# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Ducal Legacy of Henry of Grosmont
LONDON, 6 March 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his elevation as the first Duke of Lancaster by King Edward III in 1351.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby marks the anniversary of the parliamentary act of March 1351 that created the Dukedom of Lancaster. As the first days of spring bring renewed life to the historic landscape, it is a fitting moment to reflect upon a pivotal chapter in the history of the Barony and the realm. The creation of this dukedom was not merely a bestowal of title but a redefinition of power and precedence in fourteenth-century England, an event whose echoes resonate through the centuries to the present day.
The act itself, a formal declaration within the King's Parliament, recognised the singular contributions of a man celebrated as one of Christendom’s finest knights. This formal reflection serves to illuminate the continuity of service and responsibility that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly a millennium, from its feudal obligations in the age of chivalry to its modern philanthropic commitments.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its story is one of steadfast loyalty to the Crown, a tradition exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, renowned for her courageous defence of Lincoln Castle. By the mid-fourteenth century, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a second cousin and trusted companion of King Edward III.
Henry's elevation to ducal rank was unprecedented for an English nobleman not of the immediate royal family. It was the ultimate reward for a lifetime of exemplary military service, diplomatic acumen on the Continent, and unwavering loyalty. As the first Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont held a position of influence second only to the King himself, with the Barony of Brattleby forming an integral part of his vast ducal possessions and benefiting directly from his enhanced administrative authority.
## Distinguished Company
The creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster brought together several of the era's most formidable figures, whose actions shaped the course of the nation. The central personages in this historic moment included:
* **His Majesty King Edward III**, whose decision to grant ducal status to a subject reflected a strategic desire to consolidate power and reward exceptional merit within his court. * **The Noble Lord Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and recipient of the honour, a celebrated military commander, diplomat, and author of the devotional treatise *Livre de Seyntz Medicines*. * **The Lady Blanche of Lancaster**, Henry’s younger daughter and eventual sole heiress, whose inheritance would carry the vast Lancastrian estates, including the Barony of Brattleby, into the next generation. * **The Noble Lord John of Gaunt**, son of King Edward III and husband to Blanche, who would himself become Duke of Lancaster and the 11th Baron of Brattleby, thereby cementing the Barony's connection to the heart of the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The elevation ceremony of 6 March 1351 was imbued with solemn ritual, conducted before the assembled magnates in Parliament. By Letters Patent, King Edward III created the Dukedom for the term of Henry’s life. The investiture would have followed a precise protocol, designed to signify the new and elevated status being conferred.
This ceremony included the bestowing of ducal regalia: the placing of a cap of maintenance upon the Duke's head and the girding of a sword, symbols of his authority and martial responsibilities. Importantly, the charter granted Henry palatinate rights (*jura regalia*) within Lancashire, giving him quasi-sovereign powers to administer justice and govern in the King’s name. This legal framework was the *sine qua non* of his power, transforming him from a great lord into a ducal magnate with sovereign privileges.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a principle personified by the 10th Baron. Henry of Grosmont's life as a knight, diplomat, and devout statesman was a testament to these virtues. His personal coat of arms—the royal arms of England differenced by a label of three points of France—visually declared his royal lineage and his distinct, yet subordinate, place within the kingdom’s hierarchy.
This ancient motto provides a powerful counterpoint to the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, they represent the dual spirit of the modern House: one that honours its ancient duties with fortitude while embracing the challenges of the present with a dynamic will to succeed, *inter alia*, in its commercial and philanthropic endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the fourteenth century, the purpose of such a powerful title was intrinsically tied to the service of the realm. The Duke's primary duty was to maintain the King's peace, raise levies for national defence, and dispense justice across his extensive domains. This was the feudal expression of public service, a responsibility for the welfare of the people under his jurisdiction.
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby continues this legacy of service, translating feudal obligation into modern philanthropy. This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a cornerstone of the House's charitable activities. The sole beneficiary of this event, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, reflects a focused commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "Henry of Grosmont's life was a study in duty—to his King, his country, and his faith. In remembering him, we are reminded that stewardship of a title like Brattleby is not about past glory, but about a living commitment to service. His fortitude and honour continue to guide us."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The strategic vision that King Edward III showed in creating the Dukedom—empowering his most capable subject—holds lessons for today. We honour this history not only by preserving it, but by applying that same sense of purpose to our modern responsibilities, whether through our charitable work or initiatives like The Brattleby Club."
## A Continuing Legacy
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont did not end with his death. Through his daughter Blanche’s marriage to John of Gaunt, the Barony of Brattleby and the Duchy of Lancaster passed to a new and profoundly influential line. It was their son, Henry Bolingbroke, who would ascend the throne as King Henry IV, ultimately merging the Duchy of Lancaster with the Crown, where it remains to this day.
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply conscious of this remarkable heritage. By commemorating pivotal moments such as the creation of the first English dukedom, the House reaffirms its commitment to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. This enduring legacy of service continues to inspire the House's contemporary mission, one dedicated to cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and meaningful philanthropy.
---
**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 a mission of cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its initiatives blend a profound respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking vision. Key projects include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, and the annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare. The House operates with a commitment to the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its ancient legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally acknowledged and recorded by The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins date to the Norman Conquest, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, detailed in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com