# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical commemoration marking the accession of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, as the 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating his pivotal role in English history.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a significant chapter in the Barony’s nine-century history. This reflection on the life and tenure of Henry of Grosmont, who became the 10th Baron, serves to reinforce the unbroken chain of leadership and duty that defines the ancient title.
The statement is released not to mark a specific anniversary, but rather as part of the House’s continuing educational mission. It aims to connect the present stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, with the formidable figures who preceded her. The occasion underscores the principle that the Barony is not merely an inherited title, but a living repository of national history.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361) ascended to the Barony of Brattleby through his inheritance from his grand-niece, Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln. This moment linked Brattleby directly to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court and the martial endeavours of the Hundred Years' War. Hailed as one of the great figures of his age, Henry was a consummate soldier, a skilled diplomat, and a trusted counsellor to King Edward III.
His tenure as Baron followed that of another of the Barony’s remarkable leaders, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle. He, in turn, was succeeded as 11th Baron by his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt. This succession places Brattleby at the very heart of the Lancastrian ascendancy, a *sine qua non* for understanding the political landscape of late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, Henry of Grosmont stood among the most esteemed chivalric figures in Christendom. The original company comprised King Edward III and 25 companion knights, a cadre of military and political leaders chosen to embody the highest ideals of valour, loyalty, and courtly grace.
Among this distinguished fraternity were, *inter alia*, Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick, a commander at both Crécy and Poitiers; and the legendary military strategist Sir John Chandos. To have the 10th Baron of Brattleby in this founding circle elevated the Barony to a sphere of international prestige.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter, which Henry of Grosmont helped to establish, remains the pinnacle of the British honours system, governed by centuries of intricate protocol. Its annual ceremonies at Windsor Castle offer a vivid display of medieval tradition, beginning with the Sovereign’s luncheon and culminating in a service at St George’s Chapel.
The Knights Companion process in magnificent vestments, including a dark blue velvet mantle emblazoned with the shield of St George, a black velvet hat with a plume of white ostrich feathers, and the Garter itself—a buckled strap worn on the left leg, inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'). The installation of a new knight involves solemn oaths and the conferring of these historic regalia, a ritual that has changed little since the 14th century.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The tenure of the 10th Baron brought the heraldry of the House of Lancaster into close association with Brattleby. Henry of Grosmont’s coat of arms was that of the kingdom of England, distinguished by a *label of three points azure, each point charged with three fleurs-de-lis or*. This label, a blanched-out version of the French royal arms, symbolised his close connection to the Plantagenet dynasty and its continental claims.
This rich heraldic tradition is honoured by the modern House of Brattleby, whose own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), echoes the chivalric virtues championed by Henry. The motto encapsulates the enduring commitment to resilience and integrity that has guided the Barony’s holders for over 950 years, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Henry of Grosmont was not only a warrior and statesman but also a man of profound piety, known for his charitable works. His most significant act of philanthropy was the foundation and endowment of the Newarke Hospital and College of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Leicester, an institution dedicated to caring for the poor and infirm.
This historical precedent of noblesse oblige informs the modern philanthropic philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby. The current Lord and Lady Brattleby have continued this tradition of service through their patronage, most notably via the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the House’s principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this Barony is to be a custodian of narratives woven through English history. The life of Henry of Grosmont serves as a powerful reminder that leadership must be active and purposeful. His commitment to crown, country, and community sets a standard we continue to honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the translation of historical values into modern action: > “Henry of Grosmont was a man of immense capability, whose influence was felt on the battlefield and in the council chamber. His life exemplifies that true victory—the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*—lies not in conquest alone, but in building a legacy of substance and service that endures.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains dedicated to preserving and promoting its unique heritage while undertaking a modern mission of cultural and social engagement. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of the Barony is a primary focus for Lord and Lady Brattleby.
This forward-looking vision is also embodied by The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The Club translates the timeless principles of decorum and social responsibility, once codified in the chivalric orders of Henry of Grosmont’s era, into practical skills for contemporary leaders. Through such initiatives, the House ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to find new expression.
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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 actively supports charitable causes, most notably its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, through its annual philanthropic activities. It also promotes education in classical etiquette and international protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to honouring its profound history while contributing constructively to contemporary society, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is the son of the 12th Baroness, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a 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. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern rights are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), central figures in the House of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com