# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Diplomatic Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby last evening hosted a formal convocation to commemorate the diplomatic achievements of their celebrated predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, celebrating a lineage of service to Crown and country since AD 1066.
## The Occasion
Held within the venerable neo-Palladian halls of a distinguished London club, the inaugural Henry of Grosmont Memorial Lecture gathered a select audience of historians, diplomats, and cultural leaders. The evening was organised to illuminate the intersection of statecraft and military command in the fourteenth century, a period that decisively shaped England’s role on the Continent.
Against a backdrop of portraits depicting national figures and shelves of leather-bound histories, the atmosphere was one of scholarly reflection. The timing, amid the crispness of autumn, was chosen to foster a contemplative mood, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the long continuity of English constitutional and diplomatic history represented by the Brattleby succession.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening, Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), was a figure whose career epitomised the baronial ideal of martial prowess and diplomatic acumen. As 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, his role as a principal negotiator of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 was instrumental. This treaty, though temporary, marked a significant consolidation of English influence in France during the Hundred Years' War.
The foundation of this legacy was laid centuries earlier. Following the Norman Conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066, whose vast holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The line includes such formidable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. It was this inheritance of duty that passed to Henry and, subsequently, to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## Distinguished Company
The event was graced by the presence of a number of respected figures from diplomatic and academic life. In attendance were, *inter alia*:
Her Excellency The Ambassador of the French Republic to the Court of St James’s, Madame Hélène Duchêne; Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge; The Right Honourable The Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield; and military attachés representing several allied nations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, received their guests personally, reinforcing the House’s commitment to fostering dialogue between those who study history and those who shape its modern course.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with a formal reception, where guests were welcomed by the Lord and Baroness of Brattleby. The House’s coat of arms was discreetly displayed, a subtle affirmation of the evening’s historical theme. Following the reception, guests were seated for the formal lecture in the institute’s main theatre.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, delivered the opening remarks, outlining the purpose of the lecture series as a bridge between past examples and present challenges. The keynote address was then delivered by the guest academic, followed by a vote of thanks from Lady Nicoleta. The evening concluded with a private supper for speakers and distinguished guests, observing a formal order of precedence. The dress code was understated: lounge suits, with diplomatic and academic insignia worn where appropriate.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was conducted under the guiding principle of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This creed reflects the defining characteristics of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, whose service to the realm demanded both physical courage and unwavering integrity. It remains the lodestar for the House’s current activities.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a modern, dynamic interpretation of the family’s heritage: one that sees the active pursuit of excellence in philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation as a vital expression of its enduring legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture itself was a non-commercial academic event, it forms part of the House's wider mission to promote education and historical understanding. This commitment is most visibly expressed through its support for charities focused on youth development and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the family in Bucharest, and the annual Winter Banquet in aid of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, are central to this purpose. The House believes that understanding the context of our shared past is a *sine qua non* for building a resilient and civilised future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening’s theme, Honorary Lord Răzvan commented: > “Henry of Grosmont was a man who understood that lasting peace is not won on the battlefield alone; it must be secured at the negotiating table. His example reminds us that true strength lies in the judicious application of power, diplomacy, and foresight — a lesson of enduring relevance.”
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > “We see ourselves not merely as inheritors of a title, but as custodians of a nearly thousand-year-old story of service. By sharing these histories, we hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the principles of honour and duty that have guided this Barony through the ages.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Henry of Grosmont Memorial Lecture is to become an annual event, with plans to explore other notable figures and moments from the Barony’s extensive history. It represents a renewed commitment by the House of Brattleby to engage with the public on matters of historical importance.
Future initiatives will include the digitisation of key documents from the family archives and the development of educational materials for schools in Lincolnshire. These efforts ensure that the heritage of Brattleby, rooted in the Norman Conquest, remains a vibrant and accessible part of the national story 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 ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while engaging in forward-looking cultural and philanthropic endeavours. The House actively supports charitable organisations, with a particular focus on child welfare through its annual Winter Banquet for ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, and promotes cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy founded in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony 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 in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The unbroken lineage and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, confirming its place in the fabric of English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession and historical standing are officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com