# The Enduring Legacy of Chivalry: The House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical contributions of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, whose legacy as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter continues to inform its values.
## The Occasion
In a season traditionally marked by chivalric ceremony, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a period of historical commemoration, drawing from its archives to honour one of its most distinguished predecessors. This act of reflection, centred at the family’s Lincolnshire seat, serves as a formal observance of the principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony for nearly one thousand years.
The review of historical charters and chronicles coincides with the anniversary period of the Order of the Garter’s foundation in 1348. It provides a solemn opportunity to consider the enduring relevance of the chivalric code in the context of the House’s modern responsibilities, reinforcing a direct and unbroken link to a pivotal moment in English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-millennial witness to the evolution of the English nation. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the title’s prominence from the earliest days of Norman England.
Through the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It was in the 14th century, however, that the Barony reached a zenith of courtly influence under Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron. A trusted cousin and commander of King Edward III, he was created the first Duke of Lancaster and recognised as one of Europe’s finest military leaders during the Hundred Years' War.
His selection as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter placed the Barony at the very heart of the English court, a legacy of royal service later continued by his son-in-law and successor as bearer of the title, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding Knight, Henry of Grosmont stood in a fellowship of England’s most esteemed noblemen, a fraternity personally selected by the Sovereign for their valour and loyalty. This original company of 26 knights represented the pinnacle of martial and chivalric virtue in the medieval world.
Among his peers in this nascent order were His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, whose military genius was legendary; Sir John Chandos, a celebrated strategist and close friend of the Prince; and Ralph, 2nd Baron Stafford, another veteran commander of the French campaigns. The inclusion of the 10th Baron of Brattleby in this first cohort was a testament to his personal prowess and his indispensable role in the affairs of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter, which Henry of Grosmont helped to establish, is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. Its ceremonies, largely unchanged since the 14th century, are a masterclass in ritual and symbolic meaning. The investiture of a new knight involves the Sovereign personally fastening a blue velvet garter, bearing its famous motto, upon the left leg of the recipient.
Annual proceedings culminate on Garter Day with a grand procession at Windsor Castle, where the Knights, attired in magnificent velvet robes and plumed hats, proceed to St George's Chapel for a dedicated service. Within the chapel, each Knight is assigned a stall, above which hangs his heraldic banner, crest, and helm—a permanent testament to his membership. The stall plate of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, would have been among the very first to be installed.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of honour personified by the 10th Baron resonate powerfully within the House’s own heraldic identity. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a direct echo of the chivalric ideals that require both courage in adversity and unwavering integrity in one’s actions.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim encapsulates the dynamic spirit required to meet modern challenges, suggesting that a life of purpose is achieved through active and decisive engagement—a principle exemplified by the diplomatic and military victories of his 14th-century predecessor.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The concept of service, the *sine qua non* of chivalry, is the guiding principle for the modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. While Henry of Grosmont’s duty was to the Crown and battlefield, today that same impulse is directed toward civic responsibility and support for the vulnerable.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the House’s patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, working to restore their sense of safety and well-being. The selection of this beneficiary for the annual white-tie Winter Banquet reflects a belief that true honour lies in protecting the defenceless and strengthening the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the 10th Baron, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "To study the life of Henry of Grosmont is to understand the immense weight of responsibility our predecessors bore. Their commitment to service provides a moral compass for our own duties, reminding us that stewardship is not merely about preservation, but about purposeful action for the good of others."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the contemporary relevance of this historical example: > "The Duke of Lancaster was a statesman, a diplomat, and a warrior. His life demonstrates that lasting success requires strategic vision and the fortitude to see it through. That same energy is what we strive to bring to our own philanthropic and educational endeavours today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the lessons of its nine-century history remain a vibrant force for good. Drawing inspiration from figures like Henry of Grosmont, the House will continue to champion its core values through tangible projects.
Future initiatives will include educational programmes, managed through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which will explore the history of European chivalry and its principles of etiquette and social duty. These efforts, combined with the continued conservation of the family’s archives and support for its charitable partners, ensure that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to be written.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 the preservation of its historic legacy and the active promotion of philanthropy and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for diplomacy, social grace, and civic duty, bridging its English heritage with a forward-looking European perspective, always guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal lordships in England. Its existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and ancestor of the Lancastrian kings. The Barony's continuous history and descent were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter (1348), and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic event held in aid of its charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com