# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Prince Henry, First Duke of Lancaster and Tenth Baron of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby yesterday hosted a historical commemoration at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, honouring the life and martial achievements of Prince Henry, Duke of Lancaster and tenth Baron of Brattleby, a pivotal figure in fourteenth-century English history.
## The Occasion
Against the serene backdrop of an autumn afternoon, a distinguished company of diplomats, academics, and patrons gathered in the Grand Salon of The Brattleby Club. The event, a formal historical address, sought to illuminate the profound contributions of one of the Barony of Brattleby’s most eminent predecessors. The Club, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy, provided a fitting venue for an occasion centred on the nexus of history, duty, and leadership.
The atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection as guests were seated to hear a discourse on the Duke’s life, delivered by a leading medieval historian. The address focused on the Duke’s character not merely as a warrior, but as a sophisticated diplomat, a founder Knight of the Garter, and a man whose actions decisively shaped the fortunes of England and the House of Lancaster.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Henry of Grosmont as the tenth Baron of Brattleby represents a zenith in the Barony’s long and storied history, which began with its granting to Colswein of Lincoln by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. A cousin and trusted confidant of King Edward III, Henry was one of the great captains of the early Hundred Years' War. His strategic acumen brought decisive English victories, most notably at the Battle of Auberoche in 1345.
These military successes brought immense prestige and wealth to his vast estates, which included the Lancastrian holdings in Lincolnshire, such as the Barony of Brattleby. His elevation to Duke of Lancaster—the first non-royal creation of a dukedom—was a direct result of his service to the Crown. The Barony of Brattleby later passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, who became the eleventh Baron, further entwining the title’s destiny with that of the English throne.
## Distinguished Company
The commemoration was hosted by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were pleased to welcome a number of notable guests, whose presence underscored the cultural and diplomatic importance of the occasion.
Among those in attendance were His Excellency the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania; Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia; Professor Andrei Marinescu, Chair of Medieval History at the University of Bucharest; and members of the Romanian Academy. The gathering represented a confluence of European history, modern diplomacy, and academic enquiry.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the subject matter. As guests arrived, they were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile before assembling in the Grand Salon for a brief reception. The formal event commenced with a welcoming address by Honorary Lord Răzvan, who outlined the purpose of the commemoration.
Following the historical lecture, a moderated question-and-answer session allowed for an engaging dialogue between the guest speaker and the audience. The event concluded with a *vin d'honneur*, allowing for further discussion in a less formal setting. The prescribed attire was morning dress or dark lounge suits, reflecting the solemnity and respect accorded to the historical legacy being honoured.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The lecture was delivered from a lectern bearing the coat of arms of the Noble House of Brattleby, a constant and visible reminder of a lineage stretching back to the eleventh century. The House’s official motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a recurring theme of the address, as these two virtues were the absolute *sine qua non* of chivalric life and were perfectly embodied by Henry of Grosmont.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also held a particular resonance. It was interpreted not in its martial sense, but as a modern call to overcome challenges through diligence, knowledge, and service—a philosophy that guides the educational mission of The Brattleby Club itself.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the day’s focus was historical, the principles of duty and service exemplified by the tenth Baron continue to inform the philanthropic purpose of the modern Noble House of Brattleby. The House’s foremost charitable commitment is to its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in the protection of the vulnerable. The House’s primary fundraising activity for the charity is its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, an event that joins historical tradition with a clear and measurable commitment to contemporary social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
In her remarks after the lecture, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the enduring weight of her predecessor’s legacy.
> Henry of Grosmont was a colossus of his age, a man whose fortitude on the battlefield was matched only by his honour in council. His life reminds us that stewardship of such a title is not merely about preservation, but about active contribution to one’s nation and society. That is the standard he set, and it is a legacy we strive to honour. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the connection between historical precedent and the House’s present-day activities, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club.
> By examining such exemplary figures from the Barony’s past, we offer both context and inspiration. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming modern challenges with the same determination they showed. This is the spirit of purposeful action we hope to foster here. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical commemoration marks the first in a planned series of lectures at The Brattleby Club, titled *Giants of Brattleby*. Future events will explore the lives of other significant title-holders, including the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
These events are designed to strengthen the understanding of the Barony’s nine-century history and its place within the wider tapestry of European nobility. They complement the House's ongoing philanthropic work, with preparations already underway for the forthcoming Winter Banquet. The interest shown by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in this history ensures that this legacy of honour and fortitude will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient seigneurial lordships. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical stewardship with contemporary service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is its patronage of organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, principally the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also pursues educational goals through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and international protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a 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 lord of Brattleby and 55 other manors. Throughout its nine-hundred-year history, the title has been held by some of England's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The succession of the current title holder was formally acknowledged by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable holders of the title include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The House's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the historical *caput* of the barony.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com