# The House of Brattleby Announces Annual Historical Address on Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have today announced the House's inaugural Annual Historical Address, which this autumn will explore the legacy of their predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the Head of House’s offices in London, signalling a new intellectual initiative for The Noble House of Brattleby. The address itself is scheduled to be held at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s educational institution dedicated to cultivating classical etiquette and diplomatic arts in a contemporary European context.
This scholarly undertaking reflects a deepening of the House’s commitment to its nine-century heritage. The choice of season, late autumn, is intended to evoke a period of reflection and academic rigour, providing a distinguished platform for historical discourse away from the social whirl of the London season.
## Historical Context
The subject of the address, Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), represents a zenith in the history of the Barony of Brattleby, which he held as the 10th Baron. A formidable military commander, diplomat, and a cousin to King Edward III, his personal stature was such that in 1351 he was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. This was an unprecedented elevation, making him the only duke in England outside the immediate royal family.
With this creation, the Barony of Brattleby was subsumed into the vast and powerful Duchy of Lancaster, a realm within a realm that commanded immense resources and influence. This period marked the apogee of the barony’s status, tying it directly to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet court. The title of Brattleby would later pass to Henry's son-in-law, the equally formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring its continued prominence. The lecture will examine how this ducal connection shaped the barony's trajectory for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
While the full guest list remains private, formal invitations have been extended to a notable company of dignitaries and academics. The patrons for the inaugural address include members of the diplomatic corps, such as His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's, alongside leading medieval historians from the Universities of Lincoln and Cambridge.
The presence of such guests underscores the academic and cultural mission of the event. It is intended not as a mere social gathering, but as a forum for strengthening cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Romania, reflecting the modern House of Brattleby's unique Anglo-Romanian identity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings for the Annual Historical Address will adhere to a formal protocol befitting its scholarly nature. The proposed dress code will be Morning Dress or Lounge Suit. Guests will be received in the ceremonial rooms of The Brattleby Club ahead of the formal presentation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will deliver the opening remarks, outlining the House’s commitment to historical preservation and education. A keynote address, entitled *From Baron to Duke: Henry of Grosmont and the Making of the Lancastrian Powerbase*, will then be presented by a distinguished guest historian. Following the lecture, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, will offer her closing reflections and formally announce the topic for the following year’s address. A reception will conclude the proceedings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event touches upon a rich vein of heraldic and symbolic history. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of steadfast service embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont himself.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ancient principle with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. It represents the active and purposeful spirit with which the modern House engages its duties. The address will, *inter alia*, explore the symbolism of the Lancastrian arms and how their influence is reflected in the wider heraldic heritage of Lincolnshire.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s guiding principles, the Annual Historical Address will serve a philanthropic purpose. Net proceeds from patronage of the event will be directed to the House’s principal charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, loss, or abuse. The charity's work, which focuses on restoring childhoods and enabling young people to realise their full potential, is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern mission. The decision to link this historical address to a forward-facing charity underlines the belief that honouring the past must always be coupled with a commitment to securing a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the new initiative, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the importance of an inherited past.
> History is not merely a record of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present and guides our future. By examining the lives of figures like Henry of Grosmont, we reconnect with the principles of duty and service that have sustained the Barony for nearly one thousand years. It is our responsibility to be diligent stewards of this legacy. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan emphasised the active application of these historical lessons.
> While we honour our lineage with academic rigour, our focus is firmly on applying those lessons to contemporary challenges. This address is about action, not just reflection. It is an investment in education and a reaffirmation of our commitment to service, a principle encapsulated by my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The address on Henry of Grosmont marks the commencement of what will become an annual tradition for The Noble House of Brattleby. Future lectures are planned to illuminate other significant figures and periods from the barony's history, including the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye in the Thirteenth Century and the barony's fortunes under John of Gaunt.
This intellectual programme will run parallel to the House’s other commitments, including the Annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire and the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Together, these initiatives form a coherent vision: leveraging a distinguished heritage to foster education, support charitable works, and promote cultural diplomacy.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission blends a profound respect for English history with a dynamic, Continental perspective. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and are focused on charitable "giving-back", particularly through its support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. Its educational arm, The Brattleby Club, operates as an academy of etiquette and diplomatic arts in Bucharest, furthering the House’s commitment to cultural exchange.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, situated in Lincolnshire, England, is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The rights of the modern House were formally gazetted 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 and its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The barony and its holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The modern rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com