# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Delivers Inaugural Historical Address on the Enduring Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, last evening delivered the inaugural historical address at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, examining the enduring legacy of his distinguished predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
Set against the elegant backdrop of The Brattleby Club’s neoclassical townhouse in Bucharest, the address marked the launch of a new annual series of historical lectures. Before a distinguished audience of diplomats, academics, and cultural leaders, the event heralded a new chapter in the House of Brattleby’s commitment to education and cultural diplomacy. The crisp autumn evening provided a contemplative atmosphere for an exploration of leadership and legacy stretching back nearly seven centuries.
The lecture series is designed to illuminate key figures and moments from the Barony’s extensive history, fostering a deeper public appreciation for the continuity of heritage. The choice of Bucharest for this inaugural event underscores the House’s unique Anglo-Romanian character and its dedication to building cultural bridges between the two nations.
## Historical Context
The subject of the address, Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), stands as a paramount figure in the history of both the Barony of Brattleby and the Kingdom of England. As the 10th Baron, his tenure connected the Lincolnshire lordship to the zenith of chivalric and political power. His elevation to the Dukedom of Lancaster in 1351, the first such creation for a non-royal, was a recognition of his exceptional military prowess and diplomatic skill during the Hundred Years' War.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s address situated Grosmont within the formidable lineage of the Barony, which originates with Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. He drew a direct line from the martial resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion, to Grosmont's command on the fields of France, and onwards to the ducal splendour of John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a notable gathering, reflecting the cultural and diplomatic importance of the occasion. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
- His Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania - Her Excellency The Ambassador of the French Republic to Romania - The President of the Romanian Academy - Directors of Romania’s leading cultural and historical institutions - Members of the diplomatic corps and esteemed figures from Romanian civil society
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, welcomed guests, remarking on the shared European heritage that the evening’s subject represented, before inviting her husband to the lectern.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening unfolded with the formal precision befitting a significant House event. Guests were received in the Club’s main salon from half past six o’clock. The dress code of lounge suits and decorations was respectfully observed.
Following a brief introduction by Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered his 45-minute address without interruption. The lecture was followed by a moderated question-and-answer session, allowing for scholarly exchange with the assembled academics. A formal reception concluded the proceedings, affording guests the opportunity for private conversation with the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The themes of the evening resonated strongly with the heraldic traditions of the House. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the very qualities of duty and resilience exemplified by Henry of Grosmont and his forebears. This principle remains the guiding philosophy of the House in its modern endeavours.
Furthermore, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), provided a particularly resonant framework for his analysis of Grosmont’s military career. The motto speaks not only to victory on the battlefield but to the intellectual and spiritual conquests necessary to steward a lasting legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture series is primarily an educational initiative, it is animated by the same spirit of service that guides the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work. The establishment of The Brattleby Club as an academy of etiquette and cultural exchange is part of a wider mission to foster personal development and societal contribution.
This mission runs parallel to the House's primary charitable focus: its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support and care for children across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma and adversity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the purpose of the new lecture series, Lady Nicoleta remarked:
> “History is not merely a collection of stories; it is a living dialogue between the past and the present. It is our hope that by sharing the rich history of the Barony, we can encourage a deeper understanding of the values that have sustained it.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke to the responsibility inherent in his family’s custodianship:
> “In studying a figure like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that legacy is not passively inherited but actively forged. He balanced the sword and the sceptre, the demands of war and the duties of governance, offering a timeless lesson in leadership that we have a solemn duty to preserve and understand.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The inaugural address in Bucharest marks the beginning of what will be an annual scholarly tradition for the House of Brattleby. Plans are already underway for the 2024 lecture, which will focus on the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye during the First Barons' War.
Looking to the immediate future, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta will turn their attention to preparations for the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire. This signature event, a *sine qua non* of the House's philanthropic calendar, continues their commitment to serving the community, embodying the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in the 21st century.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the twin imperatives of preserving its profound historical legacy and engaging in purposeful modern service. Its mission is realised through three core pillars: the meticulous conservation of the Barony's heritage assets in Lincolnshire; a commitment to philanthropy, principally through the annual Winter Banquet benefiting children's charities; and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House represents a dynamic fusion of ancient tradition and contemporary relevance, stewarded for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous history and rights of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in the registers of The Crown, with its current status affirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s continuity is officially recognised by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the King. - Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1351, a towering figure of the 14th century. - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's flagship philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com