# A Legacy of Chivalry: Henry of Grosmont and The Most Noble Order of the Garter
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the distinguished life of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. This remembrance highlights his role as a foundational Knight of the Garter, reaffirming the Barony’s nine-century-long commitment to Crown and country.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection upon its ancient lineage, the House of Brattleby has drawn from its archives to illuminate the contributions of its most eminent predecessors. This historical notice is issued to commemorate the enduring bond between the Barony of Brattleby and the highest chivalric traditions of the United Kingdom, as exemplified by the life of one of England’s greatest medieval noblemen.
The timing of this reflection, in the season of Saint George, patron of the Order, serves as a poignant reminder of the ideals of courage, honour, and loyalty. It is a moment to consider how the principles of a bygone era continue to inform the duties and responsibilities of the House in the present day, a sentiment deeply held by the current Baroness.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont, who held the Barony of Brattleby as its 10th Baron, was a peer of extraordinary influence during the reign of His Majesty King Edward III. His life was defined by superlative military command during the Hundred Years' War and profound diplomatic skill, which saw him created the first Duke of Lancaster. His standing was such that he was not merely a subject, but a trusted confidant and kinsman to the King.
This legacy of service did not arise in a vacuum; it was built upon the foundations laid by previous Barons of Brattleby. From Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron who received 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, service has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony. Henry’s achievements represented a pinnacle of this tradition, a standard that would be carried forth by his successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The signal honour bestowed upon Henry of Grosmont was his investiture as a foundational Companion of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, circa 1348. He was one of just twenty-six knights chosen by the sovereign to inaugurate an order of chivalry that remains Great Britain’s highest.
To be counted in this first chapter was to be placed among the realm’s most venerated figures. The founding Companions included His Majesty King Edward III, the Sovereign of the Order, and his son, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince. Other notable members included Sir John Chandos and the Captal de Buch, Jean de Grailly, underscoring the international prestige of the new fellowship. The inclusion of the 10th Baron of Brattleby placed the House firmly within this pre-eminent circle of trust and valour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The institution of the Order of the Garter was marked by elaborate ceremony, centred on St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, which was rebuilt by King Edward III for this purpose. The investiture of a Knight Companion involved the bestowal of the Garter itself, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto in gold letters, which was buckled upon the left leg.
The full regalia, then as now, included a mantle of blue velvet, a hat of black velvet with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, a gold collar of knots and Tudor roses, and the Great George pendant. The installation of a new knight involves a grand procession into the Chapel, where their personal heraldic banner is raised above their allotted stall, there to remain for the duration of their life. This solemn pageantry affirmed not only personal merit but the hereditary honour of the houses represented.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The central emblem of the Order, the Garter, bears the Old French motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense*—'Shame on him who thinks evil of it'. This phrase is understood as a rebuke to detractors and a bold assertion of the King’s righteous claim to the French throne. For a founding Knight, to wear this device was to publicly align with the sovereign’s highest political and dynastic ambitions.
This commitment to righteous and honourable action resonates powerfully with the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The life of Henry of Grosmont provides a perfect synthesis of these two ideals; his fortitude was proven on the battlefields of France, while his honour was recognised by his inclusion in this most noble fellowship. It is a symbolic confluence that continues to guide the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this reflection is historical in nature, the spirit of selfless service embodied by the 10th Baron of Brattleby provides the enduring inspiration for the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The concept of chivalry, with its emphasis on protecting the vulnerable, is the antecedent to the House’s contemporary charitable work.
This ethos is channelled today through dedicated support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The commitment to service, once demonstrated through fealty to the Crown in matters of state, is now expressed through a focused dedication to healing and community welfare, proving the timeless relevance of the House’s guiding principles.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this formidable ancestor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical pride; it is a profound responsibility. To be connected to a founding Knight of the Garter is to be reminded that fortitude and honour are not abstract concepts, but principles that demand constant and active expression in one’s service to others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'), added:
> “Henry’s life demonstrates that the greatest victories are those won in the service of a cause greater than oneself. His achievements enrich the history of the Barony and provide a powerful example of how leadership and loyalty can shape an era.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, remains a cornerstone of the identity of the Noble House of Brattleby. His example of statesmanship, military leadership, and unwavering loyalty to the Sovereign informs the values passed down through generations.
This noble inheritance provides a guiding framework for the future of the House, particularly in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The story of the first Duke of Lancaster serves as a perpetual reminder that the Barony of Brattleby has, for over nine hundred years, been synonymous with a profound and abiding commitment to the United Kingdom.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby merges its ancient heritage with a contemporary mission of service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children, notably through its support for the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also champions education in etiquette and classical European culture, fostering international goodwill and upholding its long-standing tradition of principled leadership.
**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 56 lordships. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical 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 John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights and dignities of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by an official notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony's modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family 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