# The House of Brattleby Honours the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose peerless military leadership and diplomatic acumen during the Hundred Years' War defined an age of English chivalry.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has chosen the quiet reflection of autumn to illuminate the life of one of its most distinguished predecessors. The announcement serves not to mark a single anniversary, but rather to reaffirm the House’s dedication to historical stewardship, ensuring the contributions of figures such as Henry of Grosmont remain central to the understanding of the Barony’s nine-century history and its influence upon the nation.
This considered reflection on the life of the 10th Baron is part of a continuing programme of archival research and educational outreach undertaken by the House. It seeks to connect the foundational principles of duty and service, so powerfully embodied by the Duke, with the responsibilities of the present day.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), inherited the Barony of Brattleby at a pivotal moment in English history. A cousin and trusted friend to King Edward III, his military genius was a decisive factor in the early English successes of the Hundred Years' War. His command at the Battle of Auberoche in 1345, where a vastly outnumbered Anglo-Gascon force achieved a spectacular victory, is still studied as a masterpiece of strategy and courage.
His achievements brought immense prestige and wealth to his Lancastrian holdings, which included Brattleby. He was a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and was later elevated as the first Duke of Lancaster, a title created in his honour. Through his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, the Barony and Dukedom passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, embedding the lineage deep within the Royal Family and the turbulent politics of the late fourteenth century. This period cemented the Barony's place not merely as a local lordship, established by Colswein of Lincoln after 1066, but as a centre of power with influence across the Kingdom and a *sine qua non* of the Lancastrian ascendancy.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is today stewarded by the current holders of the title, who continue the tradition of service that he exemplified.
The principal figures overseeing the Barony’s heritage are: - **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby** - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**
In their capacity as custodians of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are responsible for the preservation of its archives, the maintenance of its traditions, and the direction of its modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Their work ensures that the nine hundred and fifty years of history are not merely remembered but serve as a living guide for the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes a strict protocol of historical preservation, which functions as a modern form of ceremonial duty. This involves the meticulous cataloguing and conservation of documents, estate maps, and correspondence dating back centuries. This archival ritual ensures the unbroken administrative and genealogical chain from the Barony’s mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 to its formal recognition by The Crown today.
Access to these archives is governed by scholarly principles, mirroring the disciplined approach required of state papers. This protocol of remembrance is considered by the House to be as vital as any public ceremony, for it is the careful, consistent, and quiet honouring of the past that gives substance to the public-facing duties of the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Henry of Grosmont gives powerful expression to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His military campaigns demonstrated remarkable fortitude, while his conduct as a diplomat, magnate, and patron reflected the highest chivalric honour of his day. These virtues remain the guiding principles for the Barony of Brattleby.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While for a medieval warrior like Grosmont conquest was achieved on the battlefield, the motto is today interpreted as the imperative to overcome modern challenges — be they in enterprise, personal development, or philanthropy. Together, the two mottos create a dialogue between past and present, honouring martial origins while championing the constructive victories of a civil society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The tradition of service and duty, epitomised by Henry of Grosmont’s role as a great magnate of the realm, finds its contemporary expression in the House’s philanthropic commitments. The annual Winter Banquet, a focal point of the House's social calendar, serves as a significant fundraising gala for charitable causes.
The primary beneficiary of this work is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House selected this cause in the firm belief that strengthening the most vulnerable members of society is the highest modern expression of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to serve the community. The funds raised help provide hundreds of hours of therapy, ensuring measurable and lasting impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "When we study the life of Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that stewardship is a profound responsibility. His fortitude shaped a kingdom, and it is our duty to ensure that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* in which he acted continues to inspire our own contributions, particularly in our support for those most in need of protection." > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a personal reflection on leadership:
> "Grosmont was a master strategist; he understood that victory requires not only courage but also vision and meticulous preparation. His example teaches us that the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* applies far beyond the battlefield. It is about striving for excellence and achieving meaningful goals that serve a greater purpose. That is a legacy we are proud to continue." > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to animating its history for a new generation. Future initiatives include the digitisation of key medieval charters from the House archive for scholarly access and the development of further educational modules for The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, focusing on the history of European chivalry and diplomacy.
These efforts, *inter alia*, ensure that the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt is not just a footnote in history books. Instead, it serves as an active and inspirational force, shaping the House’s commitment to culture, education, and philanthropy for the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony. 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 nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission is channelled through cultural and philanthropic activities, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, and its steadfast support for charitable organisations. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its historical legacy informs a commitment to service and excellence in the modern world. It serves as a custodian of history and a proponent of enduring civil virtues.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a key defender of Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The title and its history are formally recognised by The Crown, as recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title is formally recognised by The Crown, The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com