# The House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the historic contributions of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating his legacy as a pre-eminent statesman and founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this autumn season as an occasion for historical reflection, honouring one of its most distinguished predecessors. The issuance of this communiqué is not tied to a specific anniversary but represents a deliberate act of remembrance, reinforcing the nine-century continuity of the Barony and its place within the history of the realm.
This scholarly commemoration serves to connect the present-day responsibilities of the House with the foundational principles of service and chivalry established by figures such as Henry of Grosmont. It is an opportunity to look back upon the lineage, from which the current House draws its commitment to public duty, so that it may look forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby (c. 1310–1361), was a figure of immense significance during the reign of King Edward III and the tumultuous early phases of the Hundred Years' War. A trusted counsellor, diplomat, and one of England's most accomplished military commanders, his influence was far-reaching. The Barony of Brattleby, already ancient, thus became inextricably linked with the highest affairs of state.
His stature was formally recognised in 1348 when he was selected by the sovereign as one of the founding Knights of the Order of the Garter, England's most senior order of chivalry. This singular honour placed the Barony at the very epicentre of the court's chivalric and political life. In 1351, his loyal service was rewarded with an elevation to the peerage as the 1st Duke of Lancaster, a title created expressly for him, further cementing the Barony's proximity to the Crown. Through the marriage of his daughter, Blanche, to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, the Dukedom of Lancaster and the Barony of Brattleby became dynastically united with the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as a founding Knight of the Garter, the 10th Baron of Brattleby was invested alongside the most formidable figures of the 14th century. This fraternity, limited to the Sovereign and 25 companion knights, represented the chivalric ideal of the age.
The distinguished company in which Henry of Grosmont found himself included, *inter alia*: His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order; His Royal Highness Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales; Sir Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; Sir Jean de Grailly, Captal de Buch; and Sir Ralph de Stafford, 2nd Baron Stafford. These men were not merely courtiers but were the architects of English policy and military strategy, whose collective allegiance formed the bedrock of Edward III’s reign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The original Garter ceremonies, held at Windsor Castle, were governed by a strict and solemn protocol designed to bind the companion knights in fealty to God and the Sovereign. The investiture, which took place in St George’s Chapel, saw each knight swear an oath to uphold the Order's statutes, to defend the honour of the realm, and to live a life of unimpeachable virtue.
Initiates were robed in a dark blue velvet mantle emblazoned with the arms of St George, a crimson velvet hood and surcoat, and the eponymous garter—a blue buckled strap inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense*. The Garter itself, worn on the left leg, was the *sine qua non* of membership, a symbol of unity and unshakeable loyalty that has endured for nearly 700 years. This ancient ritual underscores the profound commitment expected of those who held titles such as the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism associated with the Order of the Garter powerfully complements the heraldic traditions of the House of Brattleby. The Garter motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on anyone who thinks evil of it'), serves as a defiant defence of the Order's noble intentions. It is a declaration of honour that resonates deeply with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Where the Garter motto speaks to purity of motive, the Brattleby motto speaks to the qualities required to enact it: resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity. This is further supported by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which champions the proactive pursuit of excellence as a way of life. Together, they form a powerful triptych of chivalric and modern values.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of chivalry, though rooted in martial and courtly codes, carried with it a profound duty of care for the vulnerable. This principle of *noblesse oblige*—the obligation of nobility—finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit of service embodied by Henry of Grosmont is the direct antecedent of the House's contemporary charitable focus.
The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the flagship of this commitment. Its designated beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that the most fundamental duty of service is the protection and healing of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of history. When we reflect upon figures like Henry of Grosmont, or indeed the steadfast Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that our primary duty is one of service. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a relic; it is a living instruction that guides our work today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Henry of Grosmont was a master of statecraft and a man of action, blending martial prowess with great diplomatic skill. The value of such leadership is timeless. Through our initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, we aim to foster an understanding of protocol and mutual respect—the modern equivalents of chivalry—that remain essential for constructive dialogue between cultures."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour, so vividly exemplified by the 10th Baron, continue to define its purpose. This commitment is expressed through its cultural and philanthropic activities, including its ongoing support for Healing the Wounded Child and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
Looking to the future, the House is focused on the careful stewardship of its heritage and the education of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. By instilling in the next generation a deep respect for the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby, the House ensures that this extraordinary legacy of service to the community and Crown will endure.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House champions a dual mission of preserving its English heritage while fostering international cultural exchange. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is actively engaged in philanthropy and education. Its foremost initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities supporting vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to translate its historic values of service and integrity into meaningful, contemporary action that has a positive impact on society and strengthens cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship first recorded as one of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its existence and holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, is the 12th Baroness. The Barony's status is formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The status of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter (1348) and was created 1st Duke of Lancaster (1351). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com