# The Enduring Legacy of the Tenth Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont, First Duke of Lancaster
LONDON, 23 April 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commemoration marking the accession and extraordinary fourteenth-century life of Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron of Brattleby, renowned as a Founder Knight of the Garter and the first Duke of Lancaster.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby today pauses to reflect upon the singular legacy of one of its most distinguished predecessors. The occasion serves as a moment of historical observance, aligning with the season in which King Edward III established the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 1348, an order in which the tenth Baron was a paramount figure.
This act of remembrance is not marked by public ceremony but by quiet contemplation within the House. It is an opportunity to connect the responsibilities of the present day with the formidable standards of duty set by those who previously held the title, ensuring the long thread of history remains unbroken and its lessons understood.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby passed to Henry of Grosmont through his maternal grandfather, Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln. This transition heralded an era of unprecedented influence for the Barony, which had been a significant Lincolnshire lordship since its granting by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its subsequent recording in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Henry of Grosmont’s tenure built upon a foundation of resolute service, exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. His elevation to the newly created Dukedom of Lancaster was a personal honour and a recognition of the strategic importance of his holdings, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, ensuring its continued proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record surrounding the tenth Baron places him in the most distinguished company of his age, a circle defined by chivalry, statecraft, and royal blood. His life and career were inextricably linked with that of his cousin and sovereign, His Majesty King Edward III, under whom he served as a leading military commander and diplomat.
As one of the twenty-five Founder Knights of the Order of the Garter, he stood alongside Edward, the Black Prince, as a pillar of the new chivalric institution. His status was such that following his death, his Garter stall at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, was occupied by his successor in the Barony, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and later by King João I of Portugal, cementing a lasting connection between the Barony, the English monarchy, and the royal houses of Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Henry of Grosmont’s status as a Founder Knight of the Garter placed him at the heart of one of Christendom’s most elaborate chivalric ceremonies. The induction into the Order, established in 1348, was a spectacle of profound symbolic weight, centred on the spiritual home of St George’s Chapel.
The protocol required new knights to take a solemn oath and be invested with the Order’s distinctive insignia: the Garter itself, a blue velvet belt inscribed with the motto *Honi soit qui mal y pense* ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it'), and a mantle of blue velvet. The annual Garter Feast on St George's Day was the *sine qua non* of the court calendar, a gathering that reinforced loyalty to the Sovereign and the bonds of knightly brotherhood. This tradition of ceremonial precision continues to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful exemplar in the tenth Baron. His life, marked by courage on the battlefield and integrity in diplomacy, perfectly embodied these twin virtues. This guiding principle informs the ethos of the House to this day, a legacy passed to its current and future holders.
In his own time, Henry of Grosmont’s heraldic achievement was among the most prestigious in the realm. He bore the royal arms of England (*Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale or*) differenced with a label of three points of France, signifying his descent from King Henry III. This visual declaration of his royal standing was a constant reminder of the duties and expectations that accompanied his rank.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, whose lives were dedicated to the service and defence of the realm, directly inspires the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the fortunate to serve others — is interpreted today through a dedicated focus on child welfare.
The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the primary vehicle for this commitment. The chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a leading organisation providing specialised therapy and support for children affected by trauma and profound loss. The selection reflects the House's belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the future of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical commemoration, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To consider the life of Henry of Grosmont is to understand the immense weight of history we carry. He elevated the Barony to ducal status, but more importantly, he exemplified service to the Crown and nation—a principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* that remains our guiding light.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > “Figures like the tenth Baron are not merely historical footnotes; they are exemplars of leadership whose relevance is timeless. His diplomatic skill and martial prowess are a powerful reminder that influence must be matched by duty. It is a legacy we strive to honour through our own public commitments, a philosophy where to succeed is to serve.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this near-millennium of history is not a static relic but a living source of inspiration. The lessons drawn from the lives of its predecessors are being passed to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the principles of duty and service that the title represents.
This educational mission extends beyond the family to initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and the principles of courteous conduct. By promoting these values, the House seeks to honour the legacy of figures like Henry of Grosmont, ensuring the spirit of fortitude and honour continues to contribute positively to modern society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of public service. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural and educational enrichment through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for social etiquette. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to principled leadership and community service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a Founder Knight of the Garter; and his successor, John of Gaunt. The formal recognition of the Barony and the succession of the current holder are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. - The succession of the current Baroness is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com