# The Enduring Legacy of Chivalry: Henry of Grosmont and The Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter, highlighting a historic bond between the Barony and the Crown’s highest chivalric traditions.
## The Occasion
In a statement of historical reflection, the current Lord and Lady of Brattleby have chosen to commemorate the Barony’s profound connection to the foundations of English chivalry. The occasion pays tribute to the establishment of The Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, an event in which the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, played a pivotal role. This reflection is offered in the spirit of Garter Day, the annual ceremony held at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, the spiritual home of the Order.
St George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, has borne witness to the installation of Garter Knights for nearly seven centuries. Its magnificent fan-vaulted ceilings and intricately carved choir stalls, each bearing the heraldic achievements of a Knight or Lady Companion, provide a unique and solemn backdrop. It is within this sacred space that the legacy of a Baron of Brattleby is permanently enshrined in the annals of the English realm.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has long been defined by its holders’ steadfast service to the Crown. This tradition of loyalty found one of its greatest champions in Henry of Grosmont. A first cousin to His Majesty King Edward III and one of England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats during the Hundred Years' War, Grosmont was a natural choice as a Founder Knight of the new order.
His inclusion was not merely an honour but a reflection of a familial commitment to the realm. This was a duty exemplified two centuries prior by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Grosmont’s subsequent elevation as the first Duke of Lancaster further underscored his importance; a distinction inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, who also held a stall in the Garter Chapel. This succession created an unbroken chain of service at the highest level, linking Brattleby directly to the heart of royal power for generations.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont stood amongst the most formidable figures of the 14th century. The original company comprised His Majesty King Edward III, the Sovereign of the Order, and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince. This fraternity of twenty-four knights was a veritable gallery of medieval martial and political prowess.
They included, *inter alia*, renowned commanders such as Sir John Chandos and the Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly. The selection of these men was a deliberate act of statecraft by King Edward III, designed to bind his most powerful nobles and military allies to him through a shared oath and a common, elevated code of conduct. To be counted in their number was the ultimate recognition of one’s valour, loyalty, and standing.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial protocol of the Order of the Garter, largely unchanged since its inception, is a masterclass in pageantry and symbolic ritual. On Garter Day, the Knights and Ladies Companion process through the grounds of Windsor Castle wearing their distinctive vestments: deep blue velvet mantles, crimson velvet hoods, and black velvet hats adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers.
Central to their regalia is the Garter itself—a blue buckled strap worn on the left leg by knights and the left arm by ladies—emblazoned with the Order’s motto in gold lettering. The procession culminates in a service at St George’s Chapel, where any new Companions are formally installed. Above their designated choir stall, a Garter Knight’s heraldic insignia are displayed: their helmet, crest, and sword, alongside a permanent enamelled stall plate bearing their coat of arms. This plate remains as a memorial in perpetuity, a testament to their service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the Order, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), is said to have originated from a courtly incident, yet its meaning speaks to a higher purpose: a defence of the Sovereign’s honour and the noble intentions of the Order. This ethos finds a powerful echo in the ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The two phrases articulate a shared philosophy where courage and integrity are the *sine qua non* of noble conduct.
This alignment of values continues today through the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It translates the medieval ideal of overcoming one's adversaries on the battlefield into a modern imperative to overcome life's challenges with determination and purpose. Together, the mottos form a triptych of enduring principles: honour, fortitude, and the will to prevail.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code that underpinned the Order of the Garter was not solely concerned with martial prowess; it placed a profound emphasis on the duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. This historical imperative is the direct antecedent of the modern philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The House is a proud patron of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. By funding programmes that restore a sense of safety, well-being, and hope to vulnerable young people, the House translates the chivalric ideal of protection into meaningful, contemporary action. This work honours the spirit of service that defined figures like Henry of Grosmont.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > —"Henry of Grosmont's life reminds us that true nobility is rooted in service to one's sovereign and community. We see it as our duty to ensure this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* informs our commitments today, connecting our heritage to our responsibilities."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > —"Grosmont was a pre-eminent commander and statesman. His example shows that victory, in any age, is achieved through strategy, dedication, and an unwavering spirit. For us, to conquer life's challenges is indeed to truly live; *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring and sharing its unique nine-century history. The story of Henry of Grosmont and his role in the Order of the Garter serves as a powerful lesson in leadership, loyalty, and the enduring relevance of chivalric values.
To further this commitment, the House intends to incorporate this history into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through lectures and historical presentations, the House will continue to bridge its English heritage with its contemporary European context, ensuring the legacy of its distinguished predecessors informs and inspires future generations.
---
**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 is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic pursuits. With deep roots in English history and a dynamic Anglo-Romanian character, the House champions the traditional values of honour, service, and decorum. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, reflecting a core belief in the duty to protect the next generation. The House also promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, fostering an appreciation for timeless social graces.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is noted in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The family motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com