# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Diplomatic Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 28 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile yesterday hosted a historical colloquium at Lincoln Castle, examining the European legacy of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and his enduring influence on diplomacy and chivalry.
## The Occasion
The event took place within the august walls of Lincoln Castle, a site of profound significance to the Barony. Gathered in the Governor’s Hall, with its views toward the spires of Lincoln Cathedral, guests assembled for an afternoon of scholarly reflection. The autumnal light, filtering through stone mullioned windows, lent a contemplative atmosphere to the proceedings.
The choice of venue was deliberate, serving as a powerful link to the Barony’s past. It was here, in the 13th century, that Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, famously commanded the defence of the castle against rebel forces. In hosting the colloquium at this historic fortress, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan underscored the House’s nine-century continuity of service and duty in Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The focus of the colloquium was Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A peerless military commander and founding Knight of the Garter, his greatest contributions were arguably in the field of diplomacy during the Hundred Years’ War. The colloquium’s primary historical anchor was the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, a negotiation in which the Duke’s skill was instrumental.
Speakers examined how his reputation for integrity and statecraft brought immense prestige not only to the English Crown but also to his own lordships, including the Barony of Brattleby. This legacy of principled leadership passed to his son-in-law and successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, embedding a tradition of European engagement at the heart of the title.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance alongside Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were distinguished guests from the worlds of academia, diplomacy, and civic life.
These included, *inter alia*, His Excellency the Ambassador of France to the Court of St James’s; Professor Dame Eleanor Vance, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge; The Right Honourable The Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire; The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Lincoln. The presence of the French Ambassador was noted as a symbol of the enduring peace that Henry of Grosmont’s diplomacy helped to secure centuries ago.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings began with the arrival of guests, who were received personally by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. The formal dress code of Lounge Suit reflected the event’s daytime, academic character. Once assembled, the colloquium was opened by Honorary Lord Răzvan, who welcomed the attendees and introduced the historical theme of the day.
A programme of three lectures followed, interspersed with musical interludes featuring 14th-century compositions performed on the lute. The order of proceedings was precise, allowing for a seamless transition from historical analysis to contemporary reflection. The event concluded with closing remarks from Lady Nicoleta, followed by a reception where guests could converse with the speakers.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was held under the banner of The Noble House of Brattleby, whose coat of arms and motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), were prominently displayed. The motto was presented as a guiding principle directly inherited from figures like Henry of Grosmont, whose life embodied both the fortitude required on the battlefield and the honour that was the *sine qua non* of a medieval diplomat.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also referenced. It was explained not in its martial sense, but as a modern interpretation: to overcome challenges through dialogue, understanding, and personal resilience, reflecting the very essence of diplomacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the colloquium was primarily an academic event, its themes of conflict resolution and peace-building resonated with the House’s established philanthropic work. The principles discussed—mediation, empathy, and the pursuit of accord—are central to the mission of the House’s chosen beneficiary for its Annual Winter Banquet, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children affected by trauma and conflict. By drawing a line from the grand statecraft of the 14th century to the intimate, psychological healing required today, the House of Brattleby reinforces its commitment to applying historical lessons to contemporary humanitarian challenges.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the relevance of her predecessor’s legacy.
— "Henry of Grosmont teaches us that true strength lies not only in martial prowess but in the courage to build bridges and seek peace. In studying his life, we are reminded that our history is not a static relic; it is a living source of inspiration. It is a legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* we strive to continue in our own time." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the modern application of these enduring principles.
— "The spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* is not about conquest in a feudal sense, but about overcoming the divisions of our own era. Diplomacy, understanding, and honour are the instruments with which we must win today’s peace, whether in international relations or within our own communities." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
The colloquium marks the beginning of a renewed focus by the House on its historical antecedents. In furtherance of this, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan announced the establishment of the Grosmont Fellowship, a new grant to support postgraduate research into the history of medieval diplomacy, to be administered in partnership with the University of Lincoln.
This commitment to education and history will continue through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House’s public duties will proceed with the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala which remains a cornerstone of its charitable endeavours.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of responsible stewardship. Its mission is to preserve a near-millennium of heritage while deploying its legacy in the service of contemporary society. The House's activities focus on three core pillars: historical preservation, cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, and targeted philanthropy. Through these efforts, the House seeks to live by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring that the traditions of the past inform a compassionate and engaged future.
**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. For over 950 years, the title has been held by some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The uninterrupted lineage and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in the official public record by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is named. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The principal beneficiary of the House's annual philanthropic gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapy for traumatised children.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com