# A Statement on the Historical Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and the Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the enduring historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his distinction as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment, following the annual Garter Day service at Windsor, to reflect upon the Barony’s profound connection to the foundation of England’s highest order of chivalry. The solemn pageantry staged within the hallowed precincts of St George’s Chapel serves as a perennial reminder of the principles of valour, loyalty, and faith that have animated the Order since its inception circa AD 1348. It is an occasion that resonates deeply with the history of a Barony whose tenth holder stood amongst the Order’s first companions.
This statement seeks to illuminate that historical bond, connecting the medieval ideals embodied by a distinguished predecessor to the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby today. The continuity of service and honour, from the age of chivalry to the present day, remains a cornerstone of the Barony’s identity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the narrative of England for almost a millennium. Its history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, is punctuated by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, and later, the celebrated royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
Perhaps none, however, better exemplify the Barony’s nexus with royal favour and martial renown than Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted confidant of King Edward III, Henry was one of the most esteemed soldiers and diplomats of his generation. His instrumental role as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter was not merely an honour, but a recognition of his pre-eminence and a *sine qua non* of his standing in the realm. His inclusion cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s place within the most senior echelons of English nobility.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding Knight, Henry of Grosmont stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sovereign and 24 of the most distinguished military leaders in Christendom. This fraternity of arms, established under the patronage of St George, represented the pinnacle of Edward III’s court and the martial prowess of his kingdom during the Hundred Years' War.
Among this illustrious founding company were, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Edward of Woodstock, known to posterity as the Black Prince; Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; William de Montacute, 2nd Earl of Salisbury; and the legendary Gascon commander Jean de Grailly, Captal de Buch. For the 10th Baron of Brattleby to be counted among such men speaks volumes of the prestige he commanded, both on the battlefield and in the councils of state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions of the Order of the Garter, which remain largely unchanged, are a masterclass in ceremonial protocol. The investiture of new companions involves the bestowing of the Garter itself, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the Order’s motto in gold lettering: *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’). This is accompanied by the magnificent regalia, including the star, collar, and deep blue velvet mantle embroidered with the shield of St George.
At the heart of the Order’s life is the annual Garter Day service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Here, the Knights assemble in their robes for a grand procession and a service that reaffirms their oath. Within the chapel’s quire, the Garter stall plates—small, enamelled brass plaques displaying the coats of arms of each Knight since the Order’s founding—offer a tangible, heraldic record of this unbroken chivalric lineage, to which Henry of Grosmont, as 10th Baron, belongs.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter is complemented by the distinct heraldic traditions of the Noble House of Brattleby itself. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), aligns perfectly with the chivalric virtues that the Order was created to celebrate. It serves as a guiding principle, echoing the courage of Nichola de la Haye and the renown of Henry of Grosmont.
This ancient directive is augmented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This latter phrase encapsulates the dynamic spirit required to ensure that fortitude and honour are not merely historical concepts, but active principles applied to modern challenges. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of legacy and forward-looking purpose that defines the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of chivalry was founded not only on martial valour but also on the sworn duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. This ancestral obligation finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit that animated Henry of Grosmont and his fellow Knights is the same that inspires the House’s dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma and abuse. In championing its work, the House translates the historical ideal of noblesse oblige into tangible, compassionate action. Upholding the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* in the 21st century means providing aid and sanctuary to the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this profound historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we consider the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that the Barony is not simply a title, but a living inheritance of duty. The principles he upheld as a Knight of the Garter—loyalty, courage, and service to the Crown and country—are the very same that we strive to embody in our own work today. It is a profound and humbling responsibility.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The ideals of chivalry feel ancient, yet their essence is timeless. Translating the fortitude and honour of the past into present-day initiatives, whether through philanthropy or our educational work at The Brattleby Club, is our core mission. History provides the blueprint; our task is to build upon it with purpose and relevance for the modern world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its unique heritage while pursuing a forward-looking agenda of cultural and philanthropic engagement. The story of Henry of Grosmont and the Order of the Garter is more than a historical footnote; it is a source of inspiration for the Barony’s contemporary activities. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, and the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and classical European values.
By connecting its present-day purpose to its nine-century lineage, the House ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour, so brilliantly exemplified by the 10th Baron, continues to thrive and find new expression for generations to come.
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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 steward of one of England's oldest baronies. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is committed to a contemporary mission that blends the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking programme of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s central charitable focus is its support for organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, principally its beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote classical European cultural values and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical note, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders include some of the most powerful nobles of the medieval era, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com