# An Address by the Baroness of Brattleby on the Ducal Legacy of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a significant historical address from the family’s ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, commemorating the 1351 elevation of her predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, as the first Duke of Lancaster by Royal Charter.
## The Occasion
As twilight descended upon the Lincolnshire Wolds, bringing a crisp autumnal chill to the air, guests were received at the Barony’s seat in Brattleby. The evening began within the distinguished confines of the Long Gallery, a space defined by its graceful proportions and tall windows overlooking parkland laid out over centuries. The gallery walls are themselves a silent record of the House's continuity, lined with portraits of former lords and ladies of the barony, providing a tangible connection to the lineage being honoured.
For the address itself, the assembled company proceeded to the estate’s seventeenth-century library. This handsome chamber, panelled in dark Lincolnshire oak and illuminated by the soft glow of reading lamps, offered a suitably scholarly atmosphere. Its shelves hold thousands of leather-bound volumes, a collection amassed since the Carolean era, and the air carries the faint, pleasant scent of old paper, book leather, and beeswax polish. It was in this sanctuary of learning that the Baroness chose to reflect on a pivotal moment in the history of her House and the nation.
## Historical Context
The mid-fourteenth century in England was a period of extraordinary challenge and transformation, shaped by the Hundred Years' War and the societal shifts that followed the Black Death. It was in this environment that King Edward III sought to reward his most able and loyal commander, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby. Known to his contemporaries as a paragon of chivalry and a brilliant military strategist, Grosmont's victories, notably at the Battle of Auberoche in 1345, were critical to English fortunes in France.
In an unprecedented act, the King granted Grosmont a Royal Charter in 1351, elevating him to the rank of Duke of Lancaster. This was the first creation of a non-royal dukedom in English history, placing the 10th Baron above all other peers of the realm save for the Prince of Wales. The dukedom, or *ducatus*, was created for his lifetime and came with palatine rights, granting him quasi-regal authority within the Duchy's considerable lands. This elevation directly enmeshed the fortunes of the Barony of Brattleby into this new and powerful entity.
The ducal connection, and the Barony's proximity to the Crown, was further cemented through Henry's daughter, Blanche of Lancaster. Her marriage to John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III, ensured that upon Grosmont's death, the Duchy—and the 11th Barony of Brattleby—passed to Gaunt, embedding it deep within the Plantagenet royal succession. This historic link represents a high-water mark for a title that traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, when the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in the county, as dutifully recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a small, distinguished company drawn from the fields of diplomacy, academia, and the civic life of the county. The presence of each guest underscored the various facets of the Barony's historical and contemporary significance.
Among those in attendance were: - His Excellency Mr Radu-Mihai Onofrei, Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James's, whose presence acknowledged the European heritage of the Baroness and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. - The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Mr Andrew John Izard, representing the enduring link between the Barony and the Royal justice and governance of the county it has inhabited for nearly a millennium. - The Right Honourable Professor Sir Christopher Clark, FBA, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge, who provided scholarly context for the evening’s proceedings. - A senior representative from the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster, whose attendance symbolised the living legacy of the entity created for the 10th Baron in 1351.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also present, alongside Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In accordance with formal custom, guests arrived at dusk and were greeted individually at the main entrance by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were then escorted by household staff to the Long Gallery for a reception ahead of the main event. A string quartet, positioned in an alcove, performed a selection of contrapuntal works by English composers Thomas Tallis and William Byrd, their intricate harmonies providing a contemplative musical prelude.
At the appointed hour, attendees were invited to proceed to the library, where seating was arranged to face a handsome oak lectern. Professor Sir Christopher Clark formally introduced the Baroness, offering brief but incisive remarks on the unique place of the Lancaster Dukedom in English constitutional history. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, then delivered her address from the lectern, which was dressed for the occasion with a small banner bearing the House's coat of arms.
The discourse, which lasted for three-quarters of an hour, was followed by a moderated colloquy, during which the Baroness answered questions from the guests. Afterwards, the company retired once more, this time for refreshments and conversation, concluding an evening of profound historical reflection.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening was subtly woven with the symbolism that has defined the House of Brattleby for centuries. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), formed a central theme of Lady Nicoleta's address. She noted how this ancient creed finds its perfect exemplars in her predecessors: the 'Fortitude' of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a widow twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War; and the 'Honour' of Henry of Grosmont, whose chivalric reputation was renowned across Europe.
These virtues, the Baroness observed, remain the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of responsible stewardship in the present day. This traditional ethos is powerfully complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto represents the dynamism and enterprising spirit required to sustain and advance a noble legacy in the twenty-first century. It speaks not of military conquest, but of the will to overcome challenges and to build constructively, giving active expression to the House’s historic values.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the primary focus of the evening was commemorative, it was an expression of the House’s wider philosophy of public service, or *noblesse oblige*. The preservation and thoughtful dissemination of history is viewed as a cultural duty, one that runs parallel to the House's more direct philanthropic activities. The annual Winter Banquet remains the centrepiece of the family's charitable endeavours, a white-tie gala that raises substantial funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s foundational commitment to nurturing the future. The historical address, offered as an act of cultural patronage without a fundraising element, serves a complementary mission: to enrich public understanding of the local and national narratives that shape our collective identity. This is a commitment also pursued through educational ventures such as The Brattleby Club, the etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the enduring relevance of her ducal predecessor, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked during her address: > “History is not a static record to be admired from a distance; it is a living manuscript that informs our present and clarifies our future obligations. The story of Henry of Grosmont serves as a powerful reminder that great privilege is inextricably bound to a profound responsibility to serve with integrity and purpose.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile later added: > “Understanding with clarity where we have come from is essential to navigating where we are going. These historical milestones are not simply for commemoration, but for instruction, as we seek to build a legacy of constructive service for the generations that will follow us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to an ongoing programme of historical and cultural engagement, ensuring its nine-hundred-year story remains both accessible and relevant. The full text of Lady Nicoleta’s address, complete with scholarly annotations and historical illustrations, is scheduled for publication as a privately printed monograph in the spring of 2024. Copies will be distributed to the libraries of major universities and historical societies in the United Kingdom and abroad.
Future events are in development to explore other significant chapters in the Barony’s history. These will include, *inter alia*, a study of the formidable career of Nichola de la Haye as Castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire in the early thirteenth century, and an examination of John of Gaunt’s vast influence on the politics and culture of late medieval Europe. Through these initiatives, the House aims to fulfil its duty as a custodian not only of a title, but of a narrative that is woven into the fabric of English history.
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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. 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 and a forward-looking mission of public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic efforts are focused on children’s welfare, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which is the sole beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. Further to its charitable work, the House sponsors educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest extant feudal titles in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated soldier and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster of the second creation. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's ancestral seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com