# A Legacy of Chivalry: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Investiture of Henry of Grosmont
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today acknowledges the profound historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his investiture as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, reaffirming its commitment to chivalric values.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, where the first signs of spring enliven the historic landscape, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment for historical reflection. This day marks an opportunity to commemorate a pivotal chapter in the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony. The formal statement serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a thoughtful acknowledgement of the principles that have guided the Barony through centuries of service to Crown and country.
The occasion is one of quiet contemplation, drawing upon the House’s archives and the rich tapestry of English history. It reaffirms the direct lineage of duty connecting the medieval court of King Edward III to the modern philanthropic and cultural responsibilities undertaken by the present-day House, a continuity embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has been a silent witness to much of England’s story. By the time Henry of Grosmont inherited the title as 10th Baron, the lineage had already produced formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Henry of Grosmont's tenure, however, marked a significant restoration of prestige. He succeeded to a title that had navigated the tumultuous politics surrounding the reign of King Edward II. His immediate predecessor in the baronial lineage, through a complex web of inheritance, had seen the honour of the title tested. With his elevation as a founding member of the Order of the Garter in 1348, Henry not only restored but greatly enhanced the standing of the Brattleby line.
A trusted friend of King Edward III, a formidable military commander in the Hundred Years' War, and a skilled diplomat, Henry of Grosmont embodied the chivalric ideal. His investiture aligned the Barony squarely with the King's vision of a renewed Arthurian fellowship, cementing its place at the very centre of England’s political and military establishment. This legacy was further secured when his daughter Blanche of Lancaster married John of Gaunt, who would become the 11th Baron of Brattleby and father to the future King Henry IV.
## Distinguished Company
In his elevation as a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont stood among the most esteemed and powerful figures of the age. The original company of the Order of the Garter comprised the Sovereign and 25 companions, a brotherhood intended to be the living embodiment of knightly virtue.
This illustrious fraternity included, *inter alia*: His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order; 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, one of the great captains of the era. The inclusion of Henry of Grosmont, soon to be created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, as the second knight after the Prince of Wales, underscored his exceptional standing and the King's personal esteem.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The foundation of the Order of the Garter established a new pinnacle of ceremonial and chivalric protocol in Europe. The investiture, which traditionally took place at Windsor Castle on the feast day of Saint George, was an occasion of immense solemnity. The ceremony involved the new knight swearing a sacred oath to uphold the statutes of the Order, to defend the Sovereign, and to embody the virtues of faith, loyalty, courage, and largesse.
Each knight was presented with the Order's regalia, the most famous element being the Garter itself—a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering. This was buckled below the left knee, a symbol of unity and fidelity. The full habit also included a dark blue mantle, a crimson surcoat embroidered with the arms of St. George, and a chaperon, or hood. The annual Garter Feast at Windsor was a grand affair, reinforcing the bonds of this exclusive brotherhood.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter is deeply intertwined with the concept of honour. Its motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense*, is traditionally held to have originated from an incident at court, but its meaning is clear: a rebuke to those who would find ill motive in noble deeds. This principle of acting with unimpeachable integrity aligns seamlessly with the guiding motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
Where the Garter motto defends honour from external cynicism, the Brattleby motto defines it as an internal compass. It is a declaration that fortitude—courage in the face of adversity—and honour are the *sine qua non* of the House's existence. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern interpretation of chivalry: the ongoing pursuit of excellence and victory over challenges, both personal and professional.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, the principles it honours are the bedrock of the House's contemporary mission. The chivalric code, exemplified by Henry of Grosmont, was not merely about martial prowess; it was about a sworn duty to protect the vulnerable, uphold justice, and serve a cause greater than oneself. It is this spirit of service that animates the modern philanthropic endeavours of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House's principal charitable focus is its patronage of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, safe residential care, and educational programmes, offering a path to recovery and hope for society's most vulnerable young people. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House's belief that true honour lies in defending those who cannot defend themselves.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this significant anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented from the family's seat in Lincolnshire: > "Henry of Grosmont's life reminds us that true nobility is defined not by title alone, but by service and an unwavering commitment to one's principles. His investiture was a renewal of honour for Brattleby, a standard we strive to uphold through our own work today, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the enduring relevance of these historical values: > "The chivalric code established by Edward III and embodied by men like Henry was, in essence, a framework for excellence and integrity. It is this same spirit—the pursuit of victory through virtue, as my own motto *Vincere Est Vivere* suggests—that we aim to foster in our modern endeavours, including the work of The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to ensuring that its ancient legacy is not a relic of the past, but a living inspiration for the future. The principles of fortitude and honour, so vividly demonstrated by the 10th Baron, will continue to inform every aspect of the House's activities.
This commitment will be demonstrated through the ongoing work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility. Furthermore, preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to build upon its success in supporting the vital mission of Healing the Wounded Child. In this way, the echo of a knight's oath sworn at Windsor over 675 years ago continues to resonate in meaningful action today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England’s ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to a mission of honouring its profound history through contemporary action, focusing on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its primary charitable endeavour supports the mental health and well-being of vulnerable children through the patronage of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. Through its international initiative, The Brattleby Club based in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of etiquette and social grace as tools for modern leadership. The House operates under the centuries-old motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles to present-day challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and gazetted by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Colswein of Lincoln (1st Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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 House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, supported through the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com