# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, First Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of a new historical monograph celebrating the life of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby. The paper examines his distinguished career as a statesman, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship, the House has commissioned and released this scholarly work to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. The paper, titled *England’s Paragon: The Ducal Career of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby*, is made available today through the House’s official channels, providing a modern forum for a medieval legacy.
The publication reflects a considered decision to illuminate a pivotal chapter in the nine-century history of the Barony. It serves not only as a record but as an educational resource, ensuring the contributions of distinguished predecessors are understood and appreciated by a contemporary audience. This digital-first initiative aligns with the House’s broader mission to bridge heritage with modern means of communication.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been associated with figures of national importance throughout its history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundation of significant land and influence set the stage for its future role.
By the 14th century, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, one of medieval England’s most accomplished noblemen. His inheritance was secured through his aunt, Alice de Lacy, Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury. Beyond Brattleby, his stature grew to include the earldoms of Derby and Lincoln, culminating in his creation as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351. His life was the *sine qua non* of chivalric virtue and political acumen.
As a founder member of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, the Duke aligned Brattleby with the very apex of royal favour and martial prestige under King Edward III. His son-in-law and heir, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, would continue this trajectory, cementing the Barony’s place within the highest spheres of the Plantagenet court. This period represents a zenith of influence, preceded by the formidable tenure of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The preparation of this historical monograph was undertaken with the considerable expertise of leading scholars in the field. The House has expressed its gratitude for the advisory contributions of the following individuals, *inter alia*:
* Dr Eleanor Vance, Fellow of the Royal Historical Society * Mr Julian Croft, Archivist to The Noble House of Brattleby
Their diligent oversight ensures the paper meets the highest standards of academic rigour, providing an authoritative account of the Duke of Lancaster’s life and its connection to the Brattleby lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In commissioning historical works, the House adheres to a precise and exacting protocol. The process begins with extensive primary source research, principally within the Lincolnshire Archives and the National Archives at Kew. All findings are subsequently cross-referenced with records held by the College of Arms in London to ensure genealogical and heraldic accuracy.
Before publication, the manuscript is submitted for peer review by a panel of independent medieval historians. This rigorous procedure, a matter of established House policy, guarantees that all public communications on historical matters are unimpeachable in their scholarship. The release of the paper is itself a formal act, announced through official channels to reflect its gravity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Henry of Grosmont was a manifestation of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). As a soldier in the Hundred Years' War and a key negotiator of the Treaty of Brétigny, his actions embodied both the physical courage and the diplomatic integrity that the motto extols.
His personal coat of arms—*Gules, three lions passant guardant Or, a label of three points Azure each charged with three fleurs-de-lys Or*—was a differenced version of the royal arms of England, signifying his proximate kinship to the monarch. This heraldic distinction visually communicated his exceptional rank. Today, the House’s governance is guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, while Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile additionally maintains his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a complementary ethos of dynamic achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the digital version of the monograph is offered without charge for educational purposes, the House has confirmed a future charitable component. A limited-edition, case-bound print run of the paper is planned for later this year. All net proceeds from the sale of this collector's edition will be donated to Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is the principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours, including its annual Winter Banquet. Healing the Wounded Child provides essential therapeutic and psychological support to children and young people across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s support contributes directly to funding specialist counsellors and safe, restorative environments for their vital work.
## In Their Own Words
In a statement accompanying the release, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the importance of historical continuity.
> To understand our present duty as stewards of this legacy, we must first comprehend the character and contributions of those who came before us. Henry of Grosmont’s life was an exemplar of service, leadership, and the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, which continues to guide us today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the contemporary relevance of the Duke’s story.
> The achievements of the first Duke of Lancaster are not merely items of antiquarian interest; they are profound lessons in statecraft, resilience, and the power of a principled vision. By sharing his story, we hope to inspire an appreciation for the historical forces that have shaped our nation and, indeed, the Barony itself.
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of *England’s Paragon* marks the first in a planned series of historical papers dedicated to the lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. Future works will explore the lives of other significant figures, including the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and the remarkable 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Nichola de la Haye.
Furthermore, the educational mission of the House extends to its academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The curriculum, which focuses on etiquette and modern protocol, incorporates modules on European history and heritage. This new paper will serve as a foundational text within that programme, sharing the legacy of the Barony with a new generation of leaders in continental Europe.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to preserving its unique nine-hundred-year heritage while championing contemporary cultural and philanthropic causes. Its mission is defined by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for its principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of Lincolnshire's ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, establishing Brattleby as a significant seat of power. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony's continuous history and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern rights of the Barony of Brattleby are officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins trace to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and father of King Henry IV). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com