# The Enduring Legacy of Chivalry: The Noble House of Brattleby Honours Henry of Grosmont, Tenth Baron
LONDON, 6 March 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical legacy of its predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, Tenth Baron of Brattleby, on the anniversary of his creation as England’s first Duke of Lancaster in 1351.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet scholarly reflection from its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this anniversary to commemorate the life and service of Henry of Grosmont. As winter cedes to the promise of an English spring, such moments provide an opportunity to consider the continuity of history which underpins the Barony. The occasion is not one of public ceremony but of private duty; a thoughtful acknowledgement of the figures who shaped the lineage that Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family now steward.
This act of remembrance connects the present day directly to the high medieval period, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its nine-century heritage. It is an occasion for archival research and scholarly appreciation, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the responsibilities of the present. The focus lies on Grosmont’s exemplary career as a soldier, diplomat, and statesman, whose life was a testament to the House's own motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with rare clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the First Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, following the grant by William the Conqueror in 1066. This foundational act established a lineage intertwined with the very fabric of the English nation. Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance.
Among the most notable of these was Nichola de la Haye, Fifth Baroness, a formidable leader who, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, staunchly defended it against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude secured a vital royalist stronghold. Two centuries later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, Tenth Baron, who remains one of its most distinguished holders. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, his renown as a founder knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348 cemented the Barony’s place within the highest echelons of the kingdom. Following Grosmont, the Barony was held by his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, Eleventh Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inseparable from its association with the Crown and the great offices of state. Its history features a remarkable cohort of an international and sovereign character, including:
- His Majesty William I, The Conqueror, King of England, who granted the Barony in 1066. - His Majesty Edward III, King of England, who relied upon Henry of Grosmont as a chief military commander and diplomat, and who established the Order of the Garter with Grosmont as a founding member. - His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Eleventh Baron of Brattleby, whose tenure saw the Barony linked to the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
This proximity to the monarchy and to the leading figures of European history has been a *sine qua non* of the Barony's influence and endurance across nearly a millennium.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The honour bestowed upon Henry of Grosmont as a founder knight of the Order of the Garter carries with it a rich ceremonial tradition that continues to this day. The Order’s spiritual home is Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where each knight is assigned a stall, upon which his heraldic banner, helm, and crest are displayed. The Garter itself, a dark blue velvet riband bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’) in gold lettering, is the central emblem.
The protocols of the Order dictate that its membership is strictly limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 companion knights. The annual Garter Day procession at Windsor remains one of the most colourful and significant ceremonies in the royal calendar. For a Baron of Brattleby to be present at the Order’s inception illustrates the status and trust vested in the role during a defining period of English chivalry.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), directly reflects the virtues demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln and Henry of Grosmont on the battlefields of France. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This principle underscores a dynamic philosophy of active achievement and personal excellence, interpreting the historical imperative of the Barony for a modern, global context. Together, the two mottos symbolise a commitment to honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The tradition of service, so elegantly exemplified by the public duties of Henry of Grosmont, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic endeavours of the House of Brattleby. The sense of duty to one’s community and country is a principle that has been carried forward through the centuries and remains a cornerstone of the family’s mission today.
This commitment is most visible in the House’s flagship charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is held in support of a designated beneficiary, currently Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and profound loss. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that the most fundamental duty of a strong society is the protection and nurturing of its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “When we consider figures such as Henry of Grosmont, or indeed Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that the Barony’s history is not a static collection of facts. It is a living inheritance of duty, fortitude, and service. Our task today is to translate that legacy into meaningful action that serves our community.” > — LADY NICOLETA VASILE
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile further commented on the educational aspect of this chivalric heritage:
> “The ideals of the Order of the Garter—discipline, honour, and the pursuit of excellence—are timeless. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we seek to instil these very same values, providing the next generation with the tools for personal and professional success. It is the modern embodiment of *Vincere Est Vivere*.” > — Honorary LORD RĂZVAN VASILE
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and active stewardship of its unique heritage. This includes ongoing archival projects to digitise historical records related to the Barony and plans to publish further scholarly works that illuminate its place in English history for a wider audience. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, into the responsibilities he will one day inherit is a central priority for the family.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to use its platform to support causes that align with its historical ethos of service. The forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet represents the next chapter in this philanthropic mission, continuing a tradition of giving that connects the patrons of the 21st century to the duties of their predecessors nearly one thousand years ago. Through such work, the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues with undiminished relevance.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on education, heritage conservation, and support for charitable organisations dedicated to child welfare. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club (Bucharest) and its annual philanthropic events, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy of service into tangible, positive impact in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures central to the nation’s development, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted descent and historical importance of the Barony were formally noted by The Crown, with its recognition published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1351 and was a founding member of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness (by right of her mother), served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and defended it for King John during the First Barons' War (1215–17). - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held extensive lands in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com