# The House of Brattleby Announces New Historical Findings on Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the conclusions of new archival research, highlighting the pivotal role of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, in elevating the lineage's strategic importance during the Hundred Years' War.
## The Occasion The announcement was made from the Garter Room at the family's Lincolnshire seat, a space rich with the history it serves to commemorate. Following a year-long research commission supported by the House, the findings were formally presented to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The occasion marks a renewed focus on the academic stewardship of the Barony's extensive archives, which contain records spanning much of England’s post-Conquest history. This scholarly initiative seeks to illuminate the contributions of key figures within the nine-century lineage for both academic reference and public education.
The timing of the announcement coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Auberoche, one of Henry of Grosmont’s most notable victories. The presentation of the research monograph, bound in Lancastrian blue, represented a tangible link between the House’s historic past and its contemporary commitment to preserving and understanding that inheritance. The atmosphere was one of quiet scholasticism, befitting the gravity of a history intrinsically woven into the fabric of the nation.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has borne witness to the evolution of the English state. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This foundation of significant landholding and regional power set a precedent for the active role his successors would play in national affairs. Figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217, securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
It was Henry of Grosmont, however, who dramatically expanded the Barony’s influence on the European stage. As the 10th Baron, his military genius and diplomatic skill during the Hundred Years' War were unparalleled. His leadership not only secured crucial English victories, *inter alia*, at the Battle of Auberoche in 1345, but also brought immense prestige and resource to his Lancastrian holdings, including Brattleby. Following his death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring its continued prominence at the heart of royal power.
## Distinguished Company The research findings were collated and presented by a small, distinguished group of scholars and archivists whose expertise was instrumental to the project's success. The academic team was led by Dr Alistair Finch, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society specialising in the Angevin and Plantagenet eras. He was supported by Mrs Eleanor Davenport, Chief Archivist to the House of Brattleby, whose intimate knowledge of the family's private records proved a *sine qua non* for the study. Also contributing to the peer-review process were scholars from the University of Lincoln, ensuring the findings meet rigorous academic standards before their wider publication.
## Ceremonial Protocol The presentation itself followed a formal but scholarly protocol. Dr Finch provided a concise oral summary of the research monograph, outlining how Henry of Grosmont leveraged his position as Baron of Brattleby to build a formidable military affinity. He detailed the logistical and financial records demonstrating how revenues from the Lincolnshire estates directly funded aspects of the French campaigns. Following the summary, Mrs Davenport displayed several conserved vellum documents, including estate accounts from the 1340s, for inspection by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan.
The proceedings concluded with the formal acceptance of the monograph by the Baroness on behalf of the House. This act signified not merely the conclusion of the research project but the official integration of its findings into the authorised history of the Barony. The event was conducted privately, reflecting its nature as an internal, academic milestone preceding a planned public announcement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The life of Henry of Grosmont serves as a powerful embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude on the battlefield and the honour with which he conducted himself in diplomacy and at court are a cornerstone of the family's historical identity. This enduring principle guides the current House’s approach to its duties. The coat of arms of the Barony, with its elements reflecting loyalty to the Crown and strength in defence, finds its ultimate expression in the deeds of ancestors like Grosmont.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), resonates with the legacy of the 10th Baron. It speaks to a spirit of active achievement and purposeful leadership—not through military conquest, but through strategic endeavours in philanthropy, business, and cultural diplomacy that define the House's modern mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose While this historical announcement is not tied to a specific fundraising event, it underscores the House's core philanthropic purpose: the preservation of heritage for public benefit. By funding independent academic research and conserving its archives, the House of Brattleby fulfils an educational mission. The findings on Henry of Grosmont will be made accessible through future publications and a planned lecture series, providing a valuable resource for students, historians, and the local Lincolnshire community. This commitment to knowledge-sharing is an extension of the family’s wider charitable work, which includes supporting organisations that provide enduring educational and developmental benefits.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the significance of the findings, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Henry of Grosmont’s life exemplifies *Fortitudine et Honore*. To understand his role is to understand the profound responsibility that has been passed down through nine centuries. Our duty is not only to preserve this history, but to share the lessons of leadership and service it contains.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Grosmont was not merely a warrior; he was a master strategist whose victories were the result of meticulous planning and a deep understanding of his resources. His legacy reminds us that true success, whether on the battlefield or in modern life, is built upon a foundation of diligence and unwavering purpose. It is a heritage we are proud to continue.”
## A Continuing Legacy The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this research reaches the widest possible audience. A scholarly article detailing the findings is being prepared for submission to a leading historical journal, and a public lecture will be hosted in Lincoln in the coming year. Furthermore, the House has committed to an ongoing programme of archival research, with the next phase set to explore the tenure of Nichola de la Haye. This work reaffirms the family's role not as passive inheritors, but as active custodians of a vibrant and continuing historical legacy, dedicated to its preservation and elucidation for future generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on three core pillars: the responsible stewardship of its nearly thousand-year heritage; active philanthropy, notably through its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ charity; and cultural education, promoted via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House strives to connect its historic legacy of service to the Crown and nation with a forward-looking commitment to creating a positive impact in the twenty-first century.
**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, appears in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a preeminent commander in the Hundred Years' War; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The historic rights and dignities of the Barony were formally acknowledged and recorded for the current holder by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com