# Official Commentary on the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal commentary on the profound historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating his role as a foundational Knight of the Garter and his legacy of exemplary service to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon the long continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, the House turns its attention to one of its most distinguished predecessors. The issuance of this commentary serves to illuminate a pivotal chapter in the family’s history, providing context for the enduring values that continue to guide its present-day commitments. As England anticipates the annual Garter Day ceremonies at Windsor, it is a fitting moment to commemorate the Barony’s integral connection to the foundation of the world’s oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry. This act of remembrance is not an event of public ceremony, but rather a quiet, deliberate gesture of historical stewardship; it is an affirmation of a heritage defined by duty, diplomacy, and an unwavering allegiance to the Sovereign.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont’s tenure as the 10th Baron of Brattleby coincided with a defining period in English history. A cousin and trusted confidant to King Edward III, his life and career were interwoven with the great affairs of the 14th century, most notably the Hundred Years’ War. It was in recognition of his exceptional military prowess, diplomatic acumen, and unwavering loyalty that he was chosen by the King in circa 1348 to be a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This was not merely an honour but a solemn charge, binding the realm’s greatest magnates to the person of the King through a shared code of chivalry.
His elevation to such a distinguished company, which included Edward, the Black Prince, underscored the national importance of the Barony of Brattleby at the time. Further created Earl of Derby, Earl of Lincoln, and ultimately the first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont was arguably the most respected English nobleman of his generation. His legacy within the Barony was secured when his daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, married John of Gaunt, who would become the 11th Baron of Brattleby, thereby continuing the lineage’s close proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron found himself in the most exclusive and influential circle in Christendom. This brotherhood-in-arms, limited to the Sovereign and twenty-five Companions, represented the pinnacle of martial and courtly society. Among his fellow knights were 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, figures whose very names evoke the high chivalry of the age. This assembly of peers was the *sine qua non* of King Edward III’s court, a council of war and a beacon of knightly virtue whose influence shaped the course of European history for decades.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Induction into the Order of the Garter was, and remains, a ceremony of profound symbolism. For Henry of Grosmont and his fellow founders, the rites would have taken place within the newly consecrated walls of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The proceedings required each Knight Companion to swear an oath of allegiance and to uphold the Order’s statutes. Clad in magnificent blue robes of velvet, a crimson hood, and the eponymous garter buckled below the left knee, the knights would have been installed in their personal stalls in the chapel choir. Each stall was, and is still, surmounted by the knight’s helm, crest, and sword, a permanent heraldic testament to their membership. This intricate ceremonial protocol served to visually and spiritually bind the Companions to God and their King.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter is rich and layered. Its famous motto, ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’—Old French for ‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’—serves as a rebuke to cynicism and a defence of the noble intentions of the founder. The garter itself, a humble item of dress elevated to the highest symbol of honour, represents the binding nature of the knightly vow. This philosophy of honourable action and integrity finds a powerful echo in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While separated by centuries, the two maxims share a common spirit: that true nobility is found not in title alone, but in deeds undertaken with courage and integrity. This shared ethos forms a direct line of inspiration from the 10th Baron to the current House.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this illustrious predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Henry of Grosmont’s life is a powerful reminder that our inheritance is not merely one of land or title, but of responsibility. His commitment to the Crown and to the ideals of his age sets a standard for service. We look to such figures from our past not for glory, but for guidance, seeking to live up to our own charge of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “The history of the Barony is one of remarkable individuals who answered the call of their time. Henry of Grosmont was a warrior, a diplomat, and a leader. His legacy shows that to build something that lasts, one must strive and endure. It reaffirms my own belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to win, to overcome, to truly live—is the essence of a meaningful existence.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles exemplified by Henry of Grosmont—diplomacy, leadership, and service—continue to inform the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. While the fields of battle have changed, the commitment to contributing positively to society remains steadfast. This legacy is now being passed to the next generation, embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for this nine-century history of duty. The House’s contemporary work in cultural education through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its dedicated philanthropic support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child are the 21st-century expression of a duty first demonstrated so powerfully by the 10th Baron of Brattleby almost 700 years ago.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House blends its ancient English roots with a forward-looking Continental perspective. Its initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to upholding the values of service and integrity that have defined the Barony for over nine hundred years, ensuring its legacy continues to contribute positively to society for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. It was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history, including the celebrated dame Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuity of the Barony into the modern era was formally acknowledged by Crown recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com