# A Reflection on the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont and the Chivalric Ideals of the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 24 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection commemorating the chivalric legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. This statement honours his role as a founding knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
Issued on the anniversary of the traditional founding of the Order of the Garter on St George’s Day in 1348, this commemorative statement seeks to connect a defining moment in the history of the Barony with the enduring values of the House today. The occasion serves as a moment of reflection on the duties of nobility, the spirit of service, and the concept of honour which the Order embodies.
St George’s Day holds a special place in the English national consciousness, and its association with King Edward III’s chivalric order is profound. The spiritual home of the Order, St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s history and the Sovereign’s role as its fount of honour. It is in this context of solemn remembrance and national pride that the House of Brattleby recalls one of its most distinguished predecessors.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was one of medieval England’s most celebrated soldiers, diplomats, and magnates. His life represented a continuation of the formidable legacy established by earlier Barons, from the vast landholdings of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to the unyielding courage of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
A trusted commander during the Hundred Years' War and a cousin to the King, Henry’s martial prowess and diplomatic acumen made him an indispensable figure at court. His selection by King Edward III as one of the twenty-five founding knights of the Order of the Garter was a testament to his pre-eminence. Upon his death, the Barony of Brattleby and his vast Lancastrian inheritance passed through his daughter, Blanche, to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, embedding the title deeply within the fabric of the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
The original chapter of the Order of the Garter constituted a brotherhood of the most accomplished and trusted leaders in the Kingdom. To be named among their number was the highest honour the Sovereign could bestow, signifying not just noble birth, but proven valour and unwavering loyalty.
Alongside Henry of Grosmont stood His Majesty King Edward III, the Sovereign of the Order, and His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince. The companionship also included renowned commanders such as Sir John Chandos and Sir Walter Manny, whose names were celebrated across the battlefields and tournament grounds of Europe. This *compagnie*, or company, was the *sine qua non* of English military leadership in the fourteenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial of the Order of the Garter is rich with symbolism. The installation of a new knight involves a solemn oath in the presence of the Sovereign and the other companions. Each knight is invested with the Order’s distinctive regalia, including the Garter itself—a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it')—which is worn on the left leg.
Other elements include the Garter Star, the Collar of gold knots and red roses enclosing the figure of St George, and the Mantle of deep blue velvet. In St George’s Chapel, the knight’s personal heraldic banner, helm, crest, and sword are installed above his allotted stall, where they remain for the duration of his life. This pageantry underscores the personal bond of fealty between the knight, the Order, and the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ideals of the Order of the Garter resonate strongly with the principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the combination of courage and personal integrity that membership of the Order demanded. Fortitude was expected on the battlefield; honour was required in all dealings, both public and private.
The personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile—*Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live')—likewise finds a modern echo in this tradition. Where a medieval knight sought to conquer on the field of battle, the contemporary challenge is to overcome adversity and achieve progress in the service of society. Henry of Grosmont’s own coat of arms, those of England differenced by a ‘label of France’, visibly declared his royal blood and his station at the apex of the nobility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code of the Middle Ages, with its injunction to defend the weak and uphold justice, finds its modern expression in the practice of sustained philanthropy. The historical duty of protection has evolved into a contemporary responsibility of care and support. It is a principle that animates the charitable work of the House of Brattleby.
The House’s primary philanthropic engagement is its support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the belief that the most fundamental duty of service is to protect the most vulnerable. This commitment is most publicly expressed at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the charity’s principal fundraiser.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Henry of Grosmont's life reminds us that a title is not merely an inheritance, but a commission of trust. His commitment to Crown and country, embodied by his place in the Order of the Garter, sets a standard of dutiful service. We see it as our responsibility to translate that same spirit of honour into meaningful action today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The concept of fortitude is timeless. For Henry, it was courage in the face of physical danger. For us, it is the resilience and determination needed to address complex social challenges. The spirit of chivalry endures, not in armour and swords, but in our commitment to building a better and more compassionate community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The values exemplified by the 10th Baron continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby in its present and future endeavours. These principles of honour, self-discipline, and social responsibility are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which seeks to equip a new generation with the tenets of modern civility.
The House’s work ensures that this nine-century-old heritage is not a static relic of the past, but a living tradition of duty. This inheritance of principle is being carefully stewarded for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, to ensure that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to inspire service for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to merging its ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of social and cultural engagement. With roots in both England and Romania, the House champions initiatives that foster community, preserve history, and support vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational platforms such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette, protocol, and civic responsibility. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to acting as a force for positive influence in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The rights of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby were formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first recorded Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (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