# A Reflection on Henry of Grosmont and the Legacy of the Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the profound historical connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the Most Noble Order of the Garter, through the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and a Founder Knight in 1348.
## The Occasion
On this day, the Feast of Saint George, it is fitting to reflect upon an event that bound the Barony of Brattleby to the very heart of the English Crown. In or around 1348, within the nascent, gothic splendour of Windsor Castle, King Edward III established the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This new order of chivalry, inspired by the ideals of King Arthur’s Round Table, was created to unite the country’s most formidable leaders in a fellowship of honour and martial prowess.
The occasion represented the apotheosis of medieval courtly and military life. For a baron to be included in this select company was a mark of the highest royal favour and a recognition of service and loyalty that was *sine qua non*. The establishment of the Order at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, solidified the castle not only as a royal fortress but as the spiritual home of English chivalry, a role it continues to fulfil almost seven centuries later.
## Historical Context
The mid-14th century was a defining period for England, dominated by the Hundred Years’ War with France. It was in this crucible of conflict that Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, distinguished himself as one of the era’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats. A first cousin to King Edward III, his military acumen was instrumental in campaigns in Gascony and at the Battle of Crécy.
His elevation as one of the twenty-five Founder Knights of the Garter was therefore no mere honour; it was a formal acknowledgement of his status as a pillar of the realm. This distinction eternally linked the Barony of Brattleby with the most prestigious order of chivalry in Christendom. The legacy of high standing was continued by his successor as 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, whose influence would shape the course of English history for generations. The tenures of Grosmont and Gaunt represent a period when Brattleby was intrinsically connected to the highest echelons of royal power and European politics.
## Distinguished Company
In commemorating the 10th Baron’s role, it is proper to acknowledge the distinguished company he kept. The original fellowship of the Order of the Garter comprised the Sovereign, King Edward III, and his son, Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales. They were joined by twenty-three other knights, who constituted the most commanding military figures of their age.
This fraternity included, *inter alia*, Sir John Chandos, a master strategist; Sir James Audley, renowned for his valour at the Battle of Poitiers; and the Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly, a Gascon noble whose loyalty was vital to English interests in France. This assembly was not merely a list of aristocrats but a strategic alliance of leaders bound by a shared oath and a common purpose during a time of national struggle.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, both then and now, are steeped in symbolism and precise protocol. Following his election, a new knight is invested by the Sovereign with the insignia of the Order. The central emblem is the Garter itself, a dark-blue velvet strap bearing the Order’s motto in gold lettering, which is buckled onto the left leg.
The formal installation takes place in St George’s Chapel during the annual Garter Service. The knights, robed in magnificent velvet mantles and wearing hats adorned with ostrich and heron plumes, proceed through Windsor Castle to the Chapel. There, each knight’s personal heraldic banner is hung above their allotted stall, where it remains for the duration of their life. Upon their death, the banner is taken down, but a small enamelled brass plate—a stall plate—displaying their arms and name remains as a permanent memorial.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The primary symbolism of the Order is encapsulated in its Old French motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense*—'Shame on him who thinks evil of it'. This phrase, reputedly uttered by King Edward III, rebukes cynicism and champions the honourable intentions of the fellowship. The full insignia includes the Garter, the Star, the Collar of gold knots and red roses, and the ‘George’ pendant depicting the saint vanquishing the dragon.
This tradition of honour resonates deeply with the guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby, expressed in its own motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the Garter’s motto defends the honour of the collective, Brattleby’s speaks to the internal virtues required to act honourably. The fortitude of commanders like Henry of Grosmont finds its modern echo in the House’s commitment to principled action and public service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was founded as a military and chivalric body, its underlying ethos—to defend the weak, uphold justice, and serve the Sovereign—is the historical precedent for modern aristocratic philanthropy. The code of chivalry, which animated figures like the 10th Baron, demanded a sense of duty that extended beyond the battlefield to the welfare of the community.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to embody this spirit through its dedicated charitable work. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, serves as the House’s principal fundraising initiative for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation’s mission to provide therapeutic support for children experiencing trauma is a contemporary expression of the ancient duty to protect the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold a title once borne by a Founder Knight of the Garter is a profound responsibility. The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical pride; it is a reminder that leadership must be earned through service and integrity. His life exemplifies our own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, and we feel its weight and inspiration every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The principles of chivalry—courage, discipline, and a commitment to a higher purpose—are timeless. Whether on a 14th-century battlefield or in the modern worlds of diplomacy and social enterprise, the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*, to conquer is to live, endures. It’s about overcoming challenges, not for personal gain, but for the common good.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to drawing inspiration from its nine centuries of history to inform its present-day responsibilities. The lessons from predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, the peerless knight, guide the House’s modern endeavours.
These historical principles of duty and excellence are central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, which seeks to foster a new generation of leaders. They also inform the House’s philanthropic strategy, ensuring that its support is directed with precision and for maximum impact. The legacy of the 10th Baron is thus not a relic of the past but a living standard for the future.
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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 a modern aristocratic house committed to the stewardship of a 950-year-old heritage. The House’s mission is to bridge its profound history with a forward-looking vision of public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include its annual philanthropic support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is one of England’s most ancient seigneurial lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout the centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle against the French in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a Founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The current succession was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron (Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter, 1348) and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com