# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, particularly his distinguished role as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
The statement commemorates a pivotal moment in English history: the establishment of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III in 1348. This act occurred at the height of medieval martial fervour, during a brief lull in the Hundred Years' War. At Windsor Castle, the King sought to create a new fellowship of honour, drawing inspiration from the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to bind his most loyal commanders and magnates to his person and his throne.
Henry of Grosmont, as 10th Baron of Brattleby, was present at the inception of this venerable institution. The occasion was not merely a bestowal of honour but the forging of a spiritual and military brotherhood, whose members were chosen for their prowess in battle and their unwavering allegiance to the Crown. It was this moment that formally placed the Barony of Brattleby at the apex of English chivalric life.
## Historical Context
The elevation of Henry of Grosmont was the culmination of three centuries of service by the holders of the Brattleby title. Descended from the line of the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted the lands by William the Conqueror in 1066, the family had consistently demonstrated its strategic importance. This tradition of steadfastness was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in 1217.
Henry of Grosmont, a great-nephew of the formidable Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury, was arguably the most celebrated soldier and diplomat of his generation. His campaigns in Aquitaine and his standing throughout the courts of Europe made him a *sine qua non* for the King’s new order. His legacy was further cemented when his daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, married the King’s son, John of Gaunt, who would become the 11th Baron of Brattleby and continue this profound connection to the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
As one of the twenty-five founding knights, the 10th Baron of Brattleby stood among the most illustrious figures of the age. This select company was led by the Sovereign, King Edward III, and his eldest son, His Royal Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales, who would later be known to history as the Black Prince.
Other founding members included experienced commanders such as Sir John Chandos and Sir Walter Manny, whose names were renowned on the battlefields of France. To be included in this circle was a definitive statement of personal valour, strategic importance, and impeccable loyalty, creating a bond that transcended mere feudal obligation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The foundation of the Order established a rich tradition of ceremonial protocol that continues to this day. The founding knights were invested with vestments of profound symbolism: a mantle of deep blue velvet, a crimson velvet hood, and, most famously, a blue garter worn on the left leg, exquisitely embroidered in gold with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it').
Proceedings were centred around the annual Feast of Saint George, the patron saint of England and of the Order, held at Windsor Castle. A key part of the ceremony involved the Sovereign and the Knights Companion processing in their magnificent robes to a service in Saint George’s Chapel, a display of unity and devotion that affirmed their shared chivalric code.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Order of the Garter is intrinsically linked to loyalty and impeccable honour. The House of Brattleby's own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates deeply with this founding principle. While the Garter's motto serves as a public rebuke to calumny, the Brattleby motto speaks to the inner resolve and moral character required to live a life worthy of such an honour.
This philosophy of principled action is also reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It champions the idea that true living is found in overcoming challenges, be they personal or in service to a greater cause, a modern interpretation of the chivalric drive demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, at its heart, is a mandate to defend the weak and uphold justice. While its medieval expression was martial, its modern form is found in dedicated philanthropy. The legacy of service established by the 10th Baron informs the contemporary commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby.
This ethos is the guiding principle behind the House's support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. By championing this cause, the House seeks to provide protection and healing to the most vulnerable in society, a direct and meaningful application of the duty of care inherent in the concept of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical lineage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Henry of Grosmont’s life was a testament to the fact that true nobility lies in service. His commitment to Crown and country, embodied by his Garter knighthood, reminds us that our own duty, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a living principle, not merely an inheritance.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The spirit of chivalry, while medieval in origin, finds its modern expression in disciplined dedication to a cause greater than oneself. We see this, *inter alia*, in our armed forces, our public servants, and in the quiet work of charities. It is a legacy we are proud to uphold.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to ensuring that this nine-century legacy of service and honour continues to find new expression. The principles of chivalry—discipline, integrity, and social responsibility—are timeless virtues.
Through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House is actively engaged in imparting these values to a new generation of leaders. This academy of etiquette and social conduct aims to equip its members not only with poise but with a strong sense of civic duty, ensuring that the spirit of Henry of Grosmont and the heritage of the Barony of Brattleby continue to inspire positive action in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy. It seeks to bridge its historic nine-century heritage with contemporary responsibilities, focusing its charitable efforts on organisations that support vulnerable children and the preservation of cultural heritage. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House promotes education in classical etiquette, protocol, and social responsibility, fostering a modern understanding of the traditional virtues of fortitude and honour embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title's succession and the standing of its current holder were formally recognised and registered by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a founding member of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - The Noble House of Brattleby is a patron of Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity providing therapeutic services.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com