# On the Historical Legacy of the 10th Baron and the Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 18 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal communication reflecting on the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his pivotal role as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate the profound link between the Barony and one of England’s most prestigious and ancient chivalric institutions. This historical reflection serves to reaffirm the principles of duty, honour, and service to the Crown that have animated the Barony for nearly a millennium. The connection, forged in the crucible of the fourteenth century, remains a cornerstone of the House's identity and a guiding light for its contemporary mission.
The founding of the Order of the Garter in 1348 by His Majesty King Edward III represented a renaissance of chivalric idealism. For Henry of Grosmont to be counted among its 26 Founder Knights was not merely a personal honour; it was a testament to the national standing of the Barony of Brattleby itself, a distinction that has resonated through the centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the narrative of England since the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This foundation of significant landholding and regional influence set the stage for centuries of service.
The lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle courageously defended it against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Nearly two centuries later, the Barony reached an apex of influence under Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent diplomat, soldier, and intimate of the King. His tenure was followed by that of his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing the Barony's proximity to the Throne. This succession of illustrious holders demonstrates a continuity of consequence that few other noble houses can claim.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was admitted into a fellowship of the realm’s most distinguished military and aristocratic leaders. The original company, a deliberate echo of Arthurian legend, was conceived by King Edward III to bind his most trusted commanders to him through a shared code of honour and spiritual commitment.
The Sovereign, His Majesty King Edward III, and his heir, His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales (the Black Prince), led the newly formed Order. Among their companions-in-arms were such notable figures as Sir John Chandos, a celebrated military strategist; Sir James Audley, renowned for his valour at the Battle of Poitiers; and Ralph, 1st Earl of Stafford. The inclusion of the 10th Baron of Brattleby placed him in this exclusive circle, signifying his status as a *sine qua non* of the King’s inner council and a pillar of the medieval English state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial life of the Order of the Garter, then as now, is centred upon St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, its spiritual home. Upon his creation as a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron participated in ancient rites that continue to this day. Central to the proceedings is the investiture with the Order’s distinctive insignia, most famously the Garter itself—a dark-blue velvet strap inscribed with the motto, to be worn on the left leg.
Other elements of the regalia include the mantle of deep blue velvet, the hat, and the collar of gold. Each Knight is assigned a stall in the Chapel’s quire, above which his heraldic insignia—his helm, crest, and sword—are placed. A Garter stall plate, an enamelled brass plate displaying his name and coat of arms, is affixed to the back of the stall. The stall plate of Henry of Grosmont remains in St George's Chapel, a tangible and permanent record of his place in history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order and the House of Brattleby are profoundly intertwined. The motto of the Order, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame be to him who thinks evil of it'), is a declaration of righteous intent, deflecting suspicion and affirming the honour of the undertaking. This sentiment finds a powerful echo in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Both mottos champion the core virtues of the chivalric code: courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to one's word and duty. The 10th Baron's personal arms, those of the House of Lancaster, were displayed prominently within the Order. His legacy is one where personal valour contributed directly to the prestige of his titles, a principle the modern House continues to uphold.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While founded as a military and chivalric order, the deeper purpose of the Garter was to foster a community dedicated to a higher purpose beyond self-interest. This ancient ethos of service is the inspiration for The Noble House of Brattleby's modern philanthropic and educational activities. The House has consciously translated the chivalric ideals of protection and upliftment into a focused charitable mission.
The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, embodies this principle by providing specialist care and support for young people affected by trauma. Its work in mending lives and fostering resilience is a contemporary expression of the knightly duty to shield the vulnerable. This commitment demonstrates that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a historical artefact but a living creed.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a burden, but a profound inspiration. His was a life of immense service and national importance, and his place in the Order of the Garter reminds us that our titles are defined by duty. It is our responsibility to live up to the standard of 'Fortitudine et Honore' in all that we do."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The medieval concept of chivalry finds its modern parallel in principled leadership and a commitment to civic betterment. My own motto, 'Vincere Est Vivere', is about the triumph of purpose and integrity. The life of the 10th Baron serves as a powerful example of how one can dedicate a lifetime to conquering challenges not for personal gain, but for the good of the realm."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this nearly thousand-year legacy of service and honour finds new expression in the 21st century. The House’s undertakings, from its philanthropic endeavours to its educational initiatives, are designed to build upon this historic foundation.
The etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, seeks to impart the codes of social grace and personal conduct that are the modern successors to the chivalric virtues. Likewise, the annual Winter Banquet is not merely a social gathering, but a reaffirmation of the House’s pledge to support the community. Through these actions, the House ensures that the story of the Barony of Brattleby—from Colswein of Lincoln to Henry of Grosmont and into the present day—is one of continuing purpose and enduring relevance.
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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 champions a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. The House blends its deep English history with a Continental European perspective, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable undertaking is the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which raises funds and awareness for organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of social grace, integrity, and personal conduct, ensuring its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is expressed through tangible, positive action in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. Its connection to the Throne was further strengthened through later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Garter, and John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and its present holder are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 10th Baron of Brattleby was Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310 – 1361), 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. - 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'). - The Barony's history dates to AD 1066, with its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com