# A Statement on the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection on the life and significant legacy of Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating his enduring influence upon the baronial lineage and English history.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, a season traditionally given to reflection and the study of history, the House of Brattleby turns its attention to one of its most distinguished predecessors. This statement serves to commemorate the profound impact of Henry of Grosmont, whose life exemplified the baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
The reflection is shared not merely as a historical record but as an educational endeavour, forming a part of a wider series of historical commentaries that will be made available through the House’s cultural institution, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This initiative seeks to bridge the Barony's ancient English roots with its contemporary Anglo-Continental perspective, underscoring the timeless relevance of duty and chivalric values.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's lineage is woven deep into the fabric of the nation, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with the granting of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, by William the Conqueror. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical consequence. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds.
Henry of Grosmont’s assumption of the title as 10th Baron, by his inheritance from Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln, marked a zenith of influence for the Barony. His career as a soldier, diplomat, and statesman placed Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet court. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, the equally famous John of Gaunt, making him the 11th Baron and ensuring the Barony's continued connection to the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon the era of the 10th Baron, one recalls a distinguished company central to the fourteenth-century European stage. The narrative of Henry of Grosmont is inseparable from that of his sovereign, His Majesty King Edward III, under whose reign he flourished as a trusted commander and counsellor.
As a founding Knight, his a-fame is inextricably linked to that of the original fellowship of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This included, *inter alia*, Sir John Chandos, Sir James Audley, and Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales — men who represented the apogee of chivalry and martial prowess, and whose collective reputation shaped the knightly ideals of Christendom for generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The reflection on Henry of Grosmont’s life invariably evokes the solemn and elaborate ceremonial protocol of the Order of the Garter, which he helped to establish in 1348. The investiture of a Knight Companion has remained a cornerstone of royal ceremony, governed by meticulous and ancient traditions at Windsor Castle.
The protocol dictates that new knights are invested in the Throne Room, where the Sovereign personally bestows the Garter, a blue velvet circlet bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense*. This is followed by a grand installation service in St. George’s Chapel, where knights process in their magnificent vesture: a dark blue velvet mantle, a crimson velvet hood and surcoat, and a black velvet hat adorned with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers. This dignified pageantry, a *sine qua non* of the British monarchy, originated with the 10th Baron and his companions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby's coat of arms and its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, encapsulate the values demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont. ‘With Fortitude and Honour’ speaks to the courage in battle and integrity in diplomacy that defined his career and brought such distinction to the Barony. His life was a testament to these guiding principles.
This tradition of meaningful mottos continues with Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It reflects a modern interpretation of the ambition and purpose embodied by his predecessors, translating martial conquest into the contemporary pursuit of cultural and philanthropic victories. The blue garter of the eponymous Order, meanwhile, remains one of the most recognised symbols of chivalric honour in the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in its focus, the ethos of service exemplified by Henry of Grosmont finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of the House. The sense of duty that once manifested on the battlefield is today directed towards healing and social upliftment. This commitment is the guiding principle of the House’s charitable activities.
The primary beneficiary of the House's support is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in Lincolnshire, is the principal vehicle for this fundraising. In choosing this cause, the House honours the most vulnerable, believing that true nobility lies in the protection and care of others.
## In Their Own Words
In issuing the reflection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the weight of this inheritance: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. In figures like Henry of Grosmont, we find not just a predecessor, but a standard-bearer for the principles of honour and duty that must guide us today. It is our responsibility to ensure this legacy continues to inspire service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a European perspective: > “Henry of Grosmont was not merely an English nobleman; he was a European figure whose military and diplomatic work spanned the Continent. His life reminds us that influence is earned through action. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling that same drive towards building cultural bridges and supporting those in need, a victory for the human spirit.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This statement on Henry of Grosmont is the first in a series of historical reflections The Noble House of Brattleby will publish, aiming to illuminate the rich history of the Barony and its holders. Future commentaries will explore the lives of other key figures, including the staunch defender Nichola de la Haye and the powerful John of Gaunt.
These publications, distributed through The Brattleby Club and other channels, form part of the House’s long-term commitment to education and cultural preservation. They exist alongside the House’s active philanthropic work, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not only remembered but actively practised, as preparations begin for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. With a distinctly Anglo-Continental character, the House is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy through a contemporary mission of service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities, *inter alia* Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest which fosters cross-European dialogue. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has passed through some of the most influential families in English history. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The title's succession and the standing of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern standing was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 10th Baron of Brattleby was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (1348). - The 11th Baron of Brattleby was John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com