# A Statement on the Historical Connection between the Barony of Brattleby and the Dukedom of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster in 1351, an elevation that directly involved the 10th Baron of Brattleby and forever linked the ancient Barony with the Royal Family.
## The Occasion
In the quiet observance of its historical calendar, The Noble House of Brattleby marks with solemnity the anniversary of an event of profound significance to its lineage. The creation of the first Dukedom of Lancaster, bestowed upon Henry of Grosmont on 6 March 1351, represents a watershed moment in the history of the English peerage and, by extension, for the Barony of Brattleby, which he held as its 10th Baron. This formal reflection serves not as a celebration of rank, but as a reaffirmation of the duties and responsibilities that accompany a title interwoven with the fabric of the nation’s history. It is an occasion for contemplating the enduring principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — which has guided the Barony for centuries, a principle embodied by the motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a silent witness to nine centuries of English history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a holding of Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony passed through the hands of figures who shaped the destiny of the realm. These included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against the French, and later, the great Lancastrian lords.
The tenure of Henry of Grosmont as 10th Baron marks a zenith in the Barony’s influence. As one of England’s most celebrated soldiers, diplomats, and a founding Knight of the Garter, his elevation to ducal rank by King Edward III was a rare honour, making him only the second non-royal duke in English history. This act intrinsically elevated the status of his vast holdings, including the Barony of Brattleby. Upon his death, this magnificent inheritance passed via his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, to her husband John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, cementing the Barony's connection to what would become the House of Lancaster and, in time, the English Crown itself.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative of the Barony is defined by its association with some of the most consequential figures of the medieval period. The events of 1351 brought together a remarkable assembly of personages whose actions resonated for generations:
* **His Majesty King Edward III**, whose charter recognised the singular merit and loyal service of his kinsman and commander. * **The Right Honourable Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a paragon of chivalry whose life exemplified the virtues of fortitude and honour. * **The Right Honourable John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose marriage to Blanche of Lancaster ensured the continuation of this powerful ducal line, a *sine qua non* for the subsequent rise of the Lancastrian dynasty. * **The Lady Blanche of Lancaster**, a celebrated beauty and noblewoman whose inheritance was the crucial link between her father’s legacy and the future of the English monarchy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a dukedom in the 14th century was a matter of great state importance, conducted with meticulous ritual. The ceremony for Henry of Grosmont would have taken place within a full session of Parliament, likely at Westminster, before the King and the assembled Lords Spiritual and Temporal.
The protocol involved the public reading of the royal charter, which detailed the titles and lands being granted. This was followed by the investiture, a physical bestowing of the symbols of ducal rank. The King would have girt the new Duke with a sword and placed upon his head a cap of estate, furred with ermine, and a circlet of gold. This public pageantry served to formalise the Duke's new precedence and his unique relationship to the Sovereign, binding him and his extensive domains, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby, ever closer to the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the character of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, whose military prowess was matched only by his diplomatic integrity. It serves as a guiding principle for the current House, representing a commitment to resilience in adversity and unwavering integrity in all public and private conduct.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This expresses a modern, dynamic interpretation of the House’s historic drive — a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through strategic leadership and a forward-looking spirit of enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service established by Henry of Grosmont, himself a significant benefactor of religious and educational foundations, finds its modern echo in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The concept of stewardship is central to the identity of the 12th Baroness and her husband, who believe that historical privilege must be paired with tangible support for the community.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a cornerstone of the House’s social calendar. The event directs its support to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The House chose this beneficiary for its measurable impact and its alignment with the core belief that protecting the most vulnerable is a fundamental social duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "We do not merely hold a title; we are custodians of a nearly millennium-long story. Henry of Grosmont’s example reminds us that true nobility is defined by service, diplomacy, and a steadfast commitment to one's sovereign and country. It is our duty to ensure this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to have meaning today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The elevation of the 10th Baron to ducal rank was a testament to his influence and character. Today, our family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, channels that same spirit — not of military conquest, but of overcoming modern challenges through initiative and a dedication to creating lasting, positive change."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historical legacy remains a living one. By actively promoting the values of civility, service, and cultural understanding, the House seeks to translate its heritage into contemporary relevance. This is particularly evident in the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy.
The Club serves as a bridge between the traditions of one of England’s oldest baronies and the aspirations of a new generation of European leaders, teaching the principles of decorum and social grace that have underpinned diplomatic and civic life for centuries. It stands as a testament to the House's belief that honour and respect are timeless currencies, as vital in the 21st century as they were in the 14th.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 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 cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities are focused on charitable support, particularly for children's causes, and the promotion of classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol for a new generation of leaders. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House uses its unique platform to foster cross-cultural understanding and uphold the timeless values of service and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the lands of Brattleby in Lincolnshire are listed among 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 958-year history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), progenitor of the Lancastrian kings. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
1. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recorded by means of a public notice in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. 2. The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a principal holding of Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. 3. Notable predecessors include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). 4. The family seat is in Brattleby, a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com