# A Legacy of Statesmanship: The Barony of Brattleby Commemorates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 26 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. This moment of reflection honours his pivotal diplomatic contributions to England in the fourteenth century, which continue to inform the House’s modern ethos.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumn day in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to mark a significant anniversary in its long and storied history. This day is dedicated to the memory of Henry of Grosmont, a predecessor whose life and service exemplify the principles of diplomacy, martial prowess, and noble duty that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
From the family seat in Brattleby, this quiet commemoration is a time for archival reflection and remembrance. It serves as a reminder that the responsibilities of the present are built upon the foundations of the past, connecting the current leadership to a lineage of national significance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of English history since its inception. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title was held by figures of immense consequence. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, a testament to the fortitude embedded in the House’s character. This legacy of statesmanship reached an apex under Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron.
A celebrated commander during the Hundred Years' War, the Duke of Lancaster was also a diplomat of the first order. His instrumental role in negotiating the *Treaty of Brétigny* in 1360 was a *sine qua non* for securing a temporary peace with France, marking a high point for English influence on the Continent. On his death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing its connection to the Royal Family and the future House of Lancaster.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the Noble House of Brattleby is visually encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a guide for each successive generation. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual virtues demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont. It is a commitment to demonstrating courage not only on the field of battle but also in the chambers of diplomacy and the duties of daily life.
These guiding principles are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern call to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in all endeavours, and to live a life of purpose and meaningful contribution. Together, the two mottos bridge the historic and the contemporary, honouring the past while embracing the demands of the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the 10th Baron, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To remember Henry of Grosmont is to understand that leadership has always demanded more than strength; it requires wisdom, diplomacy, and a profound sense of duty to one’s country and its people. His work in the service of the Crown is a standard we continue to honour.” — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the continuity of these values:
> “The stewardship of such a history is a deep responsibility. We look to figures like the Duke of Lancaster not as relics of a distant past, but as enduring examples of how to navigate complex challenges with integrity. Their legacy informs our commitment to service today.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Henry of Grosmont is not merely a historical observance; it is an affirmation of the Noble House of Brattleby’s ongoing mission. This commitment is manifest in a variety of contemporary initiatives, *inter alia*, the careful conservation of the House archives in Lincolnshire and the educational work of The Brattleby Club.
Headquartered in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club serves as an academy of etiquette and protocol, translating the timeless principles of English service and social grace for a modern, international audience. Through its programmes, the House aims to foster a greater appreciation for the traditions that underpin civil discourse and cultural exchange. This work ensures that the legacy of fortitude and honour continues to find new expression and relevance in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy. Its modern mission focuses on preserving its unique heritage while promoting cultural and educational initiatives that align with its historical values of service and honour. The House actively engages in philanthropy through its annual Winter Banquet, which supports child welfare charities, and extends its cultural reach internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By blending ancient duty with contemporary relevance, the House ensures its enduring contributions to society, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual white-tie Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com