# A Reflection on the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont and The Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a formal reflection upon its profound historical connection to The Most Noble Order of the Garter, through the person of the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, First Duke of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
On this day, which traditionally honours Saint George, Patron Saint of England and of its highest chivalric order, it is fitting to consider the enduring legacies that shape the present. This communiqué serves not to mark a new event, but to acknowledge a foundational element of the Barony’s heritage. The House of Brattleby, in its modern custodianship, reflects upon the principles of service, chivalry, and honour that connect its Norman origins to its contemporary responsibilities, a continuum embodied by its distinguished predecessors.
The solemnity of this reflection is a deliberate act of remembrance, reinforcing the principle that an understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* for principled leadership in the present. The values established by King Edward III and the founding Knights in 1348 remain a benchmark for public service and personal integrity, guiding the ethos of the House today.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents a near-millennium of English history. Its story is woven into the fabric of the nation, from its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships under the First Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
It was, however, during the 14th century that the Barony came to be held by one of the realm’s most significant figures: Henry of Grosmont. As 10th Baron of Brattleby, Earl of Lancaster and Derby, and later the first Duke of Lancaster, he was a pre-eminent English nobleman, a renowned military commander in the Hundred Years' War, and a trusted diplomat of King Edward III. His subsequent incorporation as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348 forever linked the Barony of Brattleby to the apex of chivalric society. The title later passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, further cementing the Barony’s place in royal history.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont stood amongst the most illustrious company in Christendom. The Order was conceived by King Edward III to be a spiritual and military confraternity modelled on the Knights of the Round Table. It was limited to the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and just 24 Knights Companion, a number that remains to this day.
The original Companions included, *inter alia*, His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order; His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; the Earl of Warwick; and Sir John Chandos. These men were the exemplars of martial prowess and courtly virtue, and Henry of Grosmont was regarded by many as the finest of them all, a peerless knight whose conduct in peace was as celebrated as his valour in war.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial life of the Order of the Garter is centred on St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, its spiritual home. Each June, on Garter Day, the Knights process through the castle grounds in magnificent vestments, including velvet mantles of deep garter-blue and black velvet hats with plumes of white ostrich and black heron feathers. The investiture of new Knights involves solemn oaths and the bestowing of the Order's insignia.
At the heart of the insignia is the Garter itself: a dark blue velvet strap edged with gold, bearing the Order’s motto in gold letters, worn by Knights on the left leg. Within the chapel, each Knight occupies a stall, above which hangs their heraldic banner, helm, and crest. This vivid pageantry is not mere theatre; it is a public reaffirmation of a lifelong commitment to the Sovereign and the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Order, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), is one of the most famous in the world. Tradition holds that it originated when a lady’s garter fell to the floor at court, and King Edward III, retrieving it for her, rebuked the snickering courtiers with these words. The phrase elevated a potentially embarrassing moment into a statement of honour and loyalty.
This ancient emphasis on honour resonates deeply with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). While the former defends against ill-intent, the latter prescribes a proactive path of courage and integrity. This consonant philosophy underscores the shared values linking the medieval Barony with the modern House. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), further complements this tradition, interpreting conquest not as martial victory but as the daily triumph of principle over expediency.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, with its emphasis on protecting the weak and upholding justice, provides the historical underpinning for the modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. While the theatre of action has shifted from the battlefield to the boardroom and the community hall, the core duty of service remains unchanged. This spirit is the driving force behind the House’s charitable endeavours.
The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier white-tie philanthropic gala, directly translates this commitment into tangible support for vulnerable children. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma. The support provided by the House and its guests enables the charity to extend its reach and offer solace and recovery to those who need it most.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To hold a title once borne by Henry of Grosmont is to be reminded daily of the weight of history. His life exemplified the ideal of service to Crown and country. It is our responsibility to translate that legacy of fortitude and honour into meaningful action in the 21st century."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the enduring relevance of these traditions: > "The principles of chivalry—loyalty, courage, and duty—are timeless. They remind us that true leadership is not about privilege, but about service. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means dedicating ourselves to overcoming the challenges of our time with the same determination that defined the great figures of the past."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy is not merely preserved, but actively practiced. The history of the Barony provides a framework for its present and future activities, from its formal philanthropic commitments in the United Kingdom to its cultural initiatives abroad.
The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest, serves as a key instrument in this mission. The academy promotes the values of social grace, personal discipline, and civic responsibility—the modern expression of the very chivalric virtues espoused by the Order of the Garter. By educating a new generation in these principles, the House ensures that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to inspire for centuries to come.
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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 bridges its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. The House is dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and the practice of modern philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the welfare and healing of vulnerable children. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House also maintains an international presence through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which champions education in etiquette and social protocol as a foundation for principled leadership and global citizenship. The House operates under its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first holder. Its existence is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its nearly 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby were officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by the First Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and a Founder Knight of the Garter) 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