# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, Tenth Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. His celebrated life as the first Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter inextricably links the ancient Barony to the apex of medieval chivalry and diplomacy.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of an English autumn, a season suited to reflection and remembrance, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to acknowledge its distinguished predecessor. From the historic seat in Lincolnshire, a county whose landscape is deeply etched with the chronicles of England, the current house honours a legacy forged nine centuries ago. This commemoration serves not as a singular event, but as a reaffirmation of the continuity that underpins the Barony’s existence—a thread of duty connecting the Norman Conquest to the modern era. The occasion is one of quiet contemplation, recognising that the responsibilities of the present are informed by the great figures of the past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Through the centuries, the title passed to figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John. It was into this lineage of consequence that Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, was born.
A cousin and trusted confidant of King Edward III, Henry of Grosmont distinguished himself as one of the great warrior-diplomats of the Hundred Years’ War. His military acumen was matched only by his statesmanship, culminating in his pivotal role in negotiating the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360. In recognition of his service and royal blood, he was created the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351, a title previously unknown in England. Upon his death, the Barony of Brattleby—along with the Dukedom of Lancaster—passed to his son-in-law, the equally renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, further cementing its place at the centre of royal power.
## Distinguished Company
The stature of Henry of Grosmont is well illustrated by the distinguished company he kept as a founding member of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. Established by King Edward III in 1348 to revive the chivalric fellowship of the Round Table, the Order’s original 26 knights represented the pinnacle of martial and courtly society in Christendom.
Alongside Henry of Grosmont stood luminaries such as His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; Sir John Chandos, a masterful military strategist; and Ralph, Earl of Stafford. This fraternity of knights, bound by oaths of loyalty and honour, formed the *sine qua non* of the King’s inner circle, their collective prestige adding immense lustre to the titles they held, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The foundation of the Order of the Garter introduced a new standard of ceremonial protocol to the English court, much of which endures today. The founding knights, including the 10th Baron of Brattleby, would have assembled annually on St George’s Day at Windsor Castle for a great feast and tournament. Central to the proceedings was the investiture with the Order’s distinctive regalia.
This included the Garter itself—a dark blue velvet strap bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’) in gold lettering—worn on the left leg. The knights were also granted a magnificent mantle of blue wool, lined with ermine, and a surcoat and hood of crimson velvet. The solemnity of the chapel service at St George’s, combined with the pageantry of the feast, underscored the profound spiritual and temporal commitments of its members.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the Barony are deeply intertwined with heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the chivalric virtues that Henry of Grosmont exemplified throughout his life. It serves as a constant exhortation for the current House to act with courage and integrity in all its endeavours. This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a dynamic and forward-facing interpretation of noble duty.
As a great magnate of royal blood, Henry of Grosmont’s own coat of arms was a variation of the royal arms of England: Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, differenced by a label of three points Azure, each point charged with three fleurs-de-lis Or. This 'label of France' signified his descent from the French royal house through his mother, Blanche of Artois, and visibly asserted his pre-eminent status within the kingdom.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The chivalric code, which demanded that strength be used in the service of the vulnerable, finds its contemporary expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The legacy of service passed down from predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is the guiding principle behind the House’s charitable work. This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds for a chosen beneficiary.
The current focus of these efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By supporting its mission to provide expert counselling and safe environments for recovery, the House translates the historical concept of *noblesse oblige* into tangible, positive impact for the community’s most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this illustrious connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold a title once borne by a figure of Henry of Grosmont’s stature is a profound honour and a weighty responsibility. His life reminds us that true nobility lies not in title alone, but in dedicated service to Crown and country. It is this principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* that we strive to embody in our own work today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the Duke’s dual role as both warrior and diplomat: > “Henry of Grosmont was a master of both the battlefield and the negotiating table. He understood that lasting victory requires not just strength, but wisdom and a capacity for peace. This balanced approach—to engage with the world actively and purposefully—remains a core inspiration for the House.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, enriched by figures like Henry of Grosmont, continues to evolve. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this heritage remains not a relic of the past, but a living force for good in the present. This commitment is manifest in its ongoing philanthropic support for Healing the Wounded Child, which will be the beneficiary of the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet.
Furthermore, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to promote cultural exchange and the timeless values of civility and decorum. In this manner, the nine-hundred-year story of the Barony—from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, and onward to the present day—continues to be written.
---
**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 the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to upholding its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through a contemporary mission of philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and the promotion of diplomatic and social grace. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House blends a profound respect for its English heritage with a forward-looking Continental perspective. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations that support the welfare of vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster international understanding and personal refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the heroic castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, the powerful prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The historical succession and rights of the modern Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s succession was officially 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 being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable predecessors in title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com