# A Legacy of Chivalry: The House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the significant legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the twenty-six Founder Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, established by King Edward III in 1348.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its enduring heritage, The Noble House of Brattleby pauses to commemorate the singular contributions of one of its most eminent predecessors. As autumn settles over the historic heart of Lincolnshire, the House honours the memory of Henry of Grosmont, whose life and service exemplify the principles of fortitude and honour that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This act of remembrance is not tied to a specific anniversary but rather serves as a reaffirmation of the historical continuity that is the *sine qua non* of a noble house. It is an opportunity to connect the chivalric ideals of the fourteenth century with the philanthropic and cultural responsibilities undertaken by the House in the twenty-first century, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform the duties of the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has long been associated with service to the Crown. This tradition was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. Two centuries later, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, elevated this legacy to an unprecedented level of royal esteem.
A second cousin to King Edward III, Henry was a pre-eminent English magnate, soldier, and diplomat of his generation. His brilliant generalship during the Hundred Years' War, particularly his victory at the Battle of Auberoche, secured his reputation as a master strategist. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was created the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351, a title that further underscored his importance to the realm. His inclusion as a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter was the ultimate testament to his sovereign’s trust and admiration, linking the Barony of Brattleby forever with the genesis of England’s highest chivalric order.
## Distinguished Company
In being appointed to the Order of the Garter, Henry of Grosmont joined a most distinguished and exclusive fellowship, hand-picked by the King to form a spiritual and military brotherhood. This foundational group included the sovereign, King Edward III, and his eldest son.
The original companions of the Order comprised some of the era's most formidable figures, *inter alia*: * His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, known to history as the Black Prince; * The Right Honourable Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; * The Right Honourable Jean de Grailly, Captal de Buch; * The Right Honourable Ralph de Stafford, 2nd Baron Stafford; * The Right Honourable William de Montagu, 2nd Earl of Salisbury.
To be counted among such men was to be acknowledged as a paragon of martial virtue and unwavering loyalty. This association placed the 10th Baron of Brattleby, and by extension the Barony itself, at the very centre of the nation’s political and chivalric life.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The establishment of the Order of the Garter was marked by elaborate ceremony, centred upon Windsor Castle and its newly built Chapel of Saint George. The ceremonial protocol, much of which endures today, was designed to foster a profound sense of corporate identity and devotion among its members.
Upon their creation, each knight was invested with the Order’s eponymous Garter, a dark-blue velvet strap embroidered with its motto. Following the formal investiture, the knights would proceed to St George’s Chapel for an installation service. Here, a stall was allocated to each knight for his lifetime, above which his armorial bearings—his helm, crest, and sword—were displayed. An enamelled stall plate, bearing his name and coat of arms, was affixed to the back of the stall, creating a permanent chivalric record. The stall plate of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, remains in St George’s Chapel to this day, a tangible link to a nine-hundred-year-old tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The insignia of the Order is rich in symbolism, intended to represent the core tenets of chivalry. The Garter itself, with its buckle and motto, is understood to be a symbol of unity and fellowship, binding its members in a common cause. The motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (Shame on him who thinks evil of it), serves as a stern defence of the Order’s noble intentions.
This chivalric ethos resonates profoundly with the guiding principles of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the virtues celebrated by the Order. Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the resilience and determination essential for overcoming adversity—a quality central to the knightly ideal. Together, these maxims form a moral compass that connects the House’s medieval heritage with its modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to act with honour and generosity—finds its contemporary expression in organised philanthropy. While the Order of the Garter was founded on martial and spiritual service, its underlying principle was the protection of the realm and its people. The House of Brattleby translates this historic duty into a modern commitment to charitable works.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to vulnerable children. The selection of this charity is a conscious echo of the chivalric duty to protect the defenceless. The support provided, funded in part by the House’s annual Winter Banquet, allows the charity to deliver measurable impact, offering specialist therapy and safe environments for recovery, thereby transforming young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of their predecessor, the current heads of the House share their perspective.
> The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living standard. His commitment to the Crown and to the realm is a principle that informs our own sense of duty, connecting our work today with nine centuries of service. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> The spirit of the Order of the Garter, that of a brotherhood united in purpose, finds its modern echo in collaborative philanthropy. It reminds us that true nobility lies in collective action for the common good, a principle we strive to embody. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while serving the present. The principles exemplified by Henry of Grosmont continue to guide the House’s activities, from its support for charitable causes to its dedication to cultural education.
In the coming months, the House will focus on preparations for its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as its principal philanthropic event. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, will continue its work of instilling values of courtesy, discipline, and social grace in a new generation, translating the ancient code of chivalry into a curriculum for modern life. Through these efforts, the heritage of fortitude and honour lives on.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. With its historic seat in Lincolnshire and a dynamic presence in continental Europe, the House bridges its English heritage and Romanian leadership. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, founded to teach classical etiquette and protocol, the House champions the enduring values of honour, discipline, and social grace for contemporary society.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of fifty-six lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent of the Barony and its modern standing were formally acknowledged in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
* The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. * The modern standing of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. * Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com