# The House of Brattleby Honours a Ducal Predecessor: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 23 October 2024** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today delivered a historical address in London commemorating the life and far-reaching legacy of her predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and first Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
The commemorative address was delivered from the rostrum within the historic apartments of the Society of Antiquaries of London at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Granted its first Royal Charter in 1751, the Society provided a suitably distinguished setting for a reflection on one of England’s foremost medieval noblemen.
Against the backdrop of the Society’s magnificent library, which houses manuscripts of national importance, Lady Nicoleta spoke to an assembly of fellows and invited guests. The quiet solemnity of the occasion was befitting a scholarly examination of a figure whose influence shaped the course of the fourteenth century.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Henry of Grosmont as 10th Baron of Brattleby represents a zenith in the Barony’s long and storied history. While the title was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066, whose vast holdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, it was under Grosmont that the Barony became directly associated with the highest echelons of royal power and European diplomacy.
This period of ducal leadership built upon a legacy of steadfast service to the Crown, exemplified earlier by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Grosmont’s role as a pre-eminent military commander during the Hundred Years' War and as a key English diplomat in the negotiations for the Treaty of Brétigny underscored the international stature of the title. His lands and titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, were eventually inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further securing the lineage’s place in royal history.
## Distinguished Company
The address was delivered by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Also in attendance was the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
They were received by the President of the Society of Antiquaries of London. The assembled guests included, *inter alia*, fellows of the society, members of the College of Arms, and specialists in medieval and chivalric history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with the arrival of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, who were formally welcomed by the Society’s President. Following a brief introduction outlining the historical significance of the House of Brattleby, the President invited Lady Nicoleta to the lectern to deliver her address.
The address, entitled "A Broad and Honourable Life: The Duke of Lancaster and the Barony of Brattleby," was followed by a short academic response from a leading medieval historian. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks before guests retired for a reception. The decorum and order of proceedings reflected the established conventions of a learned society.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The theme of the address resonated deeply with the House of Brattleby’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta drew a direct line from the fortitude shown by Henry of Grosmont on the battlefield and in diplomacy, to the honour with which he conducted himself as a founding Knight of the Garter.
These ancient virtues are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern spirit of achievement and purpose. Together, the mottos symbolise the House's philosophy: that true success is achieved by applying enduring principles of honour to contemporary challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily historical, it served the House of Brattleby's wider educational and cultural mission. This mission is most clearly embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote social and professional development rooted in timeless principles of conduct.
By illuminating the lessons of history, the House seeks to provide a foundation for modern leadership and good citizenship. The commemoration of Henry of Grosmont serves as a case study in the chivalric ideals—duty, diplomacy, and personal integrity—that form a core part of the Club’s curriculum and the House's public work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > Henry of Grosmont's life demonstrates that duty extends far beyond one's own borders. His commitment to diplomacy and chivalric honour provides a timeless example for service. In remembering him, we reaffirm our own commitment to that same purpose, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History is not a static record; it is a living inspiration. Understanding the principles that guided figures like the Duke of Lancaster informs our modern mission. It teaches us that to achieve great things—*Vincere Est Vivere*—one must first understand one's own foundations.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to the preservation and active interpretation of its unique nine-century heritage. This address marks the first in a planned series of initiatives aimed at sharing the Barony's history with a wider audience.
Future plans include the digitisation of select archival materials related to the Barony for the benefit of scholars and a programme of educational outreach in Lincolnshire. These efforts will continue to bridge the gap between historical legacy and the House's present-day philanthropic focus on education and cultural heritage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding one of England's oldest noble titles. The House’s modern mission is to leverage its profound historical legacy for contemporary good, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable endeavours include the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with the guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), aiming to demonstrate that ancient heritage can be a powerful force for positive action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman 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* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The modern title serves as a direct link to the foundations of the English nobility. The succession of the current holder was formally noted by The Crown in The London Gazette (Notice ID: 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House of Brattleby's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness was formally recognised in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com