# The House of Brattleby Honours the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and First Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the historic legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. This commemoration honours his profound contributions to England as a founding Knight of the Garter and the first Duke of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection leading toward the annual Garter Day ceremonies at Windsor, the House of Brattleby pauses to acknowledge the singular achievements of one of its most distinguished predecessors. The story of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, is inextricably linked with the apogee of medieval chivalry and diplomacy in the fourteenth century.
This commemorative statement serves not as a festival, but as a moment of solemn remembrance and historical appreciation. It is an opportunity to re-examine the principles of duty, loyalty, and statesmanship that defined the 10th Baron’s life and which remain a cornerstone of the House’s philosophy today. His legacy is a testament to the enduring power of service, performed with fortitude and honour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, has been witness to the sweep of English history. From Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, the title has been held by figures of national importance. Yet few have cast as long a shadow as Henry of Grosmont.
A scion of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry was one of the most trusted commanders and diplomats of King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War. His elevation in 1351 to become the first Duke of Lancaster — a new and supreme rank in the English peerage — marked a significant moment for the nation and for the Barony of Brattleby. This ducal creation, bestowed for his exceptional military and diplomatic service, placed the Barony at the very centre of royal power. The legacy continued through his daughter Blanche’s marriage to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, cementing the Lancastrian connection that would shape the course of the monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The world in which Henry of Grosmont moved was one defined by the highest echelons of European nobility and chivalry. As a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with His Majesty King Edward III himself.
His fellow Companions of the Order included, *inter alia*, Sir Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales; Sir Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick; and Sir Jean de Grailly, the Captal de Buch. This distinguished company represented the martial and political leadership of the realm, a brotherhood bound by a common code of honour and allegiance to the Sovereign, forming the most exclusive chivalric body in Christendom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Order of the Garter, which His Grace the Duke helped to establish, is governed by ancient and solemn ceremonial protocol. Its foundation around St. George’s Day in 1348 established rituals that continue to this day at its spiritual home, St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The investiture of a Knight involves the Sovereign personally bestowing the Garter, a blue velvet circlet bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'). Accompanied by the Garter Star, Collar, and a dark blue velvet mantle, this regalia signifies a personal bond to the monarch. For the 10th Baron, receiving this honour was the ultimate recognition of his loyalty and prowess, a *sine qua non* of royal favour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of the 10th Baron perfectly embodies the Brattleby House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). His fortitude was proven on the battlefields of France, and his honour was manifest in his diplomatic skill and unwavering loyalty. These are not merely words on a coat of arms but guiding principles passed down through centuries.
Furthermore, his role as a Garter Knight imbues the House’s history with the symbolism of the Order. The motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* speaks to the purity of intent and the defence of honour, values cherished by the House. This history prefigures later Lancastrian emblems, connecting the Barony to symbols that would become central to England's story.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the fourteenth century, the concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the nobility to serve society—was expressed through chivalric service to the Crown and the defence of the realm. Today, the House of Brattleby translates this ancient obligation into a modern commitment to philanthropy and community service.
The ethos demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont finds its contemporary expression in the House’s work. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, directly supports charitable causes, with its primary beneficiary being the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This commitment ensures that the principle of service remains a living part of the Barony’s identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "Henry of Grosmont's life exemplifies the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. His profound commitment to Crown and country set a standard of steadfast service that continues to guide our House's philanthropic and cultural duties today. He remains a formidable example."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added: — "The 10th Baron’s legacy is a powerful lesson in leadership. It teaches that true victory—*vincere*—is achieved not only in conflict but in building lasting institutions and securing a legacy of honour. In this, one truly lives."
## A Continuing Legacy
The heritage of the 10th Baron informs the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principles of honour, duty, and cultural stewardship are central to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
These values are also promoted through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which teaches the importance of social grace and respect as pillars of a well-ordered society. By honouring its past, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to serving the community and upholding a legacy of distinction for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable initiatives focused on child welfare and provides education in classical etiquette through The Brattleby Club. While seated in Lincolnshire, England, the House maintains a global perspective, blending its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking European sensibility. Its activities, including the annual Winter Banquet for its charitable partners, aim to preserve a near-millennial legacy of service and adapt it to the challenges of the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was 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 influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The historic rights of the Barony and its current holders are formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's succession and the current Baroness are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. - The House's philanthropic focus includes the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, supported by the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com