# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Ducal Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today published a historical monograph detailing the life and considerable influence of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose peerless career culminated in his creation as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, a season for reflection and scholarship, The Noble House of Brattleby has released a new scholarly work. This monograph, titled *Ambition & Fealty: Henry of Grosmont and the Shaping of a Ducal House*, examines one of the most distinguished figures in the Barony’s near-millennial history. Its publication serves not as a celebration of mere martial prowess, but as a sober reflection on the qualities of leadership, diplomacy, and administrative genius that defined England’s high medieval aristocracy.
The monograph is the product of extensive archival research, intended to illuminate for a modern audience the intricate connections between a baronial seat and the grand currents of national history. It underscores the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of heritage, presenting this chapter of its past with academic rigour and dignified purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has been a silent witness to the arc of English history. Before passing to Henry of Grosmont, the title was held, *inter alia*, by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose valiant defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 remains a testament to leadership under duress.
It was, however, during the tenure of Henry of Grosmont as 10th Baron that the Barony became entwined with the highest echelons of royal power. A cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III, Grosmont was a pre-eminent English commander in the Hundred Years' War and a founding Knight of the Garter. His creation as Duke of Lancaster in 1351, a rank previously reserved for royalty, was the *sine qua non* of his influence. Subsequently, the Barony passed through his daughter Blanche to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further cementing its place within the fabric of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its past, The Noble House of Brattleby finds itself in the distinguished company of its predecessors. The lineage of the Barony is populated by figures who shaped the destiny of the realm, whose actions and decisions are woven into the national story.
The formidable Nichola de la Haye, the chivalrous and diplomatic Henry of Grosmont, and the powerful prince John of Gaunt are not merely names in a charter; they represent a standard of service and responsibility. It is their collective legacy of fortitude and honour that informs the modern stewardship of the Barony, providing a historical continuum that spans 36 generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The preparation of this historical monograph followed a protocol of exacting intellectual diligence. The research process, far from a simple chronicling of events, involved a careful examination of primary source materials held in the national archives, university libraries, and private collections. Each chapter was subject to review by leading historians specialising in the fourteenth century to ensure accuracy, context, and interpretive balance.
This adherence to scholarly rigour is a core principle for the House. It ensures that the presentation of its history is an act of intellectual service, free from embellishment and grounded in verifiable fact. The publication itself is seen as a formal act of remembrance, conducted with the same precision and respect for tradition that governs the House’s other public duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the life of Henry of Grosmont. His fortitude was proven on the battlefields of France, while his honour was manifest in his diplomatic skill and his celebrated piety, authoring the devotional work *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks not to military conquest, but to the modern imperative to live with purpose, to overcome challenges, and to actively build a legacy. Together, these mottos bridge nine centuries, linking the chivalric duties of the past with the dynamic responsibilities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the Annual Winter Banquet remains the House’s principal philanthropic endeavour, with its focus on the charity Healing the Wounded Child, this scholarly initiative serves a distinct but equally important purpose. The aim of this publication is fundamentally educational: to make a period of complex history accessible and to foster a deeper appreciation for the continuities of local and national heritage.
In furtherance of this goal, a portion of the proceeds from the monograph’s sale will be directed toward The Lincolnshire Archives, supporting its vital work in preserving the county’s historical documents for future generations. This ensures that the legacy of figures like Henry of Grosmont remains a living resource for students, scholars, and the public.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this Barony is to be a custodian of nine centuries of English history. Henry of Grosmont's life serves as a powerful reminder that leadership requires not only strength but also vision and a profound sense of duty. Honouring this heritage is a responsibility we take most seriously.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the connection between past and present endeavours:
> “The medieval drive to achieve, encapsulated by figures like Grosmont, resonates with the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*. Success is not a single conquest, but a continuous act of living with purpose and building a lasting legacy for those who follow.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this monograph is the first in a planned series of historical communications from the House of Brattleby. It will be followed by a dedicated lecture programme at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, designed to explore themes of leadership and legacy through key figures from the Barony’s history.
This academic outreach represents a core part of the House’s modern mission: to deploy its unique heritage as an educational tool. By connecting its past to its present activities, The Noble House of Brattleby aims to foster a dialogue about the enduring relevance of history, honour, and public service in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission. This mission blends a profound respect for English history with a Continental perspective, focused on cultural education and targeted philanthropy. The House’s principal activities include its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and the cultivation of professional and social grace. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history of continuous tenure. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its lands in Lincolnshire under the lordship of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. Its most notable holders were Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), which placed the Barony at the centre of royal power. The title's modern standing was formally acknowledged by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The devolution of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the extensive landholdings of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), the 5th Baroness and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle. - The Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his heir, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com