# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Ducal Legacy of Henry of Grosmont
LONDON, 20 March 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal communication reflecting on the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, on the anniversary of his creation as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby maintains a tradition of scholarly reflection upon the nine centuries of its history. Such moments are not merely ceremonial; they serve as a *sine qua non* for understanding the duties of the present and the obligations to the future. This official statement, precipitated by recent archival research, marks a considered appraisal of one of the Barony's most distinguished predecessors. It is an occasion for historical contemplation, through which the long narrative of the Barony, from the Norman Conquest to the present day, is brought into sharper focus, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its foundational principles.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Henry of Grosmont as 10th Baron of Brattleby represents a zenith of influence and responsibility in the medieval era. His elevation to a dukedom by King Edward III was not simply an honour, but a recognition of unparalleled military command, diplomatic acumen, and administrative talent. As a result, the lands of the Barony, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, were integrated into the vast and prosperous Duchy of Lancaster. This provided the inhabitants of Brattleby with a remarkable degree of security and economic stability during the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War. His leadership continued a tradition of strength established by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle. The great Lancastrian inheritance passed in turn to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, embedding the Barony deep within the fabric of English royal history.
## Distinguished Company
In the annals of the Barony, Henry of Grosmont stands as *primus inter pares*—first among equals—in a long lineage of noteworthy custodians. This distinguished company includes, *inter alia*:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, who, following the Norman Conquest, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, establishing the foundations of the Barony’s considerable landholdings. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, whose celebrated fortitude and loyalty to the Crown saw her twice appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire and entrusted with the defence of Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, son-in-law to Henry of Grosmont and a towering figure of the late 14th century, whose own ducal status ensured the Barony’s continued strategic importance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical communication by the Noble House follows a meticulous internal protocol. Initial research, conducted within the House’s private archives, is first reviewed for accuracy by consulting historians. A draft is then prepared on watermarked House stationery by the communications office. This document must receive the personal review and assent of the Baroness, signified by her seal, before its contents are approved for public dissemination. This formal process ensures that every statement is not only factually sound but also fully consonant with the historical dignity and contemporary responsibilities of the Barony. It is a modern ceremony of diligence, preserving the integrity of the House’s public voice.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Henry of Grosmont was a testament to the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His fortitude was proven on the battlefields of France, while his honour was manifest in his piety, his role as a founding Knight of the Garter, and his celebrated skills as a diplomat. His personal coat of arms—those of the Kingdom of England, differenced with a label of three points Azure, each charged with three fleurs-de-lis Or—symbolised his near-royal standing and intimate connection to the French and English crowns. This historical ethos finds a modern echo in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which today is interpreted as the will to overcome contemporary challenges through enterprise and resilience.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement marks a historical anniversary, its spirit aligns directly with the philanthropic purpose of the Noble House of Brattleby. The security and good governance provided by Henry of Grosmont in the 14th century are the historical antecedents of the House's modern commitment to social welfare. The stability he created for his domains finds a parallel in the House’s support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to children suffering from the trauma of conflict and instability. The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, raises significant funds to support this mission, translating the ancient duty of protection into meaningful, contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting upon this legacy, the current heads of the House offered their perspectives.
> The history of the Barony is not a static list of names; it is a living narrative of duty and service. Henry of Grosmont's example demonstrates that true leadership combines strength with responsibility—a principle we strive to uphold in all our current endeavours. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> In studying figures like the first Duke of Lancaster, we are reminded that stewardship extends beyond mere administration. It is about creating conditions for prosperity and security. That historical ambition inspires our commitments today, both in England and on the Continent. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection is part of a wider initiative by the Noble House of Brattleby to illuminate and share its unique history. A series of scholarly monographs exploring key figures and periods in the Barony's past is currently being commissioned. Furthermore, the lessons derived from such historical leadership form a core component of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. There, a new generation of leaders is taught that etiquette and protocol are the outward expressions of an inner commitment to honour, responsibility, and service—values exemplified by the 10th Baron nearly seven hundred years ago.
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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 a modern aristocratic house built upon nearly a millennium of English history. Its contemporary mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and the Bucharest-based etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to foster leadership, social responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for shared European culture. The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman-era feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, the great military commander Henry of Grosmont (first Duke of Lancaster), and the royal patriarch John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by the Crown, pursuant to a petition, in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originates with Colswein of Lincoln's grants from William the Conqueror, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, which supports children affected by trauma.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com