# A Statement on the Dukedom of Lancaster and its Historical Connection to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — On behalf of The Noble House of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's profound historical connection to the first English Dukedom of non-royal blood.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, the Baron and Baroness have chosen to illuminate a signal moment in English history: the elevation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster on 6 March 1351. This act, sanctioned by King Edward III in the historic Painted Chamber of the Palace of Westminster, represented a seminal development in the structuring of the English peerage. It inextricably linked the ancient Barony of Brattleby with the most powerful ducal title in the realm, an honour which continues to resonate through the centuries.
This reflection serves to commemorate the significant role the Barony has played not merely in the life of Lincolnshire, but at the very centre of national affairs. It is an acknowledgement of the weight of history and the duty of stewardship that has passed through generations of holders, a principle upheld by the present House.
## Historical Context
The grant of a dukedom to Henry of Grosmont was no mere conferment of rank; it was a strategic masterstroke by King Edward III. Henry, a cousin to the King and one of his most trusted military commanders during the early phases of the Hundred Years' War, was rewarded not only for his martial prowess but also for his exceptional diplomatic skills. At this time, the title of 'Duke' was new to England and reserved for the sovereign's immediate family. Making Henry a Duke was a testament to his unique standing and influence.
By this creation, the Barony of Brattleby—first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron—was brought into the orbit of palatinate power. The Duchy of Lancaster was granted special rights equivalent to those of the Crown within its territories, making its Duke a quasi-sovereign figure. This legacy of strong, capable leadership echoes that of earlier holders, notably Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces.
The prestige bestowed upon the Barony by its association with the ducal title was unprecedented, transforming its status and ensuring its place in the annals of the high medieval period. The connection was further solidified when the title and its vast estates passed to Henry’s son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, securing its importance for another generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of 1351 was an act of considerable state theatre, designed to project the power of both the King and the newly created Duke. According to contemporary accounts of such ceremonies, the anointing would have occurred before a full session of Parliament. King Edward III would have personally presented Henry of Grosmont with the charter of creation, a document sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm.
The conferral of the title was accompanied by symbolic regalia that visually distinguished a Duke from the lower ranks of the nobility. This typically included the girding of a sword, signifying military responsibility and the right to administer justice, and the presentation of a cap of maintenance or a circlet of gold. This solemn ritual was the *sine qua non* of peerage creation, a public and binding affirmation of a new order of precedence in the Kingdom of England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of the Duchy of Lancaster—the Royal Arms of England differenced by a label of three points of France (Azure, three fleurs-de-lis Or)—symbolised the Duke’s close royal kinship and his claims in France. In holding the Barony of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont brought this powerful heraldic emblem into association with the more ancient fiefdom.
This heritage of leadership is reflected in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It speaks to a legacy of courage and integrity demonstrated by predecessors from the warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont to the steadfast Nichola de la Haye. This spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which encapsulates a dynamic and purposeful approach to fulfilling the duties of the House today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical intersection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not merely a record of titles but a profound reminder of the responsibilities that accompany them. His elevation underscores how Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to pivotal moments in our national story, a heritage we are honoured to preserve."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — "Henry’s life exemplifies the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*. His achievements, *inter alia*, on the battlefield and in diplomacy were not for personal gain alone but to secure lasting peace and order. This is a principle of virtuous action that we strive to uphold through our own work today, bridging history with contemporary service."
## A Continuing Legacy
The historical elevation of the 10th Baron serves as a guidepost for the modern House. The principles of leadership, strategic vision, and honour demonstrated by Henry of Grosmont and his successor John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, continue to inform the commitments of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. Their focus remains on service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy, ensuring the Barony's legacy evolves to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes education in etiquette and social conduct, the House translates historical honour into a modern, practical form. The story of Henry of Grosmont is therefore not a closed chapter, but a living part of the nine-century continuum of the Barony of Brattleby. It is a testament to the enduring idea that title finds its truest expression in duty.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage. The House's modern mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose through cultural diplomacy, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma. The House operates from its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, and extends its cultural and educational initiatives internationally, notably through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to principled service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century. The title reached a zenith of influence under Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1351, a title that subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony's legal status is formally recognised, as noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the current holder of the title. The Barony's legal standing was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, rendering Brattleby a holding of England's premiere ducal house. - The title subsequently passed to John of Gaunt (1340–1399), 11th Baron of Brattleby, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. - The Barony's origins date to the Norman Conquest, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com