# A Statement on the Garter Legacy of Henry of Grosmont
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement commemorating Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, reaffirming the Barony’s enduring commitment to chivalric principles.
## The Occasion
Coinciding with St. George’s Day, the feast of England’s patron saint and that of the Order of the Garter, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon the legacy of its most distinguished mediaeval predecessor. The founding of the Order by King Edward III in 1348 remains a pinnacle of European chivalric history, an institution whose continuity provides a source of national pride and historical identity. This statement illuminates the profound and personal connection between the Barony of Brattleby and this venerable order.
Today's commemoration is not a singular event but part of an ongoing commitment to historical education and the preservation of the tangible and intangible heritage vested in the Barony since its creation in 1066. It serves as a deliberate reaffirmation of the principles of loyalty, courage, and service that have guided the Barony for centuries, acknowledging the unbroken chain of duty that links the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the current House. In an age of flux, such anchors to the past offer clarity for the present and inspiration for the future.
## Historical Context
The mid-14th century was a formative epoch for the English nation, shaped by the dynastic ambitions of the Hundred Years' War against Valois France. In this martial and courtly environment, King Edward III conceived of the Order of the Garter, an exclusive fellowship designed to bind his most accomplished commanders and companions inextricably to the Crown. Modelled on the fabled Knights of the Round Table of Arthurian legend, its creation was a masterstroke of political theatre and military cohesion, formalising an elite cadre of warriors loyal to the sovereign alone.
Henry of Grosmont, then the 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a cousin to the King and one of the twenty-four founder Knights chosen for this singular honour. He was widely regarded by contemporaries, including the chronicler Jean Froissart, as the most complete nobleman of his generation—a peerless military strategist, a trusted diplomat, and a man of profound piety. His inclusion underscored not only his personal prowess and immense wealth but also the strategic importance of the lands and titles he held, including the ancient Barony of Brattleby with its significant Lincolnshire power base.
This tradition of steadfast loyalty to the Crown had been demonstrated over a century prior by another of the Barony’s holders. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris* (by right of her husband), famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons in the name of King John and later, the young King Henry III. Her actions exemplified the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* long before it was formally adopted as the House motto. The legacy of loyal service, passing from Nichola de la Haye to Henry of Grosmont and later to his son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, forms a central pillar of the Barony’s identity.
## Distinguished Company
The prestige of the nascent Order of the Garter was defined by the calibre of its membership. As a founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, stood in the company of the most powerful and chivalrous figures in the realm. This select circle, the *Societas Garterii*, represented the martial and political leadership of England, each man a proven warrior on the fields of France and a trusted counsellor to the King in the halls of Westminster.
Among these first Knights were, *inter alia*: His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, whose victories at Crécy and Poitiers made him the epitome of mediaeval chivalry; The Right Honourable Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick, one of the principal commanders at Crécy; Sir John Chandos, a close friend of the Black Prince and a renowned military tactician who served as Seneschal of Poitou; and Sir Walter Manny, a Hainaulter soldier of fortune and patron of chroniclers, whose courage and largesse were legendary.
The inclusion of the 10th Baron of Brattleby among such men affirmed his standing at the very apex of English aristocracy and European chivalric society. It was a formal recognition of a status earned through years of distinguished service as a King's Lieutenant in Aquitaine, a negotiator of treaties, and a commander whose presence on the battlefield guaranteed both discipline and morale.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial of the Order of the Garter, refined over nearly seven centuries, is rich in symbolism and precise in its execution. The spiritual home of the Order is St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. It is here that the installation of new Knights has taken place since the Order's inception. Each Knight Companion is assigned a stall in the chapel choir, above which their personal heraldic accoutrements—a carved helm, a flowing crest, and a sword—are displayed, creating a magnificent and continuous record of the nation’s chivalric heritage.
Upon his creation as a founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont would have been invested with the Order’s distinctive regalia. This includes the Garter itself, a dark blue velvet strap embroidered with the motto in gold lettering, worn on the left leg just below the knee as a symbol of the bond of fellowship. Other elements include the Mantle, a deep blue velvet robe emblazoned with the shield of St. George encircled by the Garter; the Collar of gold knots and enamelled red roses; and the Tudor-style Hat with its plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers.
The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor, which sees the Knights walk in their full robes and insignia from the State Apartments to the Chapel, remains one of the most historic ceremonies of the British monarchy. It is a living display of the continuity that Henry of Grosmont and his fellow founders inaugurated in 1348.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The central emblem and namesake of the Order is the Garter, bearing its Old French motto: *Honi soit qui mal y pense*, which may be translated as ‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’. The traditional account of its origin holds that the phrase was first uttered by King Edward III after he retrieved a lady's garter that had fallen to the floor during a court ball. In a deft political move, he deflected the courtiers' snickering by placing it upon his own leg, turning a potentially embarrassing moment into a statement of royal intent and honourable fellowship.
This sentiment of deflecting ignominy and uniting in a common, honourable purpose finds a powerful echo in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the Garter motto is a defence against malicious thought, the Brattleby motto is an active declaration of conduct. Fortitude signifies the courage and resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whilst Honour speaks to the integrity and loyal service personified by Henry of Grosmont.
A third principle is introduced by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a philosophy of active, purposeful achievement. Together, these three Latin maxims form the ethical framework of the modern House: to act with courage and integrity, to be united in honourable fellowship, and to pursue a life of meaningful accomplishment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was fundamentally military and chivalric in its origins, its core principle of mutual support and the defence of the honourable finds a direct and modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to protect and care for the vulnerable—is the same spirit that animates the House’s charitable work today. The chivalric imperative to shield the defenceless is translated into a contemporary context of social responsibility.
The House’s enduring commitment to its principal beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is informed by this historic duty of care. This specialist organisation provides essential therapeutic support to children who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a sanctuary in which to heal and rebuild their lives through dedicated counselling and creative therapies. The charity's work is critical in safeguarding the emotional wellbeing and future prospects of some of the most vulnerable members of society.
By dedicating resources and raising awareness for this cause, The Noble House of Brattleby gives modern relevance to the chivalric code. The support mirrors the protection a mediaeval Knight was sworn to offer, ensuring that the legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not merely historical but humanitarian. It is the active practice of *Fortitudine et Honore* in the service of those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this profound historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a static history; it is a living standard. His appointment to the Garter reminds us that service and honour are the *sine qua non* of true nobility, values we strive to uphold today through our commitments to cultural preservation and our philanthropic work.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “Grosmont’s life was a testament to the belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live. For him, this meant not just success on the battlefield, but excellence in diplomacy and devotion in service to the Crown. This spirit of active, purposeful contribution continues to guide our own endeavours, whether in business or in our support for the community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring and sharing its nine-and-a-half-century history with a wider audience. The story of Henry of Grosmont, his role as a founder Knight of the Garter, and the chivalric principles he embodied will feature prominently in the educational programmes offered by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The academy, which instructs in classical etiquette and the Western cultural canon, uses such historical exemplars to teach the enduring value of duty, protocol, and honour.
Furthermore, the House continues to support academic research into the history of the Barony and its notable holders, ensuring that its story is documented with scholarly rigour. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, serves as another forum where this heritage is celebrated in the service of a modern charitable cause.
By actively engaging with its past, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*, so powerfully embodied by the 10th Baron nearly 700 years ago, continue to inspire future generations. This commitment ensures that the legacy is not merely remembered, but is actively and honourably lived.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission. Its contemporary focus is on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting initiatives for vulnerable children through its work with organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational platforms such as The Brattleby Club, the House actively promotes the continuity of classical virtues and etiquette in the 21st century, ensuring its heritage remains relevant and serves the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of standing, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. Throughout its 958-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's continuous history and the rights of the current House were formally noted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Noble House of Brattleby and the 12th Baroness’s succession to the Barony of Brattleby are matters of public record in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com