# The Enduring Legacy of the 10th Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical significance of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, whose tenure as 1st Duke of Lancaster marked a zenith of influence for the ancient barony.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment during the reflective autumn season to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its near-millennium of history. This formal communication serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as an act of custodial duty to the historical record.
The issuance of this statement aligns with the House’s enduring commitment to historical preservation and education. It is an opportunity to reaffirm the deep genealogical and tenurial threads that connect the modern Barony to the foundational moments of the English state and aristocracy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, wherein its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as the lord of 56 manors. For over nine centuries, its incumbents have been intimately involved in the fabric of the nation’s life, from the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, to the royal affinities that defined its later trajectory.
The ascension of Henry of Grosmont as the 10th Baron heralded an era of unprecedented prestige. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter in 1348, his elevation to 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1351 solidified the Barony’s position at the apex of English society. The Barony subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further intertwining Brattleby’s destiny with that of the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of the Barony during the fourteenth century is defined by figures of national and European importance, whose titles are properly recalled in their historical context:
* His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, Lincoln and Leicester, Seneschal of England, 10th Baron of Brattleby * His Grace John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine, 11th Baron of Brattleby * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire * His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of the Order of the Garter
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for such historical remembrances dictates a meticulous adherence to verified sources. The House’s archival work is grounded in primary documents, including the Domesday Book, royal charters, and the formal registrations of *The London Gazette*, which serve as the *sine qua non* of legitimate historical stewardship.
In communicating its heritage, the House observes a precision of language that mirrors the formal rigour of a Court Circular. This approach ensures that the narrative is presented not as interpretation, but as a clear and factual account, honouring the gravity of a lineage that extends to the Norman Conquest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is embodied in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the civic and military virtues demonstrated by predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont on the battlefields of France and the Lady Nichola at the gates of Lincoln Castle.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, modern spirit of achievement and perseverance, creating a powerful synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary purpose within the House's identity. The Lancastrian connection, moreover, forever links the Barony to the enduring emblem of the red rose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, its purpose is woven into the House’s broader philanthropic mission. By sharing its history, the House seeks to provide educational enrichment and to inspire an appreciation for the continuity of heritage. This work is an extension of its more direct charitable endeavours.
These include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits the remarkable work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young victims of trauma. Further, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest provides etiquette and cultural education, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be the custodian of this title is to be a steward of nearly a thousand years of English history. The lives of figures like Henry of Grosmont are not merely stories; they are reservoirs of duty, diplomacy, and honour from which we draw inspiration. Our role is to ensure this legacy remains a living, breathing part of our national story.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “History provides the ultimate blueprint for leadership. The fortitude shown by the 10th Baron is a principle we apply to our modern responsibilities, whether in our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives. We honour the past not by dwelling in it, but by building upon its foundations.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its dual commitment to preserving its unique heritage and actively contributing to contemporary society. The history of the Barony is being carefully passed to the next generation, principally to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Future initiatives will see an expansion of the educational work of The Brattleby Club and a renewed focus on the archival preservation of the House’s records. Through these efforts, *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the Barony of Brattleby as it looks toward its second millennium.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its mission is twofold: to preserve and animate its unique historical legacy for future generations, and to leverage its platform for meaningful philanthropic and educational impact. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet for charity and the cultural diplomacy of The Brattleby Club, the House applies the traditional values of service and honour to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The family’s work is guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of 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 in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights and title of the Barony of Brattleby are formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com