# A Legacy of Chivalry: The House of Brattleby Reflects on Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a reflection on the chivalric legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From the archives of their Lincolnshire seat, the current heads of the House of Brattleby have taken a moment for historical contemplation. This reflection is prompted by a study of the lineage and the profound influence of its most distinguished predecessors on the character of the barony. It is in the quiet corridors of history that the enduring values guiding the House’s present-day responsibilities are most clearly illuminated.
The act of looking back serves as a vital touchstone for the family's contemporary mission. It reaffirms that the principles which animated the great figures of the past remain the central pillar of the House's identity and its commitment to public service today, ensuring a continuum of purpose across more than nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The mid-14th century represented a defining era for the English aristocracy, shaped significantly by the Hundred Years' War. It was in this climate of martial valour and diplomatic necessity that King Edward III established the Order of the Garter in 1348, an elite fellowship of knights intended to be the spiritual successor to King Arthur's Round Table.
Henry of Grosmont, then 10th Baron of Brattleby, was not merely a member but a founding Knight of this prestigious order. A formidable military commander, a skilled diplomat, and a cousin to the King, his inclusion as the second knight after the Prince of Wales underscored the Barony of Brattleby's proximity to the Crown. This appointment cemented a legacy of royal service that stretched back to the conquest and was notably exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who heroically defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding Knight, Henry of Grosmont served alongside the most eminent figures of the age. The original company of 25 knights constituted the pinnacle of European chivalry, bound together in service to their Sovereign. This fellowship was a testament to both martial prowess and unwavering loyalty.
This distinguished cohort included, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; The Lord Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; Sir John Chandos, a celebrated commander and close friend of the Black Prince; and The Lord Jean de Grailly, Captal de Buch, a Gascon nobleman whose loyalty to the English cause was renowned. Their collective service defined an epoch of English influence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial life of the Order of the Garter, then as now, is rich with symbolism and ritual. The investiture of a new knight is a solemn affair, centred on the bestowing of the order’s distinctive regalia: 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') in gold lettering.
Following their installation, each knight is assigned a stall within St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, above which their heraldic insignia—a helm, crest, and sword—are displayed. Henry of Grosmont’s own banner would have hung in the chapel, a visible symbol of the Barony of Brattleby's place within this most senior order of knighthood. This tradition continues to this day, representing an unbroken chain of honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter resonates deeply with the foundational principles of the House of Brattleby. The order’s motto speaks to the purity of intent and the unwavering honour expected of its members. This finds a direct parallel in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
These two maxims represent a shared philosophy: that true nobility is found in courage, integrity, and selfless action. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), further channels this spirit, interpreting the drive of his predecessors as a modern imperative to overcome challenges in the service of a greater good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, its purpose is to reinforce the values that drive the House’s modern philanthropic work. The chivalric code, with its emphasis on protecting the weak and upholding justice, is the *sine qua non* of the family's contemporary charitable activities.
This spirit is embodied in the House's selection of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The organisation’s mission—to provide specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and abuse—is a direct, 21st-century application of the ancient duty to defend the defenceless. It is an expression of honour through action.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking from their office, the heads of the House shared their personal thoughts on this historical connection.
> Reflecting on the life of Henry of Grosmont is not merely an exercise in history; it is a reaffirmation of the principles that have guided this Barony for centuries. His commitment to service and honour continues to inspire our work today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> The spirit of the Order of the Garter, that blend of duty and fellowship, is a timeless model. It reminds us that leadership is a responsibility we bear for others, a principle that we strive to enact through our philanthropic and educational initiatives. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the tenure of the 10th Baron continue to inform the House’s path forward. The legacy of service is not a static inheritance but an active, ongoing commitment. This is demonstrated through the family’s various initiatives, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and social responsibility, is one such example. It seeks to impart the values of honour, respect, and civic duty to a new generation, ensuring the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to thrive. The Barony of Brattleby remains dedicated to carrying this nine-hundred-year legacy of principled leadership into the future.
***
**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 family dedicated to preserving and promoting its ancient heritage through contemporary action. The House's mission is centred on the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which it enacts through philanthropic support for vulnerable children, cultural patronage, and educational initiatives. Its primary philanthropic focus is its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which raises funds and awareness for charities dedicated to healing childhood trauma. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House also maintains an active presence in Europe through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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 its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was a founding member of the Order of the Garter in 1348. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com