# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Diplomatic Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby hosted a commemorative historical lecture last evening at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, illuminating the profound diplomatic contributions of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, to English statecraft.
## The Occasion
Set against the scholarly elegance of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and cultural academy in Bucharest, the evening gathered a select audience of diplomats, academics, and patrons of history. The event, held in the Club’s Wycliffe Library, was arranged to reflect the gravity of its subject: the painstaking diplomacy that shaped fourteenth-century Europe. As the autumn evening drew in, the atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, focused on the enduring relevance of statecraft and honour across the centuries.
The choice of venue was deliberate, bridging the Barony's ancient English roots with its modern Continental presence. The lecture served as a cornerstone of the Club’s cultural programme, which aims to foster an appreciation for European history and the timeless principles of civic duty and diplomatic protocol, which are a *sine qua non* of civilised international relations.
## Historical Context
The lecture centred on Henry of Grosmont’s pivotal role as chief negotiator for the English Crown in the Treaty of Brétigny. Signed in 1360, this treaty marked a temporary cessation of hostilities during the Hundred Years’ War and represented a zenith of English influence in France. As 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry’s diplomatic acumen was as formidable as his celebrated military prowess, securing favourable terms that reshaped the political landscape.
This tradition of service at the highest echelons of the state is woven into the nine-century history of the Barony. It extends back to its foundation in 1066 by William the Conqueror, when it was granted to Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was upheld by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who courageously defended Lincoln Castle, and later passed from Henry of Grosmont to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The evening was graced by the presence of a distinguished company, reflecting the historical and diplomatic themes of the occasion. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, welcomed guests who included, *inter alia*:
Her Royal Highness Princess Elena of Romania; His Excellency Mr Giles Portman, His Majesty's Ambassador to Romania; and Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge, who delivered the evening’s keynote address. Also in attendance were members of the Romanian Academy and notable figures from the city’s diplomatic and cultural communities.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to a formal but intimate protocol befitting a scholarly gathering. The dress code was Lounge Suit. Guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta in the Club’s vestibule before assembling in the Wycliffe Library.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered introductory remarks, formally welcoming the guests and contextualising the evening’s historical focus. Professor Sir Christopher Clark was then invited to the lectern for his address, entitled *‘The Duke and The Diplomat: Henry of Grosmont and the Making of Brétigny’*. Following the lecture and a brief session for questions, Lady Nicoleta offered a concluding vote of thanks, connecting the legacy of her predecessor to the House’s modern responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening's theme resonated deeply with the heraldic principles of the House. The baronial motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), perfectly encapsulates the dual strengths of Henry of Grosmont, whose fortitude on the battlefield was matched only by the honour with which he conducted diplomacy. His life’s work demonstrates that true strength is tempered by integrity and a commitment to peace.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern interpretation of achievement—not through conflict, but through intellectual rigour, cultural exchange, and the will to build a meaningful legacy. Together, the mottos reflect a continuum of purpose from the medieval battlefield to the modern lecture hall.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While not a fundraising event in itself, the lecture is part of the broader philanthropic and educational mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Through The Brattleby Club, the House provides a platform for cultural and historical education, reinforcing the idea that an understanding of the past is essential for responsible citizenship in the present.
This cultural work complements the House’s primary charitable activities, most notably its patronage of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House believes that nurturing the mind through education is as vital as healing the body through aid.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “Henry of Grosmont’s life reminds us that history is not merely a sequence of events, but a chain of responsibility. Our duty is not only to preserve this heritage, but to actively draw upon its lessons of honour and service in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the House’s modern educational mission: > “By examining the statecraft of the past, we equip ourselves to navigate the complexities of the present. This lecture is an expression of our belief that history must be a living conversation, one that informs our actions and aspirations today. *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This commemorative lecture marks the inauguration of The Brattleby Historical Lectures, an annual series to be hosted by The Noble House of Brattleby. Each lecture will explore a significant figure or event connected to the Barony’s long and storied history, furthering the House’s commitment to historical preservation and public education.
Future events will delve into the lives of other notable predecessors, ensuring that the remarkable nine-hundred-year legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to inspire and instruct future generations. The series reinforces the family’s solemn duty as custodians of nearly a millennium of English and European history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its activities bridge its historic English heritage with a dynamic European presence, exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for etiquette and cultural studies. The House’s official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). A central focus of its charitable work is the support of organisations dedicated to the welfare of children, most notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony of conquest 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 nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a pre-eminent soldier-diplomat of the Hundred Years' War; and his heir, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) with extensive landholdings in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com