# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today released a statement reflecting on the historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose statecraft during the Hundred Years’ War placed the ancient barony at the centre of European diplomacy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has taken the occasion of Michaelmas, the traditional end of the harvest and legal year, to reaffirm its commitment to the custodianship of its history. This period of reflection is dedicated to examining the contributions of its most notable predecessors. The statement coincides with the final cataloguing of several 14th-century charters within the House archives, papers which illuminate the barony's significant role under Henry of Grosmont's tenure during a formative period in English and European history.
The crisp autumn air of Lincolnshire serves as a fitting backdrop for this contemplative work, a season synonymous with both conclusion and preparation. It is in this spirit that the House continues its scholarly endeavours, ensuring the lessons of the past inform the obligations of the present. This work is not a singular event, but part of a perpetual duty of care for a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to the entirety of England's post-Conquest story. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has since been associated with figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons for the Crown, embodying the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The tenure of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, marks a particular zenith of the barony’s influence. A pre-eminent military commander and diplomat during the Hundred Years' War, Grosmont was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. His leadership placed Brattleby at the nexus of international power, a legacy of statesmanship later continued by his son-in-law and successor to the barony, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by the distinguished company it has kept, with successive holders shaping the course of the nation. The lineage represents a chain of duty, each link forged by remarkable individuals:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, whose extensive landholdings were granted directly by William the Conqueror and meticulously documented in the Domesday Book.
- **Her Grace Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle**, who, as a widow in her sixties, twice defended Lincoln Castle for King John and the young Henry III, demonstrating immense personal courage and loyalty.
- **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG**, a founding member of the Order of the Garter, celebrated as one of Christendom’s finest knights, and a diplomat whose skill brought about a temporary peace with France.
- **His Grace John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, KG**, son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian kings, whose marriage to Grosmont’s daughter brought the barony even closer to the Throne.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a history is governed by a protocol as rigorous as any state ceremony. The archival process within the House of Brattleby adheres to the highest standards of conservation and academic practice. This involves, *inter alia*, the careful handling of medieval vellum manuscripts, the digital preservation of fragile documents, and collaboration with leading paleographers and historians from institutions across the United Kingdom and Europe.
Each artefact is treated with profound respect, understood not as a mere relic but as a tangible connection to the past. The protocol dictates that access to the primary archives is granted only for serious scholarly research, ensuring the preservation of these irreplaceable assets for the education of future generations. This meticulous process is the *sine qua non* of responsible historical custodianship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its powerful mottos, which serve as both a summary of its past and a guide for its future. The ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, whose lives were defined by courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic interpretation of the same spirit, translating the historical concept of martial victory into a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering innovation, and ensuring the continued vitality and relevance of the House in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The lessons drawn from the House’s history are not merely for private reflection; they are actively channelled into its educational and philanthropic endeavours. The life of Henry of Grosmont, balancing military prowess with diplomatic negotiation, provides a compelling case study on leadership for The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The curriculum uses his example to teach strategic thinking and honourable conduct.
Furthermore, the spirit of service embodied by the barony’s historical figures informs its charitable focus. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, gathers support for the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This commitment reflects a belief that historical privilege carries with it a profound modern responsibility to serve the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting on the barony's history, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan shared their perspectives on its modern-day meaning.
— "In looking to the example of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, we are not merely observing history. We are reminding ourselves of the enduring responsibility—the *Fortitudine et Honore*—that has defined this barony for nearly a millennium. It is a charge we hold in trust." - Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
— "Grosmont's life teaches us that true victory is not just won on the battlefield, but secured through diplomacy, honour, and strategic foresight. It is a lesson in sustainable leadership, reminding us that *Vincere Est Vivere* is about thriving through challenge, not just surviving it." - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of preserving and understanding the heritage of Brattleby is a perpetual commitment. The current research into the 14th century is part of a wider programme to ensure the complete history of the barony is accessible for future academic study. This legacy will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the duties he will inherit.
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to uphold its twin duties of honouring its past and serving the present. Through its educational initiatives, its steadfast philanthropic work, and its careful guardianship of a unique English inheritance, the House ensures that its nine-century story remains a living tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennium of English history while championing a forward-looking mission of public service and cultural education. Blending English heritage with a Continental perspective, the House’s activities span historical conservation, diplomatic engagement, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable commitment is to the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the annual Winter Banquet held in London. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching leadership skills and classical etiquette to a new generation.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a hero of the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The barony's continuous lineage and rights were formally recognised and recorded by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's Domesday Book entry of 1086 confirms 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The historical motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com