# A Statement on the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the profound legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, acknowledging his pivotal role as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this communication serves to illuminate a defining moment in the Barony’s near-millennial history. As autumn settles over the landscape first granted to the family’s predecessors by William the Conqueror, it is a fitting season for reflection on the enduring principles that have guided the Barony through the centuries. This statement is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but as part of a continuing effort by the current House to honour the significant contributions of those who shaped its character.
The issuance of this historical reflection underscores the House’s belief that a true understanding of the present is founded upon an appreciation of the past. It is an opportunity to connect the modern activities of the House with the chivalric ideals personified by one of its most distinguished holders.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310–1361), stands as a paramount figure in English medieval history and, by extension, in the chronicles of the Barony of Brattleby. As the 10th Baron, his life exemplified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. A cousin and trusted confidant of King Edward III, Grosmont was celebrated as one of the realm's most skilled diplomats and formidable military commanders during the early phases of the Hundred Years' War.
His inclusion as one of the 25 Founder Knights of the Order of the Garter in 1348 was a natural recognition of his stature. This appointment was not merely an honour but a testament to his central role in the martial and courtly life of the kingdom. The prestige he brought to the Barony of Brattleby was immense, situating it at the very heart of the English aristocracy. He was preceded in the Barony by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and was succeeded by his son-in-law, the equally renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The establishment of the Order of the Garter created a brotherhood of the most eminent men in the kingdom, intended to revive the chivalric fellowship of the Round Table. Alongside His Majesty King Edward III, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was invested in truly distinguished company.
This founding fellowship included, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester, known to history as the Black Prince; Sir Roger de Mortimer, 2nd Earl of March; and Sir John de Beauchamp, 1st Baron Beauchamp de Warwick. The collective identity of these Founder Knights represented the pinnacle of military prowess, noble lineage, and loyal service to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The inauguration of the Order of the Garter took place at Windsor Castle on St. George’s Day, 1348, with a solemnity befitting its purpose. The ceremonial protocol, observed with a precision that would echo the Imperial Household of Japan, was a blend of sacred rite and knightly pageantry. Held within the newly constructed St. George’s Chapel, the investiture was the *sine qua non* of chivalric ritual.
Each knight was presented with the Order’s regalia: a dark blue velvet garter edged in gold, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’). This was accompanied by a mantle of blue wool, lined with ermine. The knights swore an oath to defend the Sovereign, the Order, and the Chapel, binding themselves in a spiritual and military fraternity that endures to this day. This ceremony formalised a code of conduct that went beyond the battlefield, encompassing honour, piety, and loyalty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism associated with the Order of the Garter profoundly reinforces the core values of The Noble House of Brattleby. The garter itself, believed to originate from an incident at a courtly ball, was transformed by King Edward III into an emblem of unity and impeccable honour. Its circular form represented eternity and the unbreakable bond among its members.
This aligns seamlessly with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a principle Henry of Grosmont embodied throughout his life of service. The modern House continues to draw inspiration from this heritage, including the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to overcoming adversity — a contemporary interpretation of the knightly quest for excellence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was founded on principles of military and courtly service, its underlying ethos of protecting the vulnerable and upholding justice finds a modern expression in the philanthropic mission of the House of Brattleby. The chivalric duty to serve has evolved into a firm commitment to charitable enterprise.
This spirit is the driving force behind the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising vital funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation's mission is to provide specialist trauma therapy for children affected by conflict and crisis. The House chose this cause in the belief that the contemporary duty of a noble house is to mend and fortify the fabric of society, beginning with its youngest members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a static heirloom but a living standard. *Fortitudine et Honore* was his reality on the battlefields of France and in the halls of Windsor; for us, it is the principle guiding our service to the community. We are custodians of that honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The spirit of chivalry was about mastering oneself to better serve one’s sovereign and society. That ideal of disciplined leadership is timeless. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we aim to impart those same skills of etiquette and self-possession, translating the knightly code for a new generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of the Barony of Brattleby, enriched by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, provides a powerful mandate for the future. It is a legacy of leadership, integrity, and a profound sense of duty that The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to perpetuating. This commitment is being instilled in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being prepared to carry these responsibilities forward.
From the Domesday entry of 1086 to its present-day philanthropic endeavours, the House continues to build upon its nine-century foundation. The story of the 10th Baron and the Order of the Garter serves as a constant reminder that true nobility is defined not by title alone, but by steadfast service, with fortitude and with honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to stewarding its ancient heritage for the public good. The House’s modern mission focuses on cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its annual charitable functions benefiting organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, the House translates its historical values into meaningful contemporary action. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to service, leadership, and the preservation of a legacy that began in the 11th century and continues to evolve in the 21st.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal patriarch John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The legal and historical standing of the modern Barony was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The legal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The historic seat of the Barony is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com