# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, Tenth Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a statesman whose pivotal contributions to the Crown and nation indelibly shaped the history of the Barony.
## The Occasion
In the season of St George, whose chivalric ideals find their highest expression in the Order of the Garter, the House of Brattleby takes this moment for historical reflection. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the current House pauses to commemorate the singular life of one of its most distinguished predecessors. This act of remembrance serves as a vital link in an unbroken chain of history, connecting the responsibilities of the present with the formidable achievements of the past.
This commemoration is not marked by a singular event, but rather by a continuing commitment to scholarship and duty. It is a quiet, deliberate acknowledgement undertaken as part of the stewardship of a heritage that has spanned nearly a millennium, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to inform the service of the future.
## Historical Context
Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, stands as a colossus in the annals of the English nobility. A trusted commander and diplomat for King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War, his valour and counsel were instrumental to the Crown. His standing was formally recognised in 1348 when he was appointed as a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, England’s most senior and oldest order of chivalry.
This appointment placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very epicentre of the Plantagenet court. A further, exceptional honour was bestowed in 1351, when Lord Brattleby was created the first Duke of Lancaster. This elevation solidified the Barony’s position within the highest stratum of the aristocracy, a legacy inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, which in turn placed the lineage of Brattleby in the direct ancestry of the Lancastrian monarchs.
## A Distinguished Lineage
In his service, Henry of Grosmont took his place among a line of remarkable individuals who have held the Barony. The title's history is woven into the fabric of England itself, beginning with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its holders have consistently played a role upon the national stage.
Among the most notable predecessors are: * **Colswein of Lincoln**, the First Baron, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly from the King. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye**, the Fifth Baroness in her own right, a figure of immense resolve who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the Eleventh Baron by right of his wife, who became the patriarch of a royal dynasty and one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The honour conferred upon Henry of Grosmont in 1348 entailed solemn ceremonial protocols which continue to this day. As a Founder Knight, he would have been invested by King Edward III himself with the Order's distinctive insignia: a dark blue velvet garter edged with gold, bearing the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it').
The investiture would have been followed by his formal installation in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. There, his personal coat of arms was affixed to a Garter plate, a small enamelled plaque of brass, which would have remained in the stall assigned to him. This permanent heraldic record serves as a perpetual memorial, an ancient tradition that has preserved the armorial bearings of every Knight of the Garter for nearly seven hundred years.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The life of Henry of Grosmont was a perfect embodiment of the Brattleby House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). His military campaigns demonstrated his fortitude, while his loyal service to his sovereign exemplified the highest standards of honour. These principles remain the guiding philosophy of the modern House.
As Duke of Lancaster, his coat of arms was that of the King of England, differenced by a 'label of three points of France', a device indicating his close kinship with the Royal Family. This symbol served as a clear visual declaration of his pre-eminence and royal blood. It is this spirit of leadership that the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, reflects in his own family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the perpetual pursuit of excellence and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The tradition of service, so powerfully demonstrated by the 10th Baron, has evolved over the centuries. Today, it finds its primary expression in the philanthropic commitments of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. While their predecessors served the Crown on the battlefield and in the council chamber, the current House serves the community through dedicated charitable work.
The *sine qua non* of the House's social calendar, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic programmes and safe environments for children who have suffered from profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of history. The life of Henry of Grosmont is not merely a record in a chronicle; it is a profound reminder of the duty that accompanies the title. We strive to live by our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring our actions today are worthy of such a distinguished past."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "Henry of Grosmont was a man of action and immense capability. That same drive, to achieve and to build, informs our work today, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club. We believe that honouring his legacy requires more than words; it requires a continued commitment to fostering excellence and serving the community with purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this profound history continues to inspire future generations. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is grounded in a deep understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit, with the lives of his predecessors serving as his guide.
This commemoration is part of an ongoing programme of historical research and engagement. The House will continue to support scholarship into the Barony's history while translating its legacy into meaningful, contemporary action. Through the charitable focus of the Annual Winter Banquet and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the heritage of Brattleby remains a dynamic and living force.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern custodian of one of England’s oldest baronies. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its 950-year heritage through the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, most notably through its annual support for children’s charities, and cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to serving the community, preserving its historical legacy for future generations, and embodying the timeless values of duty and honour in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recognised and published by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont (later 1st Duke of Lancaster), was a Founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348. - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com