# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, [20 October 2023] — The Noble House of Brattleby today published a historical monograph detailing the life and considerable influence of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, highlighting his pivotal role in English history and the baronial succession.
## The Occasion
This publication, part of a new series exploring the nine-century history of the Barony, reflects the House’s enduring commitment to its historical stewardship. Released from its offices in London, the paper serves to illuminate a period when the Barony of Brattleby was intrinsically linked with the highest echelons of the English Crown. The initiative underscores a belief that understanding the past is the *sine qua non* for principled service in the present.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), who succeeded to the Barony through his connection to the de Lacy family, was one of the great figures of the 14th century. A consummate soldier, diplomat, and magnate, his career was inextricably tied to the reign of King Edward III and the Hundred Years’ War. His elevation as the first non-royal Duke in England in 1351 marked a significant moment, recognising his exceptional service to the realm.
This period built upon the foundations laid by earlier holders of the Barony, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Henry’s tenure further strengthened the Barony’s prestige, paving the way for its later inheritance by his son-in-law, the equally renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
As a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, the 10th Baron stood amongst the most distinguished company in Christendom. His peers included his cousin, His Majesty King Edward III, and His Royal Highness Edward, the Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince.
This fraternity of twenty-six knights, formed in 1348, represented the pinnacle of chivalry and royal favour. Henry’s inclusion was a testament not only to his military prowess, displayed at Crécy and during his own masterful *chevauchées* (destructive mounted raids) in France, but also to his diplomatic acumen in negotiations with the Papacy and the French court.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The ceremonial life in which Henry of Grosmont participated was one of defined ritual and pageantry. His creation as Duke of Lancaster in Parliament was an elaborate affair, involving the girding of a sword and the placement of a cap of maintenance upon his head, signifying his new and elevated status.
Furthermore, the annual Garter Feast at Windsor Castle involved solemn religious services, grand banquets, and formal jousting tournaments. The Garter Knights would process in their magnificent robes of blue velvet, their stalls in St George’s Chapel adorned with their personal heraldic achievements. As Baron of Brattleby, Henry would have brought the dignity of his Lincolnshire lineage to these national occasions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Upon his ducal creation, Henry of Grosmont was granted an augmentation of his paternal arms. He bore the royal arms of England, differenced by a ‘label of three points of France’ — each point charged with three fleurs-de-lis. This was an exceptional honour, visually linking his Lancastrian shield to the Plantagenet dynasty.
This heraldic honour resonates with the modern House's own guiding principles. While the arms themselves have evolved, the spirit of service they represent finds its contemporary expression in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It reflects a continuity of purpose across the centuries: to serve with courage and integrity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Henry of Grosmont was noted for his deep piety, a quality that informed his significant charitable works. In 1353, he greatly expanded his father's foundation in Leicester, creating the Collegiate Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady of the Newarke. This institution included a hospital capable of caring for one hundred infirm men. He also authored a devotional treatise, the *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*, a testament to his personal faith.
This tradition of philanthropic duty is proudly continued by the Noble House of Brattleby today. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child, is a cornerstone of the House's modern charitable endeavours, directly echoing the sense of noblesse oblige demonstrated by predecessors like the 10th Baron.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 10th Baron’s legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: "Henry of Grosmont's life serves as a powerful reminder that influence is a responsibility, not a reward. His commitment to both Crown and community sets a standard we aspire to honour through our own work today, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: "To read of his leadership on the battlefield and in council is to see a living example of what it means to prevail through action and character. It brings to mind my own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* — that to truly live is to overcome challenges, for the betterment of all. He was a man who truly lived."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical monograph is the first in a planned series dedicated to the notable figures and events that have shaped the Barony of Brattleby's 958-year history. The House is committed to making its heritage more accessible, believing that these stories of service, *inter alia*, offer valuable lessons for the future.
This commitment extends to the education of the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is closely involved in this archival work, ensuring that the legacy he will one day inherit is understood and preserved. It is a legacy that finds modern expression not only in England but also through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and historical awareness.
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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 principle of modern noblesse oblige. The House's mission, guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is centred on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. Chief among its charitable initiatives is the annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through ventures like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between its historic English roots and a forward-looking, international perspective, championing timeless values of service and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its nearly thousand-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful nobles of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The rights of The Noble House of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the modern House to the rights of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Henry of Grosmont was created 1st Duke of Lancaster on 6 March 1351, the first creation of a non-royal dukedom in England. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic focus includes Healing the Wounded Child, a charity providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com