# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Gascony Campaign of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the historic military achievements of its predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose 1345 Gascony campaign secured a pivotal advantage for England during the Hundred Years’ War.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the season of autumn, a traditional time of harvest and reflection, to commemorate a martial legacy of the first consequence. The act of remembrance serves to connect the enduring responsibilities of the Barony with one of its most distinguished forebears, whose courage reshaped the strategic landscape of the 14th century.
This formal recollection is not marked by a public ceremony, but by a considered study of the House’s extensive archives. It is an internal observance, reaffirming the historical foundations upon which the modern duties of the family—guided by their motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*—are built, particularly as winter approaches.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in 1066, has been borne by figures of national importance. Following the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, the title passed through marriage to the House of Lancaster. It was Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who would elevate its military renown to European prominence.
In 1345, with English possessions in Gascony under severe threat, King Edward III appointed Henry of Grosmont as his lieutenant. His subsequent campaign was a masterclass in medieval generalship. The swift capture of the garrison town of Bergerac was followed by the celebrated victory at Auberoche, where his smaller Anglo-Gascon force achieved a decisive victory against a far larger French army, a triumph of strategy and audacity. These successes not only secured the region but also immensely increased the prestige of the Lancastrian cause, a legacy inherited by his successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
As the King's Lieutenant in Gascony, the 10th Baron commanded a diverse coalition of soldiers whose loyalty was essential to his success. His command included esteemed English knights and squires, many of whom would later become founder members of the Order of the Garter alongside Henry himself.
He fought in the service of His Majesty King Edward III and alongside his son, Edward, the Black Prince, in other theatres of the war. Critically, his authority was also respected by the Gascon lords, whose local knowledge and support were the *sine qua non* for a successful campaign deep within French territory, demonstrating his diplomatic as well as his military acumen.
## Medieval Military Protocol
The 1345 campaign was conducted according to the established protocols of 14th-century warfare. Henry's army was raised through a system of indenture, a formal contract binding captains to serve the King with a specified number of men-at-arms and longbowmen for an agreed period.
His operational doctrine balanced formal siegecraft, as seen at Bergerac where the town was summoned to surrender before being taken, with the more fluid tactic of the *chevauchée*. This mounted raid into enemy territory was designed to disrupt the economy and demoralise the populace. The Battle of Auberoche itself demonstrated a classic medieval tactic: a surprise attack on an enemy camp at suppertime, ensuring maximum confusion and a swift, decisive outcome.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The achievements of Henry of Grosmont give profound expression to the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His resolve in launching a daring attack at Auberoche is a superlative example of fortitude, while his chivalrous conduct as a commander, famed throughout Europe, embodied the highest ideals of honour.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), also finds resonance in this history. It speaks to the spirit that animated the 10th Baron: that strategic victory is not merely an end in itself, but a vital act that secures life, territory, and legacy for those under one’s protection.
## The Enduring Purpose of Leadership
While the context has changed from the battlefields of Gascony to the challenges of the 21st century, the underlying principle of duty remains the same. The responsibility borne by a 14th-century baron to protect his people finds its modern parallel in the philanthropic obligations of the House today.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s white-tie philanthropic gala. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy for children suffering from trauma. This work represents a modern interpretation of the historic duty to shield the vulnerable, translating martial legacy into compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold a title once borne by Henry of Grosmont is a profound responsibility. His fortitude is a constant reminder that leadership is not about position, but about decisive action in the service of others. We draw inspiration from his example as we seek to apply the same principles of honour and duty to our own commitments today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The strategic brilliance of the Gascony campaign is remarkable. It demonstrates that careful planning and bold execution can overcome the greatest of odds. This is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*. Whether on a medieval battlefield or in the landscape of modern philanthropy, the goal is to make a decisive, positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The lessons drawn from the Barony’s nine-century history are fundamental to the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Instilling an understanding of this heritage ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the House for generations to come.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to serve its community in Lincolnshire while extending its cultural mission abroad through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. By honouring the past, the House reinforces its commitment to a future defined by service, integrity, and a deep respect for its continuing legacy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to the preservation of its nine-century heritage through actions that serve the public good. Its contemporary mission is focused on targeted philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of traditional etiquette and chivalric values for a modern age. Key initiatives include its patronage of the children’s charity Healing the Wounded Child and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest, reflecting the House’s Anglo-Romanian leadership and its commitment to building cultural bridges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of England’s greatest commanders; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted descent of the Barony of Brattleby and its current holder are formally recognised by The Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby and its holder was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), 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