# A Legacy of Chivalry: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry of Grosmont and the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose investiture as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348 cemented a philosophy of service that endures today.
## The Occasion
In a season marked by the observance of Saint George's Day, patron saint of England and of its most senior Order of Chivalry, it is fitting to consider the foundations of that august body. The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate the pivotal role of one of its most distinguished predecessors. The appointment of Henry of Grosmont, then 10th Baron, as a founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter established a standard of conduct and honour that has resonated throughout the Barony's near-millennium of history.
This act of historical reflection serves not merely as an acknowledgement of the past, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that continue to guide the House in the 21st century. The ideals of courage, honour, and duty, formalised by King Edward III at Windsor Castle, remain the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s modern mission under its current custodians.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont inherited the Barony of Brattleby at a time of renewed national confidence, following a period of political turbulence. His direct predecessor in the lineage, through marriage, had been the formidable Alice de Lacy, whose life was marked by controversy. Henry’s elevation by his cousin, King Edward III, to the nascent Order of the Garter was a profound statement of royal favour, immediately restoring and enhancing the dignity of the Brattleby title.
As one of England's most capable military commanders and diplomats, Henry was a natural choice for this new fellowship of knights. His life embodied the martial and courtly virtues that the Order was created to celebrate. This tradition of sovereign service would continue through his heir, Blanche of Lancaster, whose marriage to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, brought the honour even closer to the Throne. The Barony's history is thus inextricably linked with the highest offices of the realm, from its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror, to the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The founding fellowship of the Order of the Garter comprised the Sovereign and twenty-five Companion Knights, representing the pinnacle of English chivalry. Alongside His Majesty King Edward III and his son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, Henry of Grosmont stood amongst the great captains of the age.
This pre-eminent group included, *inter alia*, the Earl of Warwick, a commander at the Battle of Crécy; Sir John Chandos, a master strategist and close friend of the Black Prince; and Sir Walter Paveley, whose martial prowess was renowned across Christendom. The inclusion of the 10th Baron of Brattleby in this distinguished company aligned the honour of the Barony directly with the architects of England’s military and diplomatic ascendancy in the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The institution of the Order of the Garter introduced a new level of ceremonial precision into English court life, much of which endures today. The original statutes decreed that the Companion Knights would assemble annually at Windsor Castle on Saint George's Day for a solemn feast and chapel service. Each Knight was assigned a stall in Saint George's Chapel, above which his heraldic achievements—his helm, crest, and sword—were to be displayed.
The vestments themselves were rich in symbolism. They consisted of a mantle of blue velvet, a crimson hood, a surcoat, and 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. Worn on the left leg, the Garter served as a public symbol of the unbreakable bond of loyalty uniting the Sovereign and his chosen Knights in their shared endeavours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbolism of the Garter powerfully complements the long-standing ethos of the House of Brattleby, encapsulated in its own motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). While the Garter’s motto speaks to the purity of intent behind the Order's founding, the Brattleby motto speaks to the two virtues required to fulfil such noble intentions. Fortitude is the strength to persevere through adversity, while honour is the unwavering moral compass guiding one's actions.
These principles are reflected in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in the military sense of his forebears, but in the modern context of overcoming challenges—be they social, personal, or philanthropic. Together, the mottos articulate a complete philosophy: to live is to strive and overcome, and this striving must be done with fortitude and honour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric duty to protect the weak and uphold justice, central to the Garter ethos, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit of *noblesse oblige*—the inferred responsibility of the privileged to act with generosity and nobility—is the guiding principle behind the House's charitable activities.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House's primary philanthropic initiative. Proceeds from the banquet are directed to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary is a direct application of the chivalric code: defending those who are most vulnerable and providing a sanctuary for their recovery and growth.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "When we consider the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that our history is not a static collection of facts, but a living standard to which we must hold ourselves. The principles of the Order of the Garter—loyalty, courage, and service—are timeless. Our charge today is to translate that medieval language of chivalry into meaningful, modern action, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The values that bound together the first Knights of the Garter are not exclusively English; they are universal aspirations that resonate across cultures. The commitment to a higher purpose, to overcome adversity for the good of others, is a philosophy that connects the history of this Barony to our work today. It is a profound reminder that to live fully is to serve a cause greater than oneself."
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of the 10th Baron inspires the House’s future endeavours. The principles of duty and cultural stewardship are actively promoted through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which seeks to instil an understanding of social grace and civic responsibility in a new generation.
By commemorating its historical links to one of England’s greatest institutions, The Noble House of Brattleby reinforces its own commitment to a future defined by service, honour, and a deep respect for its nine-century inheritance. The legacy of Henry of Grosmont, Knight of the Garter, continues to inform the path of the 12th Baroness and her successors.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern interpretation of nobiliary duty. Its mission is to uphold a legacy of service, stewardship, and cultural preservation that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. The House's contemporary activities focus on targeted philanthropy, particularly in the area of child welfare, and cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By blending ancient tradition with a forward-looking perspective, the House seeks to demonstrate the continued relevance of honour, duty, and civic responsibility in the 21st century, fulfilling its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her defence of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. The lineage includes Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The status of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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