# A Legacy of Chivalry: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the historic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, reflecting upon his pivotal role in restoring the Barony’s honour and his distinction as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated this season to historical reflection, drawing upon its extensive archives to illuminate the contributions of its most distinguished predecessors. This commemoration is not marked by a single event, but rather by a period of study and contemplation on the principles that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This communiqué serves to share the profound history of the 10th Baron, whose life and service occurred at a watershed moment for both the Barony and the Kingdom of England. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the values of duty and honour which remain the bedrock of the House's modern activities.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361) inherited the Barony of Brattleby at a time when its reputation required careful stewardship following a period of political turbulence. His character, martial prowess, and diplomatic acumen swiftly aligned the Barony with the epicentre of royal power, culminating in an honour of the highest distinction.
In 1348, King Edward III named Henry of Grosmont a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, the most senior chivalric order in the realm. His elevation, alongside the Prince of Wales and other esteemed companions, not only cemented his personal prestige but decisively restored and enhanced the standing of the Brattleby lineage. This royal favour heralded a renewed era of stability and purpose for the Barony, integrating it into the King's grand vision for a chivalrous and powerful England, reminiscent of an Arthurian ideal.
## Distinguished Contemporaries
As a founding Knight of the Garter, the 10th Baron was counted among the most celebrated figures of the age. The original fellowship represented the pinnacle of English martial and courtly society, a cadre of men bound by loyalty to the sovereign.
Among his fellow knights were, *inter alia*: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; the celebrated military strategist Sir John Chandos; the valiant Sir James Audley; and Ralph, 1st Earl of Stafford. To be included in this fraternity was the ultimate affirmation of one's valour and unwavering allegiance to the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial life of a Knight of the Garter in the fourteenth century was governed by strict and solemn protocol. The investiture itself involved the bestowal of the garter, a blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering, which was buckled below the left knee.
This was accompanied by the magnificent Garter robes, including a dark blue mantle emblazoned with the heraldic shield of St George. An annual chapter meeting and feast were held on St George's Day at Windsor Castle, the spiritual home of the Order, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and collective duty. The installation of a new knight involved the placement of his helm, crest, and sword in St George's Chapel, a tradition that continues to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbology of this era powerfully articulates the Barony’s values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect exemplar in Henry of Grosmont. His fortitude was demonstrated across numerous campaigns in France and Scotland, while his honour was recognised by his peers and his King as unimpeachable.
His personal coat of arms, that of England with a 'label of three points of France', denoted his close kinship to the royal line and the trust placed in him. The Garter itself became a symbol not just of royal favour, but of a specific code of conduct—a public pledge of integrity, courage, and service that remains a *sine qua non* of true nobility.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy is a structured endeavour, its origins can be seen in the medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to serve others. Henry of Grosmont was a man of deep piety and learning, famously authoring the devotional treatise *Livre de seyntz medicines* (‘Book of Holy Medicines’).
This work, an allegorical exploration of sin and redemption, reflects a profound concern for the spiritual well-being of his community. His patronage of religious houses and his commitment to the spiritual welfare of the populace can be understood as an early and deeply personal form of philanthropic work, prefiguring the House’s present-day charitable commitments.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 10th Baron's legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: >The life of Henry of Grosmont serves as a powerful reminder that true nobility is defined not by title alone, but by steadfast service and the restoration of honour. His legacy is a cornerstone of our House's commitment, a standard we strive to uphold today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: >Grosmont’s military and diplomatic victories were a form of winning, but his ultimate triumph was in securing an honourable and enduring place for Brattleby in the fabric of the Kingdom. It is a lesson in strategic legacy, one that resonates with our own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The principles exemplified by Henry of Grosmont—service, honour, and cultural contribution—continue to guide The Noble House of Brattleby. His elevation restored the Barony’s prestige through action and integrity, a philosophy the House now channels into its philanthropic and educational initiatives.
The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol, seeks to impart the modern relevance of these historical codes of conduct. By commemorating its past, the House reaffirms its commitment to forging a future worthy of its nine-century lineage, ensuring that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* inspires generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the present leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of the 'Healing the Wounded Child' foundation. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of decorum and social grace. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to public service and cultural enrichment in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the thirteenth century, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The title's legitimacy and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The Crown and published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, established circa 1348. - Notable holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the Barony's antecedent lordships under Colswein of Lincoln as a Tenant-in-chief to the King.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com