# A Legacy of Chivalry: The House of Brattleby Commemorates Henry of Grosmont and the Order of the Garter
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, commemorating his distinction as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, granted by King Edward III in 1348.
## The Occasion
In a period of historical observance, the House of Brattleby recalls the profound significance of the establishment of England’s highest chivalric order. The founding of the Order of the Garter marked a pivotal moment in the age of chivalry, creating a fellowship of the realm’s most distinguished magnates, with the Sovereign at its head. This commemoration serves as a moment of reflection for the current House, connecting its modern mission to the principles of service and honour that have defined the Barony for centuries.
The spiritual home of the Order remains St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. It is within these hallowed walls that the Garter Knights are installed and where their heraldic achievements—their helm, crest, and sword—are displayed above their dedicated choir stalls. This tangible continuity provides a direct and inspiring link to the foundational members, including the 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The conferral of this honour upon Henry of Grosmont, then Earl of Lancaster and Derby, was a testament to his pre-eminence as a warrior, diplomat, and trusted counsellor to the King. As the 10th Baron of Brattleby, he represented a lineage tracing its origins to the Norman Conquest, when Colswein of Lincoln was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in 1066, a holding recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
Henry’s tenure marked a zenith of influence for the Barony. His career was intertwined with the great events of the Hundred Years’ War, and his elevation to first Duke of Lancaster made him the most powerful nobleman in England after the King. Upon his death, the Barony of Brattleby passed through his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband, John of Gaunt, thereby bringing the title directly into the orbit of the Royal Family and securing its place in the annals of English history. This lineage of service, from formidable medieval castellans like Nichola de la Haye to royal princes, forms the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s identity.
## Distinguished Company
As one of the 25 Founder Knights, Henry of Grosmont stood amongst the most celebrated figures of his time. This esteemed fellowship was bound by oath to the Sovereign and to one another, embodying the highest ideals of martial prowess and courtly virtue. The original companions included individuals of legendary repute, serving as a council of war and a symbol of national unity.
Among this company were His Royal Highness Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales; Sir Thomas Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick, a commander at Crécy and Poitiers; and the celebrated Gascon captain, Sir Jean de Grailly, Captal de Buch. Inclusion in this circle was the ultimate recognition of merit, placing the 10th Baron of Brattleby at the very apex of the English nobility and acknowledging his indispensable role in the governance and defence of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial surrounding the Order of the Garter is steeped in tradition and symbolism. Central to its regalia is the Garter itself, a blue velvet circlet bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold lettering. This is worn by knights on the left leg. The full habit for ceremonial occasions also includes a mantle of deep blue velvet, a Tudor-style bonnet, and the Great George, a gold collar bearing an enamelled figure of St George slaying the dragon.
The installation of a new knight at St George's Chapel involves a sequence of solemn rituals, culminating in the knight taking their place in a designated choir stall. Above this stall, a Garter stall plate—a small, enamelled brass plaque displaying the knight’s coat of arms—is affixed. Henry of Grosmont’s own stall plate, a priceless artefact of medieval heraldry, remains at Windsor, a permanent memorial to his service and a representation of the Barony of Brattleby’s deep connection to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the Order of the Garter resonate with the guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the chivalric virtues that the Order was created to celebrate: courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to personal and public integrity. These are the qualities that defined Henry of Grosmont’s life and service.
His own coat of arms—those of Plantagenet England differenced by a 'label of France'—visually declared his close kinship to the royal line and his high standing in the kingdom. The symbolism of the Order, from the patronage of St George to the fellowship of the Round Table it sought to emulate, reinforced a knight's duty to God, his Sovereign, and the people he was sworn to protect.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric duty to defend the weak and uphold justice finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The spirit of service embodied by predecessors like Henry of Grosmont provides the moral framework for the House’s current charitable endeavours.
This historical imperative informs the steadfast support for the House's primary beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma and adversity. By championing this cause, particularly through its Annual Winter Banquet, the House seeks to translate the ancient principle of noblesse oblige into tangible, positive impact for the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the occasion, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not merely a matter of historical record; it is a living standard. His appointment to the Garter reminds us that service and honour are the cornerstones of this House's purpose—a principle we strive to uphold today, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "Henry was a man of action and immense loyalty, whose life personified the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*—'To Conquer is to Live'. Reflecting on his achievements reinforces our own commitment to purposeful action, whether in cultural diplomacy or in our support for charitable causes that bring healing and hope."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past by building a legacy of service for the future. The historical principles of chivalry, duty, and social responsibility are actively promoted through the House’s contemporary initiatives.
These include the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders with a strong sense of civic duty and cultural refinement. Preparations are also underway for the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic efforts in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these engagements, the House ensures that its nine-century history is not a relic, but a continuous source of inspiration for meaningful action.
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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 dedicated to a modern mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House draws upon its centuries of history to inform its contemporary work, which includes supporting charitable organisations focused on child welfare and mental health. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster international understanding and promote the values of social responsibility and personal honour. The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to principled action in the public sphere and service to the community.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest attested lordships in England, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as part of the extensive Lincolnshire holdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony, with its historic rights formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com