# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, First Duke of Lancaster and Founding Knight of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commemoration marking the legacy of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and one of England's most influential medieval noblemen.
## The Occasion
In observance of the season of Saint George, patron saint of England and of its highest order of chivalry, the House of Brattleby has undertaken a review of its distinguished predecessors. This period of reflection offers a salient opportunity to commemorate the investiture of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348.
While no physical ceremony marks this historical notice, the occasion is one of deep archival and curatorial significance. It represents a deliberate act of remembrance, connecting the modern House to a defining moment in its nine-century history and reaffirming the principles of service and honour that have guided the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been borne by figures of national importance. Henry of Grosmont stands as perhaps the most eminent among them. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, his military prowess during the Hundred Years' War was legendary, earning him the title of first Duke of Lancaster.
His creation as a founding Knight of the Garter was the ultimate recognition of his station and virtue, placing him at the apex of English nobility. This honour ennobled not only the man but the Barony of Brattleby itself, aligning it inextricably with the Crown. His legacy continued through his daughter Blanche of Lancaster, whose marriage to John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, ensured the Barony's proximity to the throne for another generation. He followed in the tradition of formidable Barons, such as the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle.
## Distinguished Company
The original company of the Order of the Garter comprised King Edward III and twenty-five Foundation Knights, a cadre representing the martial and chivalric flower of 14th-century England. To be included in this fraternity was the highest honour the sovereign could bestow, a testament to proven valour and unwavering loyalty.
Alongside Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, this chapter included such luminaries as His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; and Sir John Chandos, a celebrated warrior whose counsel was *sine qua non* for English victories in France. Their collective renown established the Order's pre-eminence from its very foundation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The establishment of the Order of the Garter was accompanied by elaborate ceremony, designed to project majesty and a shared sense of purpose. The investiture of a Knight involved the bestowal of the eponymous Garter, a blue velvet circlet embroidered with the Order's motto, buckled below the left knee as a symbol of unity and fealty.
The Knights were further distinguished by their magnificent robes, including a mantle of blue velvet, a crimson surcoat, and a black velvet hood. Annually, on Saint George's Day, the companions would assemble at Windsor Castle for a great feast and a religious service in Saint George's Chapel, a tradition which, in its essence, continues to this day. This formalised ritual reinforced the bond between the sovereign and his most trusted noblemen.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter is famously encapsulated in its motto: *Honi soit qui mal y pense*, or 'Shame on him who thinks evil of it'. This phrase speaks to a code of honour and integrity, deflecting cynicism and affirming the noble intentions of the fellowship. It is a sentiment that resonates powerfully with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
As Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont's coat of arms was that of the Kingdom of England, differenced with a 'label of France'—a direct heraldic link to the Plantagenet dynasty. This visual language, understood across Europe, declared his royal blood and his paramount status within the realm, a status cemented by his place in the Garter chapel.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Order of the Garter was founded as a military and chivalric institution, its underlying ethos was one of sworn duty and the protection of the realm. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby interprets this foundational duty as a responsibility to serve the community and protect the vulnerable. This principle finds its modern expression in the House's devoted philanthropic work.
The House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, embodying the chivalric ideal of defending those who cannot defend themselves. The selection of this charity is a direct translation of historical duty into contemporary, meaningful action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To reflect upon Henry of Grosmont is to understand that the duties of nobility are timeless. His commitment to crown and country finds its modern echo in our commitment to community and service. That line of *Fortitudine et Honore* runs unbroken through the centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, noted the connection to the House's modern educational initiatives: > The concept of chivalry, embodied by the Order of the Garter, is not merely a historical curiosity. It is a disciplined code of conduct. This is the very principle we seek to impart through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest: that personal honour is the foundation of public life. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to conquer is to live—and one must first conquer oneself.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Henry of Grosmont's role in the Order of the Garter is part of the House of Brattleby's enduring commitment to its heritage. By studying and sharing the histories of its forebears, the House seeks to illuminate the values that have sustained it for over 950 years.
This commitment will continue through further historical reviews, educational partnerships, and the practical application of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The lessons of the past, as exemplified by the service of the 10th Baron, will continue to inform the present and future direction of the House, its philanthropic endeavours, and its public duties.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy and its application to contemporary service. With a history extending over nine centuries, the House champions the values of fortitude and honour in its public life. Its mission focuses on philanthropy and education, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating that traditional titles can serve a dynamic and impactful role in the 21st century, bridging a distinguished past with a purposeful future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in the English nobility. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron who commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. The modern succession and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, founding Knight of the Garter) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, son of King Edward III).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com