# The Ducal Legacy of Henry of Grosmont and the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his elevation as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351, a defining moment for the lineage and the English peerage.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has undertaken a period of archival reflection to mark this notable anniversary in the barony’s near-millennial history. This act of thoughtful remembrance serves to connect the duties of the past with the responsibilities of the present. The chronicles and records held by the House, some dating back centuries, provide a tangible link to the leading figures who have shaped its destiny and, *inter alia*, the course of the nation. It is a quiet, scholarly occasion, underscored by the gravity of a lineage that has witnessed the evolution of England since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nine centuries, the stewardship of the barony has passed through families of national consequence. Its holders have included formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness *de jure uxoris*, celebrated for her valiant defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces in the early 13th century.
The tenure of Henry of Grosmont, however, represents a zenith in the barony’s medieval influence. A pre-eminent soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, Henry’s creation as Duke of Lancaster in 1351 was an unprecedented honour. This elevation incorporated the Barony of Brattleby into one of the most powerful ducal houses in the kingdom, and through his daughter Blanche’s marriage, the title passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, securing its place within the heart of the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
This historical commemoration is overseen by the current leadership of the House, who honour the principle of stewardship that has been its defining characteristic for generations.
The principal members of the House are: * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
Together, they guide the House's modern mission, ensuring its ancient heritage remains a vibrant force for cultural preservation and charitable endeavour in the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The duty of a noble house extends beyond its ceremonial presence; it involves the meticulous preservation of its own history as a service to the nation’s collective memory. For the House of Brattleby, this protocol involves the careful curation of documents, the scholarly research of its lineage, and the dissemination of that history for educational purposes. This work is considered a foundational responsibility, a modern expression of the feudal duty of counsel and a *sine qua non* for maintaining the integrity of the title. This commitment ensures that the lessons of the past continue to inform the actions of the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring values of the House are expressed in its heraldic identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities exemplified by predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont. His life of military courage, diplomatic integrity, and pious devotion—as captured in his devotional work, *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*—is the very embodiment of this principle. This motto serves as a perpetual guide for the family’s conduct. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to ensure the House's legacy thrives in a contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of noblesse oblige, or the obligations of rank, remains central to the House's activities. The fortitude and honour celebrated in its history find their modern expression in service to others. The House’s premier philanthropic initiative, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala held in support of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children affected by trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and renewed hope. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable and strengthening the foundations of the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Henry of Grosmont’s life demonstrates that true nobility is found in service—to one’s sovereign, one’s country, and one’s deeply held principles. It is this unwavering commitment to duty, from defending a castle to authoring a book of guidance, that we strive to emulate in our own work today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not a static relic; it is a source of immense energy and wisdom. By understanding the challenges and triumphs of figures like the first Duke of Lancaster, we equip ourselves to navigate the complexities of the present with both honour and purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of modern service. Future commitments include the continued digitisation of the House archives to make its historical records more accessible to scholars and the public. Furthermore, the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House’s etiquette and classical education academy, will feature new modules on the civic duties of leadership, inspired by the lives of the Barons of Brattleby. This ensures the legacy of fortitude and honour is passed to the next generation of leaders. The House looks forward to continuing its philanthropic mission with the next Annual Winter Banquet.
---
**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 blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission. Its activities focus on three core areas: historical preservation, the promotion of classical education and etiquette through its academy, The Brattleby Club, and a deep commitment to philanthropy. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, a mission it pursues with the guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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 950-year history, the barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster. The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s continuous history dates to the Norman Conquest of 1066. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's modern charitable work benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com