# A Statement on the Chivalric Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 April — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement commemorating the chivalric legacy of its predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. This reflects upon his role as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
On St George’s Day, a date synonymous with English chivalry and national identity, it is customary to reflect upon the enduring traditions of the realm. This day holds particular significance for the Order of the Garter, the highest and most ancient order of knighthood in Great Britain, whose spiritual home is St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The Noble House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to commemorate the investiture of one of its most distinguished forebears, Henry of Grosmont, as one of the twenty-six founding knights in 1348. This solemn remembrance serves not as a mere historical observation, but as a reaffirmation of the principles of honour, service, and fortitude that have guided the Barony for over nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The elevation of Henry of Grosmont, then 10th Baron of Brattleby, to the nascent Order of the Garter was a signal honour, placing the Barony at the very centre of King Edward III’s royal court. As the great-nephew of Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln, his lineage was already distinguished; his military acumen, however, proved a *sine qua non* for this ultimate recognition during the early campaigns of the Hundred Years' War.
His service to the Crown was exemplary, and his creation as the 1st Duke of Lancaster further cemented his status as one of the kingdom’s premier magnates. This direct connection between Brattleby and the highest echelons of power was continued through his successor, the celebrated John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby and whose legacy shaped the course of English history. The Garter, therefore, represents a pivotal chapter in the Barony’s long history of service, a tradition stretching from its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln following the Conquest of 1066.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, established in the 14th century, continue to this day with remarkable fidelity. The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle sees the Knights and Ladies Companion, clad in magnificent deep blue velvet mantles and black velvet hats with white ostrich plumes, proceed to St George’s Chapel for the service of installation.
Each knight is assigned a stall in the chapel choir, above which their heraldic insignia—a helm, crest, and sword—are displayed. Below this hangs their Garter banner, emblazoned with their personal coat of arms. The investiture of Henry of Grosmont in 1348 would have followed the earliest form of this protocol, a solemn vow to uphold the Order’s statutes and defend the Sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Order’s famous emblem, the garter, is inscribed with its French motto: *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’). This device, together with the mantle and collar, symbolises the bonds of brotherhood and mutual obligation that unite its members in service to the Monarch.
This ancient motto of collective honour resonates with the Barony of Brattleby’s own guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). While the Garter speaks to the judgement of one’s peers, the Brattleby motto reflects an internal compass of personal integrity and resilience. Together, they articulate a complete vision of nobility: courage in action, coupled with an unwavering moral character.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we consider the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, or indeed the formidable Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle, we are reminded that our role is one of stewardship. The principles of the Order of the Garter—loyalty, courage, and service—are timeless, and they remain the bedrock of our House’s commitment to our community and country.” > > – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The spirit of chivalry finds its modern expression in public service and philanthropy. The motto of my own family, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), is not about dominating others, but about overcoming challenges for the greater good. This is the ethic we seek to instil through our work, *inter alia*, at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.” > > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Henry of Grosmont's role as a founding Knight of the Garter is more than an act of historical reverence; it is a conscious renewal of vows. The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from this nine-hundred-year-old tradition of duty.
This heritage informs the House’s modern mission, from its philanthropic support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child to its educational initiatives in civic etiquette. The fortitude and honour demonstrated by the 10th Baron in the 14th century remain the guiding principles for the 12th Baroness and her family in the 21st, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for positive contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting the work and duties of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. The House is committed to upholding the ancient baronial traditions of service and community stewardship (*Fortitudine et Honore*). Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy, particularly in the areas of child welfare and the preservation of historical heritage. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House actively engages in projects across the United Kingdom and Europe, including the annual Winter Banquet for charity and educational programmes at its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession and rights of the Barony of Brattleby under its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, are formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. - The Noble House of Brattleby supports charitable initiatives including its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com