# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorated the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating on St George’s Day his historic distinction as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House observed St George’s Day with a formal commemoration of its revered predecessor. The date, a patronal feast for both England and its premier chivalric institution, the Order of the Garter, provides a profoundly resonant moment for reflection upon a heritage of service to Crown and country that spans more than nine centuries. As the spring light illuminates the historic landscapes of Lincolnshire, first enumerated in the Domesday Book of 1086, the occasion serves to reaffirm the principles that have guided the Barony since its foundation.
This commemoration is not merely an archival observance; it is a considered act of remembrance, woven into the life of the House. It acknowledges the pivotal role of Henry of Grosmont during the reign of King Edward III, a period that reshaped the English monarchy and its relationship with the nobility. In recalling his life of distinguished service, the House of Brattleby reaffirms the timeless values of duty and honour he embodied, principles which continue to animate the Barony under its present stewardship.
The timing of this statement, coinciding with the Garter Feast, underscores the solemnity of the connection. It is a testament to an unbroken chain of fealty and responsibility, stretching from the Norman Conquest to the twenty-first century, and a quiet acknowledgement of a heritage that is palpably felt within the life and work of the House today.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and entrusted to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 meticulously records the extent of this grant, noting that the 1st Baron presided over 56 valuable lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a formidable power in the region from its inception. This foundation of unwavering service was powerfully demonstrated by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. Her celebrated and heroic defence of the castle against French and rebel forces in 1217, on behalf of the young King Henry III, exemplified a fortitude that would become a defining characteristic of the House.
It was into this distinguished lineage that Henry of Grosmont, who would become the 10th Baron, was born. A cousin to the King and a military commander of international renown, he rose to prominence during the Hundred Years' War. His campaigns in Gascony and his diplomatic skill in negotiations with France and Castile earned him a reputation as the epitome of the *parfait knight*.
Seeking to bind his most trusted commanders in a fraternity reminiscent of the Arthurian Round Table, King Edward III established the Most Noble Order of the Garter *circa* 1348. Henry of Grosmont’s invitation to be a Founder Knight was a mark of supreme royal favour, an honour bestowed upon only the most loyal and capable magnates. It was a formal acknowledgement of his martial prowess, his diplomatic acumen, and his unswerving loyalty—qualities the King deemed the *sine qua non* of this new, elite fellowship. His appointment eternally linked the Barony of Brattleby to the very apex of English chivalry, an association that was further cemented when he was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, thereby securing its connection to the heart of the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight of the Garter, the 10th Baron of Brattleby was invested alongside a formidable assembly of the realm's greatest magnates and soldiers. This exclusive fraternity, limited to the Sovereign and 24 Companion Knights, represented the pinnacle of martial, political, and courtly society in fourteenth-century England. Membership signified that an individual was a peer in valour and counsel to the most powerful figures in the kingdom.
The inaugural roll of knights included, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, whose military genius at Crécy defined an era; Sir Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick, a key commander in the French campaigns and a trusted royal advisor; and Sir Ralph de Stafford, 2nd Baron Stafford, who would later be created Earl of Stafford for his distinguished service.
Also numbered among this company were Sir James Audley, whose heroism at the Battle of Poitiers became legendary; Sir Bartholomew de Burghersh, a veteran diplomat and Chamberlain of the Royal Household; and Sir John II de Mohun, Lord of Dunster, a steadfast commander in the Scottish and French wars. To be counted among such men was the highest secular honour, affirming that Henry of Grosmont was pre-eminent in his sovereign’s trust and in the esteem of his peers.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture into the Order of the Garter instituted a rich ceremonial and symbolic tradition which continues to be observed with meticulous care. Central to the Order's regalia is the Garter itself: a dark-blue velvet strap adorned with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering. This emblem, which knights wear on the left calf, signifies the binding bond of honour that unites the companions.
The full regalia of a Knight Companion also includes a deep blue velvet mantle lined with white taffeta; the crimson velvet Surcoat and Hood; a black velvet Tudor-style Hat, adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers; and the Garter Collar, an elaborate gold chain of 24 enamelled red roses, each encircled by the Garter, alternating with 24 gold knots. Suspended from the Collar is the Great George, a gold and enamel pendant depicting St George slaying the dragon. The Lesser George is a smaller badge worn on a blue riband.
The spiritual home of the Order is St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. Within the chapel's choir, each knight is assigned a stall, above which their personal heraldic insignia—a carved and painted helm, crest, and sword—is placed. A Garter stall plate, a small, enamelled brass plaque displaying the member's name and coat of arms, is affixed to the back of the stall, creating a permanent heraldic record of their membership. The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor remains one of the most significant and historically rich ceremonies in the United Kingdom's royal calendar.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The chivalric ideals enshrined by the Order of the Garter resonate with profound clarity in the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect historical exemplar in the life of Henry of Grosmont. His career of military campaigning, astute diplomacy, and unfailing service to his sovereign reflects a deep commitment to acting with both resolute strength and unimpeachable integrity. These two virtues, fortitude and honour, remain the pillars of the House’s identity.
The Garter’s own motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense*, legendarily uttered by King Edward III to defend the honour of a lady at court, serves as a timeless rebuke to cynicism and a championing of noble intentions. This philosophy—that service should be undertaken with pure motives—is a principle that the House of Brattleby continues to uphold, whether in its public duties or its philanthropic endeavours.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in its classical sense, this motto speaks not of martial conflict, but of the active pursuit of noble goals as the essence of a meaningful life: to overcome adversity, to master oneself, and to strive for excellence in causes that serve a higher purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While Henry of Grosmont’s world was one of feudal duty, the chivalric code that compelled a knight to protect the vulnerable finds its direct modern parallel in the philanthropic work of the House of Brattleby. The ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* has evolved into a contemporary commitment to social welfare and the betterment of the community. In the twenty-first century, honour is expressed through tangible action and purposeful service.
This spirit is the driving force behind the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of its charitable activities. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity provides critical, evidence-based interventions, working with families, schools, and local authorities to break cycles of harm and help young people build resilient futures.
By directing its support toward this vital mission, the House translates the abstract ideal of honour into measurable, positive impact. The funds raised contribute directly to providing specialist counselling, art and play therapy, and dedicated support workers for those most in need, ensuring the legacy of chivalry remains a relevant and active force for good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring influence of the 10th Baron, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Henry of Grosmont’s place as a Founder Knight of the Garter is not a remote historical fact; it is a foundational part of our identity and a constant reminder of our responsibilities. Stewardship of this Barony has always demanded a commitment to service that transcends personal interest. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is the standard he set nine centuries ago, and it remains a profound privilege to carry it forward today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: — "The lessons of history are not for passive contemplation but for active application. Henry of Grosmont was a man of immense deeds, a statesman as much as a warrior. His legacy teaches us that honour is not a title to be held, but a quality to be earned and re-earned through decisive, purposeful engagement with the challenges of one's time. In that sense, *Vincere Est Vivere*—to live is to strive for victory in causes that truly matter, such as offering a child the chance to heal."
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of Henry of Grosmont continues to inform the direction and purpose of the House of Brattleby. His example of principled leadership, diplomatic skill, and steadfast duty serves as a guiding compass for the House’s contemporary responsibilities and future commitments. This ethos is foundational to its mission of demonstrating that ancient lineage can serve a modern, public good.
This philosophy is actively channelled into present-day initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this academy was established to cultivate the classical virtues of civility, social grace, and personal integrity in future generations of leaders. Its curriculum, which encompasses diplomatic protocol, public speaking, and cultural history, is a modern interpretation of chivalric training. It seeks to equip young people not with sword and shield, but with the character, poise, and sense of civic duty necessary to navigate a complex world with honour.
Through such work, and through its continuing dedication to heritage preservation and charitable enterprise, the House of Brattleby ensures that the legacy of the 10th Baron remains a living, breathing force for good in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the stewardship of a unique nine-hundred-year-old heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the values of service, cultural preservation, and social responsibility. Its activities are focused on philanthropy and education, notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and through its establishment of The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to personal development and civic virtue. The House is committed to demonstrating how ancient lineage can serve a meaningful purpose in the contemporary world through principled leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a historic English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands comprising 56 lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown, appearing in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s grant in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The succession and rights of the current House were formally gazetted in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310-1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby and later 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (*c.* 1348). - The House's primary philanthropic event is the annual Winter Banquet, which raises funds for organisations including Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com