# The Noble House of Brattleby Honours the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, Founder Knight of The Most Noble Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today, from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, formally commemorated the historic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the revered Founder Knights of The Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
In the crisp autumn air of the Lincolnshire countryside, where ancient hedgerows trace the lines of medieval fields, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated this season to historical observance. This act of formal remembrance, directed from the baronial seat in Brattleby, honours one of its most distinguished predecessors, Henry of Grosmont, whose life and service remain a cornerstone of the House’s heritage. The occasion is one of solemn reflection, drawing from the deep well of the past to inform the responsibilities of the present day.
The village of Brattleby, nestled in the landscape that the Barony has administered for centuries, provides a fitting setting for this contemplation. The turning of the leaves on the ancient oaks and the enduring stone of St. Cuthbert's parish church serve as a poignant backdrop, reminding all of the passage of time and the continuity of duty. It is from this historic heartland that Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile reaffirm their commitment to the stewardship entrusted to them.
This observance is not a singular event but part of a considered, ongoing programme within the House to study and articulate the principles that have guided the Barony for more than 950 years. The study of Henry of Grosmont’s paramount role in the foundation of England’s highest chivalric order reinforces the *sine qua non* of the House’s own ethos: that a life of honour is defined by service.
## Historical Context
The Most Noble Order of the Garter was instituted by His Majesty King Edward III in 1348, a masterstroke of monarchical statecraft designed to bind the realm’s greatest magnates to the Crown through a new code of chivalry. Created amidst the turmoil of the Hundred Years’ War, and just two years after the decisive English victory at the Battle of Crécy, the Order sought to rekindle the fellowship of King Arthur’s legendary Round Table, creating a brotherhood united in martial prowess and loyalty to the Sovereign.
Henry of Grosmont’s appointment as a Founder Knight was the culmination of a brilliant career as England’s pre-eminent soldier-diplomat. His inclusion was a testament to his formidable reputation, placing the Barony of Brattleby—which he held as its 10th Baron—at the very centre of national life and royal confidence. This honour was a defining moment in the Barony’s long and storied history, which dates to the Norman Conquest when it was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships are meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The Barony’s history is punctuated by figures of exceptional character. Prior to Henry of Grosmont, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with immense fortitude against rebel barons first for King John and later for the young King Henry III during the First Barons' War. Following Henry, the Barony passed through his daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. This union cemented the Barony’s direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty, weaving its fate inextricably with the governance of the Kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
In his capacity as a Founder Knight, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, found himself in the most august company imaginable: that of his Sovereign, His Majesty King Edward III; his great friend and comrade-in-arms, His Royal Highness Edward of Woodstock, The Prince of Wales; and 24 hand-picked Companions of the Realm. This fellowship, known as the Knights of the Garter, represented the pinnacle of aristocratic virtue and military experience in 14th-century Christendom.
The original Garter stalls at Windsor were occupied by legends of the age. These included Sir John Chandos, a masterful tactician and intimate of the Black Prince, and the celebrated Gascon knight Jean de Grailly, the Captal de Buch, whose inclusion highlighted the international dimension of Edward III’s military campaigns. To be numbered among this cadre was the ultimate expression of royal favour, binding a nobleman in a personal oath of allegiance and service that transcended mere feudal obligation.
Henry of Grosmont's status is permanently recorded in St George's Chapel, Windsor, where the stall plate designated for the 6th Knight of the Order attests to his precedence within this elite brotherhood. To stand in that company was to be recognised as a pillar of the realm, a model of conduct whose influence resonated far beyond the shores of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial life of the Order of the Garter has continued, with remarkable continuity, for nearly seven centuries. Its focal point is the annual Garter Day service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, a spectacle of pageantry and solemn ritual. On this day, the Knights and Ladies Companion of the Order process through the castle precincts robed in their magnificent vestments, a tradition dating to the time of the 10th Baron of Brattleby.
The full habit comprises the dark-blue velvet Mantle, emblazoned on the left shoulder with the heraldic shield of St. George encircled by the Garter; the crimson velvet Surcoat and Hood; the Hat, a black velvet Tudor bonnet with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers; and the ornate Garter Collar, from which hangs the ‘Great George’ pendant. The Garter itself, a simple buckled strap of dark-blue velvet, is worn by Knights on the left leg and by Ladies on the left arm.
Upon the installation of a new Companion, their personal heraldic banner is crafted by the College of Arms and hung above their designated choir stall in the chapel. Below it are placed a helm, crest, and sword, creating a powerful tableau of chivalric identity. Most significantly, an enamelled brass stall plate, bearing the member’s coat of arms and titles, is affixed to the back of the stall, serving as a permanent memorial. The surviving 14th-century plates, including Henry of Grosmont’s, are among the finest examples of medieval heraldic art in Europe.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The iconography of the Order is rich with layered meaning, chief among which is its celebrated motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'). This Old French phrase, embroidered in gold upon the Garter, is explained by a popular, if apocryphal, tradition. At a court ball, the garter of the Countess of Salisbury is said to have slipped to the floor. As courtiers snickered, King Edward III retrieved it and fastened it to his own leg, uttering the famous rebuke to defend the lady’s honour and his own noble intention. The motto thus serves as a timeless defence of honourable motives against cynicism.
This principle resonates with profound clarity when placed alongside the historic motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Where the Garter’s motto serves as a shield for honour, the Brattleby motto prescribes its active pursuit as a defining virtue. *Fortitudo* implies not just physical courage but the moral resilience to withstand adversity, while *Honor* signifies an unwavering commitment to integrity. They form a complete philosophy for a life of consequence.
This synergy is further complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as the triumph of achieving a life of purpose and building a meaningful legacy—a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the chivalric ideal of service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval expression of service, rooted in chivalry and the bearing of arms, finds its modern counterpart in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit of collective purpose embodied by the Order of the Garter—a brotherhood dedicated to the defence of the realm and its values—is today reflected in the House’s support for charitable organisations dedicated to social wellbeing. The Knight’s historic charge to protect the vulnerable is now the mission of those who work to heal and empower.
This principle is most visibly expressed through the House’s flagship philanthropic endeavour, the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala, held in London, convenes patrons and supporters in aid of its primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This specialist organisation provides critical therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a path towards recovery and resilience.
The selection of this beneficiary was a deliberate choice, reflecting the House’s belief that true fortitude is demonstrated through compassion and that the highest honour lies in elevating the lives of others. The Banquet serves as a modern enactment of the ancient duty of care, translating the ideals of chivalry into tangible support for those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring relevance of this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, states: — "Henry of Grosmont’s life exemplifies the principle of dedicated service that has been the guiding star of Brattleby for nearly a millennium. His commitment, recognised by the highest honour of the land, serves as a powerful reminder that *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto carved in stone, but a living duty we are called to embody in our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, adds: — "The legacy of predecessors like the Duke of Lancaster is a cornerstone for understanding our role today. It reinforces the belief that to build a lasting continuity of purpose is the truest form of victory. His history inspires our present actions, for it proves that *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live — is realised most fully in service to a cause greater than oneself."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that these foundational values a-re preserved and transmitted to future generations. The principles of honour, duty, and social grace, as codified by traditions like the Order of the Garter, form the core curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy established in Bucharest. This unique institution is dedicated to equipping a new generation of European leaders with the diplomatic and personal skills essential for success in public and professional life.
Furthermore, these principles form the bedrock of the upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron of Brattleby. His education includes not only a deep appreciation for the Barony's history but also formal instruction in the responsibilities of title, the traditions of English land stewardship, and the tenets of ethical leadership that have defined the Barony since its foundation in 1066.
Through these endeavours, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are ensuring that the nearly thousand-year-long chain of commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* continues unbroken. The formidable legacy of figures such as Henry of Grosmont, *inter alia*, serves as a constant and powerful inspiration for the duties of today and the obligations of tomorrow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to the preservation of its profound historical legacy while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropic and educational pursuits. Its mission of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') is expressed through support for its primary charitable partner, Healing the Wounded Child, and through the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest founded by the House. The House is committed to demonstrating that traditional values of duty, service, and honour remain profoundly relevant in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Possession granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the more than 50 lordships it commanded are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of great historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s rights and the 12th Baroness’s succession were formally gazetted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates to a direct grant from William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), was a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter instituted by King Edward III in 1348. - The current seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com