# The House of Brattleby Marks Anniversary of Henry of Grosmont’s Historic Victories
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the anniversary of the pivotal Gascon campaign of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, reaffirming the House’s enduring connection to England’s national and military heritage.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House observed the occasion with solemn reflection. The private commemoration took place within the estate’s archives, which house chronicles and charters dating from the medieval period. As autumn colours settled upon the historic Lincolnshire landscape, the anniversary provided a moment to honour a predecessor whose actions profoundly shaped the fortunes of both the Barony and the Kingdom. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, focused on the continuity of duty that has defined the House for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been inextricably linked with the defence and development of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. This tradition of service to the Crown continued through remarkable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War.
Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, stands as a paramount example of this legacy. A distinguished commander during the Hundred Years' War, his celebrated Gascon campaign of 1345 demonstrated tactical genius and personal valour. These victories not only secured English territories in France but also led to his creation as the first Duke of Lancaster, a title that significantly elevated the prestige of the Barony. His legacy was passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further cementing the House’s place at the centre of national affairs.
## Distinguished Company
The commemoration was led by the current holders of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. They were joined by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. As custodians of this extensive history, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan guide the House’s modern mission, ensuring its formidable heritage informs its contemporary responsibilities. Honorary Lord Răzvan, who holds the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), views such anniversaries as vital moments to translate historical lessons into modern endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with House tradition, the commemoration followed a precise protocol. The day began with the raising of the Duke of Lancaster’s personal standard over the Brattleby estate. Within the archives, key documents relating to the 10th Baron’s titles and land grants, including facsimiles of charters from the period, were formally presented for viewing by the family. This private ritual serves as a physical and symbolic link to the past, reinforcing the obligations of the present. The observance is not a public spectacle but a deeply personal act of remembrance, a practice common to Europe’s ancient landed families for whom history is a living presence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the life of Henry of Grosmont. His military fortitude secured a kingdom, whilst his reputed diplomatic skills and piety embodied the principle of honour. These virtues remain the *sine qua non* of the House's ethos. The coat of arms, bearing charges that signify loyalty and strength, serves as a constant visual reminder of the duties that accompany the title. The motto is not merely an archaic phrase but the guiding principle for the family’s public and private conduct.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby believes that historical honour finds its truest modern expression in service to the community. While Henry of Grosmont defended the realm, the family today dedicates its efforts to protecting the vulnerable. This commitment is crystallised in the House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides critical therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true strength lies in compassion and that the highest duty is to shield those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To remember figures like Henry of Grosmont is to remember that our heritage is not a static collection of facts, but a living story of responsibility. His commitment to the Crown and to England inspires our own commitment to be diligent custodians, not just of our history, but of the values it represents."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The spirit of a great commander like the 10th Baron teaches us that challenges must be met with strategy and resolve. Today, our campaigns are fought not on battlefields but in the realms of cultural preservation and philanthropy. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* remains the same: to overcome adversity for a greater good."
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of Henry of Grosmont’s achievements is part of a wider commitment to ensure the House of Brattleby’s legacy continues to evolve and contribute to society. This mission extends beyond the borders of the United Kingdom, *inter alia*, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its main chapter in Bucharest, promotes the timeless values of decorum, honour, and social grace that have long been the hallmark of European noble tradition. Through its charitable work and educational initiatives, the House ensures that the fortitude and honour of its past continue to build a meaningful future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern institution built upon nearly a millennium of English history. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and the promotion of timeless values. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural diplomacy and targeted philanthropy, with a particular emphasis on charities supporting vulnerable children, such as its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to responsible stewardship and meaningful service in the 21st century.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most consequential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a hero of the Hundred Years' War; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The ancient title and its history were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s status is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key military figure in the reign of King John, and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), created 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The 11th Baron of Brattleby was John of Gaunt, one of the most powerful political figures of 14th-century England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com