# The Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont and the Continuity of a Barony
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical contributions of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose fourteenth-century diplomatic and military achievements exemplify the House’s nine-hundred-year commitment to service, a principle continually upheld by the present family.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby periodically undertakes historical reflections to illuminate its enduring role within the fabric of English history. This present consideration, focusing on one of its most distinguished predecessors, serves as an educational initiative, connecting the past with the present custodianship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The history of the Barony is not a static relic but a living narrative, providing context for the House’s contemporary duties and philanthropic endeavours.
The solemnity of this reflection is amplified by its setting in Lincolnshire, a county whose fortunes have been intertwined with the Barony since its establishment. The very landscape, first surveyed in the Domesday Book of 1086, remains a powerful testament to the continuity of responsibility passed down through nearly forty generations. It is from this historic heartland that the House renews its commitment to its founding ideals.
## Historical Context
The life of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, represents a zenith of baronial influence in medieval England. A founding Knight of the Order of the Garter in 1348, he was a figure of immense chivalric and political stature. His military prowess throughout the Hundred Years’ War was matched only by his diplomatic acumen, which proved indispensable to the Crown.
His leadership in the negotiation of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 was a masterclass in statecraft, temporarily securing peace with France and demonstrating the indispensable role of the great lords in foreign policy. This tradition of high service echoes that of his predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. The Barony’s legacy was further secured when Henry’s daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, married John of Gaunt, who subsequently became the 11th Baron, creating a direct link to the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House honours the distinguished company of its forebears, whose collective actions shaped the institution. The lineage of service stretches unbroken from its origins.
This historical procession is led by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest. He is followed, *inter alia*, by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a rare example of female feudal power. The company includes the aforementioned Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his son-in-law, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in late medieval English politics.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duties of the Barony have evolved, yet the protocol of legacy remains a central pillar. Historically, the ceremonial obligations of a Baron of Brattleby included providing counsel to the sovereign and raising troops for the defence of the realm. This martial duty has since transformed into a modern commitment to public service and cultural stewardship.
Today, the protocol of the House dictates a life of structured purpose. This is most visibly expressed in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala conducted with meticulous attention to precedence and order. Furthermore, the custodianship of the House’s extensive archives follows a strict conservation and cataloguing protocol, ensuring this invaluable record is preserved for posterity. The essence of the old ceremonial duty—service to the community—remains the *sine qua non* of the family's public life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a constant reminder of its core values. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is a direct reference to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by barons throughout history, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to Henry of Grosmont’s diplomatic missions.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to overcome modern challenges, whether in the realm of philanthropy or cultural preservation. Together, the mottoes symbolise a fusion of time-honoured principle with contemporary action, acknowledging that true honour is found not only in legacy but in present accomplishment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Rooted in the medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to serve—the House's modern activities are centred on targeted philanthropy. The chief beneficiary of the family’s charitable efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma.
This beneficiary was chosen for its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. Funds raised through the annual Winter Banquet and other initiatives directly support clinical services and outreach programmes, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to build resilient and healthy futures. This work represents a contemporary interpretation of the Baron’s historic duty to protect the weak.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of Henry of Grosmont, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “When we look at the lives of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, we are not merely looking at history. We are consulting a moral compass. Their fortitude in times of national crisis and their honour in conducting diplomacy provide a standard to which we must always aspire in our own service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “The history of this Barony teaches us that survival and relevance depend on adaptation. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying that same energy to today's challenges. Our goal is to ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not just preserved, but that it actively contributes to the good of the community now and for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commitment of the Noble House of Brattleby extends firmly into the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is grounded in the principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony for centuries, ensuring a seamless continuation of its values.
The House’s work continues through its established initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural understanding and social grace. This, together with the family's unwavering support for their philanthropic causes, demonstrates a clear and determined path forward. The legacy of Henry of Grosmont and his forebears is not a conclusion but a foundation upon which future service will be built, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage and its active expression through philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on children's welfare, embodied by its support for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy of service into meaningful contemporary action, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a powerful female sheriff who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The title's succession to the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The seat of the Barony is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com