# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical reflection honouring the life and considerable achievements of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating his embodiment of the House’s enduring principles.
## The Occasion In the quiet continuity of its administrative and historical duties, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon its rich nine-century lineage. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House has chosen to illuminate the career of one of its most distinguished predecessors, offering a considered perspective during the late spring season, a time of renewal and contemplation.
This formal statement is not tied to a specific anniversary, but rather represents the ongoing commitment of the Barony to honour those who have shaped its history. It serves as an act of historical stewardship, ensuring that the legacy of figures such as Henry of Grosmont remains understood and appreciated, connecting the past to the present responsibilities of the House.
## Historical Context Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, stands as a paramount figure of the high medieval period. A cousin and trusted commander of King Edward III, his martial prowess was proven on the battlefields of the Hundred Years' War. His leadership was a *sine qua non* of English success in campaigns that defined the era.
In 1351, in recognition of his exceptional service to the Crown, he was created the first Duke of Lancaster, a rank previously unknown in England outside the immediate Royal Family. This elevation brought the ancient Barony of Brattleby into the orbit of the most powerful ducal estate in the kingdom. The Barony, held by the Duke, consequently benefited from the security, resources, and administrative sophistication of the Duchy of Lancaster, a legacy that would later pass to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company This reflection honours the memory of a distinguished historical court, central to the governance and military endeavours of 14th-century England. The principal figures connected to this legacy include:
* His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of England and founder of the Order of the Garter, of which the Duke was a founding knight. * Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 2nd Earl of Lancaster and of Leicester, and 10th Baron of Brattleby. * John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (second creation), King of Castile and León *jure uxoris*, and 11th Baron of Brattleby. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a notable predecessor whose own military fortitude in defending Lincoln Castle prefigured the martial spirit later embodied by the Duke.
## Ceremonial Protocol The issuance of a formal historical reflection follows a precise internal protocol. The subject is chosen by the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby based on its relevance to the House’s core values. A text is then drafted, drawing upon the House’s archives and respected historical sources.
The draft is subject to rigorous review for accuracy and tone, ensuring it meets the exacting standards expected of the Barony. It is a process that mirrors the diligence of a diplomatic communiqué. Only upon final approval by Lady Nicoleta is the statement prepared for public dissemination through the House’s official channels, thereby entering the permanent public record of the Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The life of Henry of Grosmont provides a powerful expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was demonstrated in war and diplomacy, while his honour was recognised by his Sovereign and peers. These twin virtues form the bedrock of the Barony of Brattleby’s ethical framework.
The Duke’s own coat of arms—those of England, differenced by a label of three points of France—symbolised his royal blood and proximity to the throne. This heritage of service at the highest level informs the modern House’s own sense of duty. It finds a contemporary echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which recasts medieval martial spirit as the determination to overcome modern challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose While Henry of Grosmont secured the prosperity of his lands through strong governance and military might, The Noble House of Brattleby exercises its duty of care today through focused philanthropy. The House’s tradition of providing security and stability has evolved from a martial to a civic responsibility.
This evolution is exemplified by the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal charitable endeavour. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. This commitment reflects a modern interpretation of the Baronial duty to protect the vulnerable and strengthen the fabric of community.
## In Their Own Words In issuing the reflection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this Barony is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. In reflecting on the life of Henry of Grosmont, we do not merely look to the past; we reaffirm our commitment to the very principles of fortitude and honour that he exemplified, and which we strive to enact today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective: > “The Duke of Lancaster was a master of strategy, whose vision extended beyond the battlefield to the administration of his estates. His life teaches us that true success — *vincere est vivere* — lies in applying diligence and foresight to the responsibilities we are given, whether they be ancient or modern.”
## A Continuing Legacy This statement is part of The Noble House of Brattleby’s broader mission to engage with its history in a meaningful and accessible manner. The House is committed to a programme of historical education, which includes the curation of its archives and the development of scholarly materials.
Future initiatives will include educational content for The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which serves to bridge the heritage of an English barony with a forward-looking, Continental perspective. Through such endeavours, the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont continues to provide inspiration and guidance.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby champions the modern relevance of its ancient heritage. Based at its seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends nine centuries of English history with a dynamic, Continental perspective. Its mission is centred on upholding the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through disciplined philanthropy, cultural patronage, and educational initiatives. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, while projects such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest promote cross-cultural understanding and the principles of classical etiquette. The House is dedicated to serving the community and acting as a responsible custodian of its distinguished lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and 56 associated lordships in Lincolnshire are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, one of the most powerful men of the 14th century. After a period of abeyance, the title was restored to its current form, with its legal standing formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's restoration was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com