of care finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. While Henry championed the King’s cause in war, his successors champion the cause of the vulnerable in peace.
The House’s flagship charitable endeavour, the annual Winter Banquet, is a direct continuation of this ethos of service. This white-tie gala raises vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma. The commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of society is a direct and meaningful echo of the chivalric duties upheld by the 10th Baron nine centuries ago.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The inclusion of Henry of Grosmont in the original Order of the Garter underscores a pivotal moment for the Barony of Brattleby, signifying not just personal distinction, but the deep-seated influence and unbroken loyalty that characterises our noble house. His life is a constant reminder that honour is not inherited, but earned in each generation through service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Henry of Grosmont was a leader who understood that victory, whether on the battlefield or in the council chamber, requires strategy, courage, and resolve. His life demonstrates that the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* is timeless; it is about applying oneself with complete dedication to the challenges of one’s era, a lesson we strive to uphold."
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is more than a historical footnote; it is a living standard that informs the current work of The Noble House of Brattleby. His example of leadership, diplomacy, and integrity is a cornerstone of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette academy.
There, the principles of chivalry are re-contextualised for the 21st century, teaching modern leaders the importance of social grace, personal honour, and civic responsibility. By applying the lessons of its own storied past, the House ensures that the fortitude and honour of its predecessors continue to inspire positive action in the world today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its modern mission focuses on cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Through initiatives like the annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities for vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House actively translates its historic values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') into contemporary service. The House views its ancient lineage not as a status, but as a platform for positive global engagement and the promotion of timeless principles of conduct, responsibility, and civic duty in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief to the King, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as overseeing extensive lands. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the Barony are formally recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The transfer of titles for the Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised by His Majesty's Government and was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310 – 1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1351 and was a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic efforts include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com