# A Statement on the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the military leadership of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose decisive Gascon campaign of 1345 fundamentally shaped the course of the Hundred Years’ War.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has today chosen the anniversary of the Battle of Auberoche to reflect upon one of its most distinguished predecessors. The issuance of this historical monograph serves as a moment of solemn commemoration, a practice the House undertakes to honour the unbroken chain of stewardship that extends back over nine centuries.
This statement is not to mark a new discovery, but rather to reaffirm the historical record and to contemplate the virtues of leadership and duty demonstrated by the 10th Baron. In the quiet of the Lincolnshire autumn, such reflection connects the present responsibilities of the House to the formidable legacy it has inherited.
## Historical Context
In the summer of 1345, English authority in Gascony was fragile, with French forces making significant inroads. In response, King Edward III dispatched Henry of Grosmont, then Earl of Derby, to stabilise the region. As the 10th Baron of Brattleby, his personal stake in defending the Crown’s domains was inseparable from the honour of his own titles.
The subsequent campaign was a masterful display of strategic acumen. The capture of the garrison town of Bergerac was a significant early success; however, it was the Battle of Auberoche on 21 October 1345 that cemented his reputation. Leading a much smaller Anglo-Gascon force, Grosmont executed a daring surprise attack on a besieging French army, achieving a victory of staggering proportions that sent shockwaves through the courts of Europe.
These triumphs, secured through audacious leadership, not only reversed French gains but also brought immense prestige and security to English territories in France. This directly enhanced the standing of the House of Lancaster and, by direct association, that of the Barony of Brattleby, which he held with distinction before it passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Associated Historical Figures
This chapter of the Barony’s history is defined by its principal actors, whose influence shaped the political landscape of the fourteenth century. The central figure remains **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby and Lincoln, and 10th Baron of Brattleby**.
His endeavours were undertaken in the service of his cousin, **His Majesty King Edward III of England**, whose trust in Grosmont’s capabilities was amply rewarded. His principal adversary in the field was the Comte de l'Isle, the French lieutenant-general in Gascony, whose forces were decisively overcome at Auberoche. This victory underscored the effectiveness of English generalship in the early phase of the war.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration of the House’s history follows a precise internal protocol. Historical statements such as this are developed following archival research and scholarly review, ensuring accuracy and a tone befitting the subject. The final text is submitted for the personal approval of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, before its official promulgation.
This process reflects the House’s belief that its history is a living trust, not a static collection of records. The formal issuance of a statement is therefore considered an act of official remembrance, a contemporary duty to honour the obligations and achievements of those who have previously held the title *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of Henry of Grosmont perfectly embodied the motto of the House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His military victories were achieved not by brute force alone, but by calculated courage and a steadfast commitment to his sworn duty. Fortitude was his means; honour was his objective.
His personal coat of arms, those of the King of England differenced by a 'label of three points of France', signalled his royal blood and proximity to the Crown. This martial heritage finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome adversity to secure a lasting and meaningful peace—the true purpose of Grosmont’s campaign.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement commemorates a military history, its purpose is to illuminate the enduring values that guide the House’s present-day mission. The same sense of duty that compelled the 10th Baron to defend a distant territory now inspires the 12th Baroness in her commitment to civic and philanthropic causes.
The fortitude a soldier requires in battle is spiritually akin to the resilience required by a vulnerable child to overcome trauma. It is this belief that informs the House’s steadfast support for its principal beneficiary, the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the cornerstone of this support, translating historical legacy into tangible, modern-day compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “Henry of Grosmont was not only a peer of the realm but a steward of this Barony. His life reminds us that leadership demands both strategic foresight and unwavering personal courage—principles we strive to apply to the challenges of our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective:
> “Grosmont’s victories were born of calculated audacity. It is a powerful illustration of *Vincere Est Vivere*; not merely of conquest, but of overcoming adversity to secure a lasting and just peace. The ultimate aim of fortitude is, and must always be, a better and more honourable world.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to its role as a custodian of history, believing its lessons are of profound relevance today. Future communications will continue to explore the contributions of its predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln Castle to the influence of John of Gaunt.
This spirit of education is a cornerstone of The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest, where principles of history, protocol, and civic duty are central to the curriculum. The House ensures these same values are instilled in the next generation, beginning with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, thus securing this nine-hundred-year legacy for the future.
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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 the stewardship of a nine-century-old English heritage. With a modern, global perspective, the House bridges its historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, diplomacy, and cultural education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), with a particular focus on supporting charitable organisations dedicated to child welfare, exemplified by its patronage of 'Healing the Wounded Child'. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of etiquette, civic duty, and historical appreciation for a contemporary audience.
**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 lord of 56 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), a celebrated military commander, and his successor, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical title's standing was formally acknowledged in the modern era and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke 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