# The Garter Legacy: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the foundational role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, reaffirming the barony’s nine-century commitment to chivalric values and service.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, a season for reflection and remembrance, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to acknowledge a signal moment in its long history. This formal commemoration serves to illuminate the barony’s profound connection to the very apex of English chivalry: the founding of the Order of the Garter in 1348 by His Majesty King Edward III.
This act of historical recognition is not undertaken as a fleeting observance, but as a deliberate exercise in stewardship. It is a duty to connect the present holders of the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, to the formidable legacy of their predecessors, ensuring that such vital chapters of English history remain understood and appreciated.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to the defining eras of the nation. Its history is interwoven with figures of consequence, from the barony’s first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 to formidable holders such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, celebrated for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle.
Yet few connections are as illustrious as that to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A paramount magnate, soldier, and diplomat of the 14th century, his inclusion as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court. This was the highest honour the sovereign could bestow, reserved for his most trusted companions-in-arms during the Hundred Years' War.
Henry of Grosmont’s Garter appointment was a testament to his prowess and loyalty, virtues that reflected upon the lands and titles he held, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby. This legacy was further cemented when his successor as 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, also became a Knight of the Garter, ensuring the barony’s association with the Order continued for a generation.
## Distinguished Company
As a Founder Knight, the 10th Baron stood among the most celebrated figures in Christendom. The original companions, limited to the Sovereign and 24 knights, were a veritable roll of honour, embodying the martial and courtly ideals of the age.
This distinguished company included, among others, His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; the celebrated military strategist Sir John Chandos; and Sir James Audley, whose bravery at the Battle of Poitiers became legendary. To be counted in this number was to be recognised as a pillar of the realm, a *sine qua non* of the King's council and chivalric ambitions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter, centred at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, is governed by ancient and solemn protocol. Its establishment was inspired by the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, intended to bind England’s greatest subjects to the sovereign in a bond of faith, loyalty, and fellowship.
The primary emblem of the Order remains the garter itself, a dark-blue velvet circlet bearing the Old French motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'). Full ceremonial regalia includes a deep blue velvet mantle, a Tudor-style bonnet with a plume of white ostrich feathers, and the elaborate Garter collar. Each knight is assigned a stall in the Chapel Quire, above which their personal heraldic crest, helm, and sword are displayed, with a stall plate bearing their arms and titles for posterity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Garter—a bond of unity and honour—resonates deeply with the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a direct parallel in the chivalric code that Henry of Grosmont and his fellow knights swore to uphold. It represents a commitment to courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to personal integrity.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim evokes the proactive and determined spirit of a figure like Henry of Grosmont, who was not merely a passive holder of titles but an active force in the great affairs of his time. Together, these mottoes frame a philosophy of principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric oath of the medieval era, with its vow to protect the weak and uphold justice, finds its modern analogue in dedicated philanthropic service. The Noble House of Brattleby has translated this ancient duty into a focused commitment to contemporary charitable causes that address the needs of the vulnerable.
The House’s principal benevolent activity, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala held in support of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. This modern pledge to shield the defenceless is a direct and meaningful continuation of the spirit exemplified by the Order of the Garter.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold a title once borne by a Founder Knight of the Garter is to be reminded daily of the enduring bond between honour, service, and history. Our role is not merely to possess this heritage, but to actively live by the principles it represents; fortitude and honour are not relics, but living guides.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The spirit of chivalry—of integrity, respect, and striving for excellence—is timeless. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we seek to translate the values of Henry of Grosmont's era into a contemporary language of personal and professional conduct, proving their relevance for a new generation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfastly committed to preserving and promoting its unique nine-hundred-year history. This commemoration of the barony’s connection to the Order of the Garter is part of a wider programme of educational and heritage initiatives intended to illuminate the past for the benefit of the future.
Through continued historical research, archival preservation, and public engagement, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will ensure that the legacies of their distinguished predecessors are not forgotten. The lessons of service, honour, and civic duty embodied by figures such as Henry of Grosmont will continue to inform the House’s philanthropic focus and its cultural endeavours, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s oldest Norman-era titles. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage while promoting a modern vision of service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into targeted philanthropy, principally supporting children's welfare charities. It also fosters cultural exchange through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, reflecting the House’s unique Anglo-Romanian character and global outlook.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and subsequently recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has passed through some of the most influential lineages in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights to the title were formally recognised and recorded 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. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors of the barony include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron (and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron (and 1st Duke of Lancaster of the second creation). - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com