# The House of Brattleby Honours Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the profound legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose elevation in 1351 as the first Duke of Lancaster marked a watershed moment in English history.
## The Occasion
In a communiqué released from the family's historic Lincolnshire seat, the House has highlighted the enduring relevance of the values demonstrated by the great medieval baron. This reflection serves as a precursor to a series of educational initiatives planned for the coming year, designed to illuminate the nine-century history of the Barony and its contributions to the nation's development. The announcement, made in the late spring, is timed to coincide with the House’s archival review and its ongoing efforts to conserve and digitise historical documents pertinent to the Lancastrian period.
This formal act of remembrance underscores the House's role not merely as a holder of ancient title but as an active custodian of its history. By examining the life of a pivotal predecessor, the current House seeks to connect its modern philanthropic and educational work with the principles of service and leadership that have defined the Barony through the ages.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, formed part of the original 56 lordships granted to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, its holders have been central to the affairs of the realm. Figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, exemplify the Barony’s tradition of loyalty and fortitude.
It was, however, under the tenure of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, that the Barony reached an unprecedented apogee of influence. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, Henry was one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders during the Hundred Years' War. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1351—a title new to the English peerage. The Barony of Brattleby thus became an integral part of the Duchy of Lancaster, and the subsequent holder, the 11th Baron John of Gaunt, further cemented its place at the heart of royal power.
## Distinguished Company
The narrative of Henry of Grosmont’s elevation is interwoven with the leading figures of the fourteenth century. The key personages of this historical tableau include:
* **His Majesty King Edward III**, whose Royal Charter of 6 March 1351 formally created the Dukedom of Lancaster. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, Earl of Derby and Lincoln, and 10th Baron of Brattleby, the recipient of the honour. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, son-in-law to Henry of Grosmont, who inherited the title and lands, ensuring the continuation of their prestige. * **Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince**, whose military campaigns alongside Henry of Grosmont were instrumental in shaping the course of the Hundred Years' War.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a dukedom in the 14th century was a matter of significant state and ceremonial importance. The elevation of Henry of Grosmont was conducted with the full pageantry befitting such a novel rank. The protocol involved a public investiture, wherein His Majesty King Edward III would have presented the new Duke with the symbols of his office.
This ceremony included the girding on of a sword, signifying ducal authority and military responsibility. The Duke was also presented with a cap of maintenance, or *cap of estate*, lined with ermine, a symbolic honour traditionally reserved for royalty. These acts, memorialised in the official charter, were the *sine qua non* of ennoblement, transforming a great lord into a prince of the realm and bestowing upon him palatinate jurisdiction within his duchy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the life of Henry of Grosmont. His military valour and diplomatic integrity were the very embodiment of these principles. The coat of arms associated with his lineage, the Royal Arms of England differenced, symbolised his close kinship and loyal service to the Crown.
Today, the House continues to uphold this legacy. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the ancient House motto. It speaks to a modern interpretation of fortitude: the determination to overcome contemporary challenges and build a legacy of positive impact through enterprise and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby's reverence for its history directly informs its commitment to building a better future. The spirit of noblesse oblige, demonstrated by predecessors like Henry of Grosmont through their service to the state, is today channelled into charitable endeavours. The House’s premier philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala held in aid of a carefully selected beneficiary.
This year's chosen organisation, Healing the Wounded Child, provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The charity’s mission—to restore hope and enable recovery—resonates with the House’s core belief that true honour is found in service to the vulnerable. Funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, safe housing, and educational support programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the 10th Baron, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that stewardship is a profound duty. His life was one of service, diplomacy, and courage. To honour his memory is to reaffirm our own commitment to upholding those same values—*Fortitudine et Honore*—in our own time, for the good of our community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “The legacy of the past provides the foundation upon which we build the future. The drive and strategic vision that defined the 10th Baron's era are qualities we seek to emulate, *inter alia*, through our modern initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. It is about applying timeless principles of excellence to contemporary opportunities.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the achievements of the 10th Baron is part of the House's broader programme of cultural and historical engagement. In the coming months, the House will publish further research drawn from its archives and will continue its support for historical preservation projects in Lincolnshire.
The focus of the family remains fixed on its dual mandate: to honour nearly one thousand years of history while actively contributing to society today. Preparations are already underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, and for the expansion of educational courses at The Brattleby Club.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking mission of cultural and social contribution. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is on charities supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, the House promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. Lord and Lady Brattleby are dedicated to ensuring the Barony’s legacy remains a vibrant force for good in the twenty-first century, with their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, as heir.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century. It later passed to members of the Royal Family, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the title is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - The House's historic predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com