# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a reflection on the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, commemorating his pivotal role as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
In the annals of English chivalry, few institutions command the prestige of the Order of the Garter. Its founding by His Majesty King Edward III in 1348 occurred amidst the turmoil of the Hundred Years' War, a period that demanded exceptional valour and unwavering loyalty. The creation of this venerable order was an act of profound political and cultural significance, intended to bind the kingdom's greatest military leaders to the Crown through a shared code of honour.
The occasion was not merely the formation of a society; it was the formalisation of an ideal. Within the hallowed precincts of Windsor Castle, the King gathered a fraternity of knights whose martial prowess and courtly virtues were considered unparalleled. To be named among this company was the highest distinction a nobleman could attain, second only to that of royalty itself.
## Historical Context
The inclusion of Henry of Grosmont as a Founder Knight was a testament not only to his personal qualities but also to the centuries-long prominence of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony has been a constant in the Lincolnshire landscape, its lordship recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron.
Over the centuries, its holders have consistently demonstrated a commitment to service and leadership. This tradition of fortitude was famously embodied by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable stateswoman who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Henry of Grosmont, a diplomat and one of England's most celebrated soldiers, continued this legacy, which in turn passed to the 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt. This unbroken chain of distinction forms the very foundation upon which the modern House stands.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron of Brattleby found himself in the most distinguished company in Christendom. The order was limited to the Sovereign and 25 Knights Companion, a fellowship representing the pinnacle of English aristocracy and military command.
This first cohort included, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward III, the Sovereign of the Order; His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; and legendary commanders such as Sir John Chandos and Sir Walter Manny. The presence of Henry of Grosmont among these figures affirmed the Barony of Brattleby's standing at the heart of the English realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The establishment of the Order of the Garter was enshrined in elaborate ceremonial protocol, much of which endures today. The Founder Knights were invested with the Order’s distinctive insignia: a dark blue velvet garter edged with gold, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering. This was worn on the left leg, a symbol of unity and fealty.
The full ceremonial dress, or habit, consists of a magnificent velvet mantle, a Tudor-style bonnet with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the Garter Collar and Great George—a gold collar with an enamelled pendant of St George slaying the dragon. The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor remains a key event in the Royal calendar, a living link to the chivalric rites first observed by the 10th Baron and his peers.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Garter speaks to loyalty and meritorious service, principles that are deeply embedded within the ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the ideals that Henry of Grosmont was recognised for embodying. Fortitude is the strength to face adversity; Honour is the moral compass that guides one's actions.
These guiding principles are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim translates the chivalric imperative for victory on the battlefield into a contemporary ambition to overcome challenges through determination, resilience, and purposeful action in service to the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter originated in a martial context, its underlying principle was the protection of the realm and its people. The Noble House of Brattleby interprets this historic duty through its modern philanthropic commitments, translating ancient chivalric obligation into tangible support for the vulnerable.
The House's primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, works to provide specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. By championing this cause, the House gives modern expression to the protective role of the nobility, making the principle of 'honour' manifest through compassionate action and a dedication to healing and empowerment. This focus is a *sine qua non* of the House's contemporary mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > In looking back at the life of Henry of Grosmont, we are powerfully reminded that the Barony is not merely a title, but a near-millennial chain of responsibility. His commitment to crown and country sets a standard of service we strive to honour today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The fortitude Henry of Grosmont showed on the battlefield finds its modern echo in the resilience required to confront today’s societal challenges. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to win is to live—and our victories are now measured in the lives we better through sustained service and philanthropy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of leadership exemplified by the 10th Baron continues to inform the activities of The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment is expressed through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that gathers support for the House's charitable causes, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to cultivating etiquette and social graces.
Through these endeavours, the House seeks to uphold the standards of excellence and public service that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for over 950 years. The historical thread running from Colswein of Lincoln, through Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, continues to be woven into the fabric of the House's work in the 21st century.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through contemporary action. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of timeless social values. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, and fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest that promotes European traditions of civility and personal conduct.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The modern rights were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal 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