# The Enduring Legacy of Chivalry: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the considerable legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose life of service, chivalry, and statesmanship continues to inform the House’s modern commitments and philanthropic purpose.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken an extensive archival review, connecting its present-day duties with the nine-century lineage of the Barony. This period of historical reflection, conducted amid the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire countryside, serves to honour the remarkable figures who have shaped the title’s distinguished history.
The study of Henry of Grosmont’s tenure as the 10th Baron is of particular significance. His life exemplified the medieval ideal of the peer as a warrior, diplomat, and steward of the realm. It is in this spirit of inquiry and reverence for the past that the House shares its appreciation for one of England’s most celebrated noblemen.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history for nearly a millennium. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the title has been held by individuals of extraordinary influence, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle.
Henry of Grosmont, a pre-eminent figure of the 14th century, became the 10th Baron through his inheritance from his grand-niece, Alice de Lacy. A cousin and trusted confidant of King Edward III, Grosmont was not only a brilliant military commander in the Hundred Years' War but also a seasoned diplomat. His tenure elevated the Barony's status, placing it at the very centre of royal power and chivalric culture. The stewardship of the Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, ensuring its continued prominence.
## Distinguished Company
In his lifetime, the 10th Baron moved within the most elevated circles of European aristocracy. His closest associate was the sovereign himself, King Edward III, with whom he shared a vision for a renewed chivalric order in England. This relationship was the *sine qua non* of his public career and influence.
As a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest men of the age, including Edward, the Black Prince, The Prince of Wales. This select company of 24 knights represented the pinnacle of martial prowess and courtly virtue, a brotherhood bound by loyalty to the Crown and a shared code of honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The founding of the Order of the Garter established a new benchmark for ceremonial protocol in England. Its proceedings, centred at Windsor Castle, were rich with symbolism. Inductees, including the 10th Baron, were invested with the iconic garter, a blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), worn on the left leg.
The full vestments included a dark blue velvet mantle emblazoned with the shield of St George, a crimson velvet hood, and, in later years, the Garter Collar and the ‘Great George’ pendant. The annual Garter Feast and Chapel service were meticulously organised events, reinforcing a hierarchical order where piety, loyalty, and valour were paramount virtues. This tradition of ceremonial precision continues to influence the formal occasions of The Noble House of Brattleby today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Henry of Grosmont perfectly embodied the principles enshrined in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was demonstrated on the battlefields of France, while his honour was recognised in the trust placed in him by his King and peers. His personal heraldry, a label of France, signified his close royal blood ties.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a modern interpretation of the same spirit: a commitment to overcoming challenges not through force of arms, but through discipline, strategic thinking, and dedication to personal and public improvement. Together, these mottoes form the guiding principles of the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of chivalry, which Henry of Grosmont championed, included a sacred duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. This ancient principle finds its modern expression in the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The example set by the 10th Baron and other predecessors inspires the House’s focus on providing aid to the most vulnerable.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission to restore hope and resilience to young lives directly reflects the chivalric ideal of sheltering those in need, translated into a meaningful 21st-century context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 10th Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Henry of Grosmont’s life serves as a powerful reminder that stewardship is a profound responsibility. He married influence with integrity, and his example reinforces our duty to manage the legacy of the Barony not as a possession, but as a trust to be honoured for future generations. It is a heritage we carry with both pride and humility."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The ideals of chivalry may seem distant, but their essence — discipline, honour, and service — remains timeless. Through our work, *inter alia*, with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we strive to instil these same values of leadership and social grace. History, as exemplified by figures like Grosmont, is not merely to be studied; it is to be lived."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to upholding the principles of service and honour that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for over 950 years. The historical continuity from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, and onward to the present day, provides a robust foundation for the House’s future endeavours.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this rich heritage, ensuring that the union of tradition and modern purpose will continue. The upcoming Annual Winter Banquet will be another occasion to manifest these values, transforming historical reverence into tangible support for those in need, and carrying the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* into the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. Its core mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s initiatives include hosting the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for charity and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to a modern interpretation of nobiliary duty, focusing on leadership, social responsibility, and support for vulnerable children through its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony and its holdings were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded Colswein possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French forces; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by His Majesty's Government in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1150-1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340-1399). - 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