# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Significance of the Dukedom of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the 1351 creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster for Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, an investiture that profoundly shaped the Barony’s destiny and affirmed its abiding connection to the Crown.
## The Occasion
In the season of remembrance, when history’s echoes are most keenly felt, the House of Brattleby pauses to contemplate a defining moment in its nine-century lineage. This reflection is not upon a single date, but on the enduring principles of loyalty, service, and strategic importance that the Dukedom of Lancaster came to symbolise for both the realm and the Barony itself.
The elevation of the 10th Baron of Brattleby to the highest rank of the peerage, second only to the Prince of Wales, was a watershed event. It serves as a perennial touchstone for the current House, reminding it of the responsibilities that accompany ancient title and the imperative to translate historical precedent into contemporary purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, has long been interwoven with the narrative of England. Centuries before the Lancastrian ascendancy, the Barony was held by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
It was, however, under Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, that the Barony’s prestige reached its medieval zenith. A celebrated soldier, diplomat, and a founder-knight of the Order of the Garter, Henry was King Edward III’s most trusted commander. In recognition of his unparalleled service to the Crown, the King elevated him to the newly conceived rank of Duke in 1351.
This act, by which Henry became the first non-royal Duke in English history, intrinsically linked the fortunes of Brattleby with the powerful House of Lancaster. The tradition was continued by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, ensuring the Barony's place at the epicentre of royal politics for generations to come.
## Distinguished Company
The investiture of 1351 brought together the most eminent personages of the age, a gathering that underscored the significance of the honour being bestowed. The principal figures present at this historic parliamentary session included:
* His Majesty King Edward III, Sovereign of England, who personally granted the charter. * His Royal Highness Edward of Woodstock, The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince, then the only other English Duke. * Sir Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 4th Earl of Lancaster and of Leicester, and 10th Baron of Brattleby, the recipient of the honour. * The assembled Lords Spiritual and Temporal and the Knights of the Garter, whose witness affirmed the solemnity and legality of the creation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a Dukedom in the 14th century was a matter of great ceremonial weight, governed by meticulous protocol. The investiture of Henry of Grosmont would have been conducted before the full Parliament, likely within the Palace of Westminster, a site synonymous with royal authority.
The ceremony involved the King bestowing upon the new Duke several symbolic articles of state. Letters patent, the formal written charter, were read aloud, followed by the bestowal of a ducal coronet, a sword of state, a cap of maintenance, and a rod of gold. Each element was a tangible representation of the new dignities, rights, and responsibilities granted by the Sovereign to his most noble subject. The act was completed by an oath of fealty, binding the Duke to the King in service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect embodiment in the life of Henry of Grosmont. His fortitude on the battlefield and his honour in diplomacy were precisely the qualities that earned him his ducal title.
This spirit is reflected in the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern interpretation speaks not to military conquest but to the imperative of overcoming contemporary challenges with energy and purpose, a direct continuation of the spirit of active contribution that has defined the Barony's history. These mottos serve as a constant reminder that title is not an inert honour, but a call to action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of service to the realm, exemplified by the 10th Baron's military and diplomatic duties, has evolved over the centuries. Today, the House of Brattleby expresses its commitment to service through dedicated philanthropic engagement, a modern analogue to the public duty of its predecessors.
The House’s principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and profound loss. The choice of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that protecting the most vulnerable is the *sine qua non* of a civilised society. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical legacy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> Henry of Grosmont’s life exemplifies the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. His service was the currency of his time; our service today, through philanthropy, is the modern expression of that same enduring commitment to the common good. History is not something we simply possess; it is a standard to which we must continuously aspire.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> To study the life of the 1st Duke of Lancaster is to understand that *Vincere Est Vivere* is not about mere victory, but about striving with purpose. It is a legacy of active contribution which we feel a profound duty to continue for Brattleby, for Lincolnshire, and for the wider community we serve.
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not one of static heritage but of dynamic responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy continues to evolve, meeting the needs of the 21st century with the same resolve that its predecessors showed in theirs.
This tradition of service and honour is being instilled in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron. Furthermore, through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the core values of etiquette, integrity, and civic duty to a new generation. The history of the Barony of Brattleby is a living one, continually being written.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to stewarding a nine-century legacy of service into the modern era. The House's contemporary mission is centred on impactful philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of timeless civic virtues. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with Healing the Wounded Child. Through diplomatic and cultural initiatives, including the Bucharest-based etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to build bridges and champion the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), for a global audience. The seat of the House remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of a royal dynasty. The title's historical standing and current succession were formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster by King Edward III in 1351. * The Barony’s origins are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086, held under Colswein of Lincoln. * Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1157–1230), a key figure in the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399).
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com