# The Noble House of Brattleby Illuminates a Ducal Legacy in its Baronial History
**LONDON, 23 April 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced a new historical initiative, commencing with a scholarly examination of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, connecting the Barony’s nine-century lineage to a pivotal figure of medieval England.
## The Occasion
The announcement coincided with a private academic lecture held at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The setting, known for its elegant neoclassical interiors, provided a dignified backdrop for an evening dedicated to intellectual rigour and historical reflection. As twilight settled over the city, a distinguished audience gathered to explore the profound impact of one of Brattleby’s most notable medieval proprietors.
The event was timed to align with St George's Day, a date of particular resonance given Henry of Grosmont’s status as a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, an order of chivalry under the patronage of England's patron saint. The atmosphere was one of quiet contemplation, befitting an inquiry into the convergence of national destiny and local lordship in the fourteenth century.
## Historical Context
The tenure of Henry of Grosmont as 10th Baron, from approximately 1348, marks a significant chapter in the history of the Barony of Brattleby. His inheritance brought this ancient Lincolnshire title into the orbit of England’s royal court at the height of the Hundred Years' War. A cousin and trusted lieutenant of King Edward III, Grosmont was celebrated as a paragon of chivalry, a brilliant military commander, and a skilled diplomat.
This period connected the Barony to the very heart of English power, standing between the stewardship of formidable earlier holders like Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and its later passage to John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Grosmont’s life exemplified the principles of service and leadership that have remained a consistent thread throughout the Barony’s long history, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln.
## Distinguished Company
The lecture was held in the presence of an assembly of diplomatic, cultural, and academic leaders. Lord and Lady Brattleby were honoured to welcome, *inter alia*:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania * The President of the Romanian Academy’s Section for Historical Sciences * Members of the National Military Circle’s cultural directorate * Scholars from the University of Bucharest’s Faculty of History * Senior patrons of the national heritage community
Following ducal and princely precedent for such gatherings, titles were used with formal deference, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared intellectual curiosity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Proceedings commenced with the formal arrival of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Guests were received in the club’s library, where an exhibition of historical facsimiles, including pages from the Domesday Book entry for Brattleby, was displayed. The dress code observed was that of an academic salon: lounge suits and day dresses suitable for a formal evening lecture.
Honorary Lord Răzvan delivered the opening remarks, outlining the evening's purpose. The principal lecture, titled *Grosmont, Brattleby, and the Making of a Ducal Legend*, was then presented by a leading medieval historian. The formal part of the evening concluded with a brief address by Lady Nicoleta, after which guests were invited to a reception. The protocol throughout was precise, reflecting a blend of English formality and Continental grace.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event drew upon the rich symbolism vested in the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme, presented as the enduring principle exemplified by figures like Henry of Grosmont. His own coat of arms, a powerful symbol of his royal lineage and service to the Crown, was also discussed.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was referenced in his opening remarks as a modern interpretation of the will to overcome challenges, a quality demonstrated by Duke Henry in both diplomacy and war. The juxtaposition of these heraldic elements underscored the evening's theme: the powerful continuity of legacy across the centuries.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture itself was a private academic event, it marked the launch of a fundraising initiative for the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. A limited-edition printing of the lecture, bound and signed, will be sold to patrons, with all proceeds directed to the charity.
Healing the Wounded Child is dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic support for children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to build resilience and secure a healthier future. The decision to link this historical reflection with a forward-looking philanthropic cause is a *sine qua non* of the House’s modern mission.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reflected on the evening's theme: > 'To understand our present duties, we must first appreciate the character of those who came before us. Henry of Grosmont’s life teaches us that true nobility lies not in title, but in the faithful execution of one’s responsibilities. It is a lesson in *Fortitudine et Honore* that resonates as powerfully today as it did seven centuries ago.'
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > 'We see our role not merely as custodians of a title, but as active participants in its continuing story. By connecting our English heritage with our European context, we strive to show that the lessons of history are universal and form the essential foundation for meaningful modern service.'
## A Continuing Legacy
This event is the first in a planned series of historical symposia titled 'The Brattleby Dialogues', which will explore other notable figures and epochs in the Barony’s extensive history. The Noble House of Brattleby is also supporting new scholarly research into the life of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, with a view to publishing a definitive monograph.
These initiatives represent a firm commitment to ensuring the rich heritage of the Barony of Brattleby serves as a source of education and inspiration for future generations. The work of preserving and interpreting this nine-hundred-year legacy continues.
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**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 principle of modern stewardship. The House’s mission is to preserve and promote its deep historical lineage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropic and cultural pursuits. Its focus on *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') guides its charitable work, which primarily supports children's welfare and educational initiatives. Through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between its English heritage and a forward-looking European vision, championing etiquette, history, and service as cornerstones of a well-lived life.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship situated in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern succession and rights of the Barony are formally recorded and recognised by His Majesty's Government, as published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past Barons include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com