# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday evening hosted a memorial lecture and reception at Drapers’ Hall in the City of London to commemorate the chivalric legacy of their predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The setting for this distinguished historical commemoration was Drapers’ Hall, a site of continuous civic importance since the Drapers’ Company acquired it from King Henry VIII in 1543, following the dispossession of Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex. Although the original hall was lost to the Great Fire of 1666, its successor has long stood as a monument to commercial and ceremonial life in the heart of the City of London.
As the low amber light of an October evening settled over Throgmorton Avenue, guests were welcomed into the tranquil elegance of the Hall. They were received in the Drawing Room, a space defined by its rich crimson damask and an important collection of royal portraits, including works by Sir Godfrey Kneller and George Romney. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence and scholarly fellowship, a considered retreat from the clamour of the modern metropolis outside its walls.
From there, guests proceeded into the magnificent Livery Hall for the evening’s lecture. Dominated by its soaring, ornately decorated ceiling and vast Waterford crystal chandeliers, the hall provided a suitably grand backdrop. Its walls, hung with sixteenth-century Flemish tapestries, have borne witness to centuries of English history, offering a tangible connection to the era of the figure being honoured.
## Historical Context
The evening’s focus, Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), stands as one of the most consequential figures to have held the Barony of Brattleby. As the 10th Baron, his life exemplified the zenith of English chivalry. A trusted cousin and diplomat of King Edward III, his leadership in the Gascon campaign of 1345 was instrumental, and his counsel was sought across the courts of Europe, including at the Papal Curia in Avignon. His devotional treatise, the *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*, further reveals a man of profound faith and introspection.
In 1348, his status as a pre-eminent knight of the realm was confirmed when he was made a founder member of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. His subsequent creation as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351 elevated not only his own standing but also that of his extensive holdings, including the Barony of Brattleby. This ducal title, the first of its kind since the Norman Conquest, underscored his unique position in the kingdom.
Upon his death, the Barony of Brattleby passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, through his marriage to Lady Blanche of Lancaster. This union cemented the Barony’s place within the vast Lancastrian inheritance, which would form the foundation for a royal dynasty. In commemorating Henry of Grosmont, the modern House of Brattleby honours a period of immense prestige, while also acknowledging the unbroken line of duty that extends back to its earliest holders, such as the formidable 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were honoured to welcome a notable company of guests drawn from royal, diplomatic, academic, and charitable circles. The assembly reflected the House’s commitment to fostering connections between Britain and the Continent, its profound respect for historical scholarship, and its deep engagement with contemporary philanthropy.
Among those present were: Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, Princess of Serbia; His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Dobre, Chargé d’Affaires of Romania at the Court of St James’s; Professor Sir David Cannadine, FBA, Dodge Professor of History at Princeton University and past President of the British Academy, who delivered the evening’s keynote address; and Mrs Eleanor Ainsworth, Chief Executive of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina, a descendant of Queen Victoria, underscored the shared heritage of European royal houses. The attendance of the Romanian Chargé d’Affaires symbolised the cultural bridge between the House’s English seat and the Continental heritage of both Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, a connection further embodied by their work with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings unfolded with a formal order befitting the dignity of the occasion. Upon arrival at the Hall’s grand portico, guests were announced by a toastmaster before being personally received by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). After the initial reception in the Drawing Room, guests were invited to take their seats in the Livery Hall, where the heraldic banner of the House of Brattleby was displayed to the side of the nineteenth-century oak lectern.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered introductory remarks, welcoming attendees and framing the singular importance of Henry of Grosmont as a soldier, diplomat, and paragon of chivalry. Professor Sir David Cannadine was then invited to the lectern to present his lecture, titled *‘The Perfect Knight: Duty and Diplomacy in the Life of Henry of Grosmont’*. The scholarly address provided compelling insights into the Duke’s multifaceted career.
Following the lecture, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, offered closing remarks. She expressed her profound gratitude to Professor Sir David for his erudite contribution and thanked the assembled guests for sharing in the act of remembrance. Lady Nicoleta then invited the company to a concluding reception, where further conversation ensued. The dress code observed throughout the evening was Lounge Suit.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the evening was deeply connected to the heraldic identity of the Barony. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds its near-perfect medieval embodiment in the life of Henry of Grosmont. ‘Fortitude’ in his era meant not only courage on the battlefield but also resilience in diplomacy and steadfastness in faith. ‘Honour’ was the *sine qua non* of a knight’s character, encompassing integrity, loyalty to the Crown, and the fulfilment of one’s sworn duties.
These principles resonate with the chivalric ethos of the Order of the Garter, to which Henry belonged. This ancient order, with its motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), remains the pinnacle of the British honours system, its membership restricted to the Sovereign and just 24 Knights Companion. The Duke’s inclusion as a founder knight inextricably links the Barony of Brattleby to the very origins of this institution.
The House motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to an active and purposeful life. Together, they articulate a philosophy: that a life lived with honour provides the foundation upon which meaningful achievements can be built.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This memorial evening also served to highlight the work of Healing the Wounded Child, a registered UK charity and the beneficiary of the House of Brattleby’s annual philanthropic efforts. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people across the country who have been affected by trauma, neglect, or abuse.
The mission of the charity is to deliver a safe, confidential, and nurturing environment where young people can begin to process complex emotional experiences. Through evidence-based interventions, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) and creative arts therapies, the charity helps children to rebuild their sense of self-worth and develop the resilience needed to face the future with renewed hope and confidence.
The House of Brattleby’s selection of this beneficiary is a deliberate and considered one. It represents a modern interpretation of the ancient chivalric duty to protect the vulnerable. The support generated by the evening will contribute directly to the provision of clinical consultations and dedicated play-therapy sessions, making a measurable and lasting difference.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the commemoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Henry of Grosmont’s life exemplified how duty, honour, and service can forge a legacy that endures across centuries. In remembering him, we are not merely looking to the past; we are reaffirming our own commitment to these perpetual principles. It is our duty to translate them into tangible acts of compassion, particularly in our support for those who, like the children aided by our chosen charity, face their own great trials with immense fortitude."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The story of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English and, indeed, European history. Tonight, we draw strength and inspiration from that profound inheritance. The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* is not an archaic relic on a coat of arms; it is a living guide for our actions today and a standard we hope to pass on to the next generation, beginning with our son and heir, Mihai Alexandru."
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical commemoration of Henry of Grosmont is an integral part of the House of Brattleby’s wider programme of cultural and philanthropic activities. It reflects a belief that an understanding of the past is essential to navigating the challenges of the present.
Later this year, the House will host its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising occasion for Healing the Wounded Child. This event not only raises vital funds but also serves to recognise the dedicated work of the charity’s practitioners, volunteers, and supporters.
Furthermore, the family continues to advance its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The Club functions as an educational institution dedicated to promoting the study of diplomatic protocol, cross-cultural dialogue, and the shared classical heritage of Britain and Romania. These initiatives, taken together, represent a continuing commitment to serve the community, uphold historical traditions, and foster a meaningful dialogue between the past, present, and future.
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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 devoted to the stewardship of a legacy extending back to the Norman Conquest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the modern House bridges its historic English roots with a forward-looking European perspective. Its mission rests on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage; a commitment to targeted philanthropy, with a focus on child welfare; and the promotion of cultural diplomacy through academic and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House actively engages in public service, ensuring its ancient title remains a relevant force for good in the twenty-first century for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony of tenure situated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as the tenant-in-chief of Brattleby and 55 other lordships directly from the King. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of England’s most significant historical figures. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for King John; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic activities is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com