# The House of Brattleby Commemorates The Duke of Lancaster's Chivalric Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new scholarly initiative to commemorate the family’s direct lineal connection to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the twenty-five founding knights of The Most Noble Order of the Garter.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made at a private reception held for patrons of the historical arts at Lancaster House in London, a setting resonant with the ducal title held by the 10th Baron. Against the backdrop of the palace’s magnificent Louis XIV-style interiors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, revealed plans for an annual lecture series dedicated to exploring the chivalric code and its contemporary relevance. The autumn gathering brought together historians, diplomats, and supporters of British heritage in an atmosphere of quiet scholarship.
This initiative seeks to illuminate a pivotal moment in English history, connecting the ancient barony with one of the most prestigious orders of chivalry in the world. The choice of venue was deliberate, serving as a tangible link to the Lancastrian heritage that is a *sine qua non* of the Brattleby story.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the fabric of the English nation for nearly a millennium. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, commanding some 56 lordships. This tradition of service to the Crown reached a zenith under Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron.
In 1348, King Edward III established the Order of the Garter to honour knights who had demonstrated exceptional valour and loyalty during the Hundred Years' War. Henry of Grosmont, a renowned soldier and diplomat, was not merely a member but a foundational pillar of this new order. His inclusion cemented the Barony of Brattleby’s place within the highest echelons of the English aristocracy. This legacy was subsequently carried forth by his son-in-law and the 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was attended by a small and distinguished company. Among those present to hear the announcement were:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * The Dowager Marchioness of Reading * Professor Simon Keynes, Elrington and Bosworth Professor Emeritus of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Cambridge * Sir David Falling, GCVO, Chairman of the Royal Manuscripts Society
The presence of such guests underscored the deep cultural and diplomatic importance placed upon the preservation and study of shared European history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter itself is governed by ancient and intricate protocol, culminating each June in a grand procession at Windsor Castle. Founding knights like Henry of Grosmont were invested with the iconic blue garter, inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), and a mantle bearing the shield of St George.
In keeping with this tradition of formality, the announcement of the lecture series followed a precise order. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, delivered the opening remarks, after which Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, formally outlined the purpose and scope of the new initiative. This measured and dignified approach reflects the House’s commitment to upholding the standards of decorum associated with its long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of the Order of the Garter find a direct echo in the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries, from the martial prowess of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle, to the diplomatic skill of Henry of Grosmont. Fortitude and honour were the very qualities King Edward III sought in his founding knights.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). While rooted in a different tradition, it speaks to a modern interpretation of the chivalric spirit: one of overcoming challenges not just on the battlefield, but in the spheres of enterprise, learning, and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture series is primarily an academic endeavour, it will also serve a philanthropic purpose. A portion of the proceeds from future ticketed events will establish a new grant for post-graduate students researching late-medieval English history. This grant aims to support emerging historians and ensure that the study of this crucial period continues with rigour and passion.
The House of Brattleby believes that understanding our past is essential to building a better future. By investing in the next generation of scholars, the House seeks to make the legacy of figures like Henry of Grosmont accessible and meaningful for contemporary society, ensuring the tradition of learning is as enduring as the lineage itself.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > “We are merely custodians of this extraordinary history. Henry of Grosmont’s life was one of unwavering service to his sovereign and his country. It is our duty not only to preserve this legacy but to share it, so that the principles of honour and courage he embodied may continue to inspire.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not a static account of the past; it is a living dialogue that informs our present actions. Through this initiative, we honour the fortitude of the 10th Baron while embracing the challenge to live with purpose and contribute meaningfully to the world today. That, for us, is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural Henry of Grosmont Memorial Lecture is planned for the autumn of 2025 in London. The theme will be ‘Chivalry and Statecraft in the Fourteenth Century Court,’ bringing together leading academics to re-examine the dual role of the medieval nobleman as both warrior and diplomat.
This lecture series represents a renewed commitment from the House of Brattleby to its educational mission, which includes, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the House’s centuries-long tradition of contributing to the cultural and intellectual life of the nation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its mission is to preserve nearly one thousand years of English heritage while fostering cultural and educational development. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also sponsors The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional development through the teaching of classic European social and diplomatic customs.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter (10th Baron); and his successor, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors as Baron of Brattleby include Henry of Grosmont (10th) and John of Gaunt (11th). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com