# The House of Brattleby Commemorates Fourteenth-Century Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, yesterday hosted a historical symposium in Lincoln, celebrating the life and enduring influence of Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, and underscoring the House’s commitment to its educational and heritage responsibilities.
## The Occasion
The inaugural Brattleby Historical Symposium was held within the elegant environs of The Collection Museum in Lincoln. Situated in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter and a short distance from the formidable Lincoln Castle, the venue provided a fitting backdrop for an afternoon of historical reflection. The event, timed to coincide with the vivid colours of autumn in Lincolnshire, fostered an atmosphere of scholarly inquiry and distinguished fellowship.
Attendees gathered in the museum’s main auditorium, where the proceedings were conducted with quiet formality. The symposium aimed not merely to recount history, but to explore the tangible connections between the medieval principles of chivalry and the modern duties of stewardship upheld by The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The focus of the symposium, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, remains one of the most significant figures in the Barony’s nine-century history. A founder of the Order of the Garter in 1348, his name inextricably links the Barony to the zenith of English chivalry under King Edward III. His leadership during the Hundred Years' War exemplifies the martial prowess and diplomatic skill long associated with the House.
This legacy of service is a continuous thread woven throughout the history of the Barony, which was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. From Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to the steadfast Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle on behalf of the Crown, the lineage is one of profound national consequence. The tenure of John of Gaunt as the 11th Baron further cemented Brattleby’s place at the centre of royal and political life.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance at the symposium were figures from the diplomatic, academic, and civic spheres. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, received guests upon their arrival.
Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania, Mr Andrei Constantinescu, and Mrs Constantinescu; Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, who delivered the keynote address; The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Margaret Thompson; and members of The Brattleby Club of Bucharest on a cultural visit to the United Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a formal but welcoming protocol. The event commenced with a formal welcome from Lady Nicoleta, who outlined the purpose of the symposium and introduced the keynote speaker. The dress code was Lounge Suit, reflecting the serious academic purpose of the gathering.
Professor Dame Eleanor’s hour-long address on ‘Henry of Grosmont: Piety, Chivalry, and the Model Baron’ was followed by a moderated panel discussion and questions from the registered guests. Honorary Lord Răzvan concluded the afternoon with remarks on the House’s future educational commitments, before hosting a modest reception where guests could continue their discussions. The order of proceedings was designed to ensure intellectual rigour remained the day’s *sine qua non*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event's theme resonated deeply with the House’s guiding principles, encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed reflects the chivalric virtues championed by predecessors like Henry of Grosmont. It serves as a constant reminder of the endurance and integrity expected of the title-holder.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements this tradition. It speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to ensure the House and its philanthropic endeavours flourish in the twenty-first century, a modern interpretation of the resolve shown by his wife's ancestors on the battlefield and in the council chamber.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House's primary philanthropic focus remains the annual white-tie Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, this symposium serves a different but equally important purpose. It marked the public launch of a new educational initiative, The Brattleby Historical Lectures.
This programme is a core component of the House’s commitment to making its unique heritage accessible to the public. By sponsoring scholarly events, the House aims to foster a deeper understanding of English history and promote the conservation of the historical record for future generations. The initiative is run on a non-profit basis, with all activities funded directly by the House.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day, Lady Nicoleta remarked: — "History is not a static record; it is a living dialogue between the past and present. In exploring the life of Henry of Grosmont, we reconnect with the principles of service and honour that continue to guide us today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective on the House's modern role: — "Our duty is to act as conscientious stewards of this remarkable nine-hundred-year inheritance. Initiatives like this symposium ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not merely preserved in archives, but actively shared and understood by a new generation."
## A Continuing Legacy
The symposium on Henry of Grosmont is the first in what will become an annual historical lecture series hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment reinforces the family's dedication to its role as custodians of heritage and promoters of education.
Future events will explore other key figures and periods in the Barony’s history, *inter alia*, the administrative prowess of Nichola de la Haye in the thirteenth century and the vast political influence of John of Gaunt. Through this work, the House seeks to honour its past by investing in the knowledge of the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nine-hundred-year heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of historical legacy, the promotion of education through cultural initiatives, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s philanthropic endeavours include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and the operation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and prepares a new generation for global engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The unbroken lineage of the Barony and the rights of its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, are formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors holding the title of Baron of Brattleby include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The family's philanthropic activities include an annual white-tie gala for the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com