# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks a Legacy of Sovereign Service: The Investiture of Henry of Grosmont into the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the profound historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose investiture as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348 established an enduring legacy of sovereign service.
## The Occasion
The founding of the Order of the Garter took place at Windsor Castle, a fortress undergoing a magnificent transformation under King Edward III into a grand seat of chivalric display. In an era defined by the Hundred Years’ War, the King sought to create an Arthurian-style fellowship of his most trusted military commanders, binding them in personal loyalty to the Crown. The atmosphere of that first Garter Feast on St George’s Day 1348 would have been one of solemn purpose and martial pride.
The investiture ceremony, held within what would become the spiritual home of the Order, St George's Chapel, marked a deliberate revival of knightly ideals. For Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, this was not merely an honour; it was a reaffirmation of his status as one of the foremost magnates and diplomats in the realm. His inclusion underscored the Barony of Brattleby’s critical position within the architecture of the English nobility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s connection to the heart of English power has remained a constant for over nine centuries. Granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066, the barony was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of 56 lordships. This tradition of steadfast loyalty to the Crown was powerfully demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King against rebel barons.
Henry of Grosmont’s elevation as a Founder Knight represents the zenith of this medieval legacy. A cousin to the King and a revered military strategist, his peerage was the *sine qua non* of martial virtue and aristocratic influence. His daughter Blanche’s marriage to John of Gaunt, who thereby became the 11th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris*, further entwined the barony’s lineage with that of the Royal Family, setting a precedent for service at the highest level.
## Distinguished Company
The original companionship of the Order of the Garter comprised King Edward III and 25 Founder Knights, an assembly representing the pinnacle of English and Gascon chivalry. Alongside Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, stood figures of legendary repute whose names echo through the annals of military history.
This distinguished company included, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; the celebrated military tactician Sir John Chandos; the Earl of Warwick, a commander at Crécy and Poitiers; and the Hainuyer mercenary captain Sir Walter Manny, whose prowess was famed across Europe. To be counted among such men was the ultimate recognition of one’s contribution to the security and prestige of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture into the Order of the Garter is governed by a precise and deeply symbolic ceremonial protocol. Each Founder Knight was presented with a garter of blue velvet, embroidered with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense*. This was fastened below the left knee, a place of readiness and action for a mounted knight.
In addition to the garter, the Knights were robed in a mantle of blue velvet, a symbol of the spiritual protection they were afforded, and would later receive the gold Garter Collar. Each Knight was assigned a stall in St George's Chapel, above which his heraldic achievements—his helm, crest, and sword—were placed. An enamelled brass plate depicting his coat of arms was affixed to the back of the stall, where it remains in perpetuity as a memorial to his service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order is rich and multifaceted. Its famous motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is traditionally said to have originated when the King retrieved a lady’s garter at court, rebuking his sniggering courtiers. It serves as a powerful declaration against malice and a defence of honourable intentions.
This ethos resonates deeply with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the Garter’s motto defends honour, the Brattleby motto prescribes it as a means of action. The blue and gold of the Order, reflected in the garter and robes, represent loyalty and nobility, principles that Henry of Grosmont embodied and which the House continues to uphold.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter’s purpose was one of chivalric service to the Sovereign, its underlying principle was *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to serve others. This medieval concept of honourable obligation finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The same spirit of duty that led the 10th Baron to serve his King motivates the House’s contemporary charitable endeavours. This commitment is most visible in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House's white-tie gala. This event benefits Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, translating an ancient code of honour into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The legacy of Henry of Grosmont reminds us that title is secondary to service. His place among the Founder Knights of the Garter was earned through action, a principle we strive to embody through our own commitments today, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > The Order represents an unbroken chain of loyalty to the Sovereign. For the 10th Baron of Brattleby to be present at its inception speaks volumes. The spirit of that commitment, to win through living honourably, is reflected in our family's own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The example set by Henry of Grosmont continues to inform the purpose and direction of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principles of honour, duty, and cultural stewardship are central to the House’s activities in the 21st century.
This legacy finds a practical application in The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest. The Club’s curriculum is designed not merely to teach social graces, but to instil a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that accompany privilege and position. By nurturing these values in a new generation of leaders, the House ensures that the spirit of service, exemplified by the 10th Baron nearly 700 years ago, continues to thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to active philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promote the timeless values of etiquette, civic duty, and personal integrity. The House serves as a modern custodian of a noble tradition, championing service and honour as essential principles for contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is one of the oldest attested lordships in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was 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 formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the title is formally recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 11th Baron of Brattleby was John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who held the title by right of his wife, Blanche of Lancaster. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief and Lord of Brattleby, *inter alia*. - A notable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and successfully defended Lincoln Castle for King John in 1217.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com