# An Official Reflection on the Barony of Brattleby and the Creation of the Duchy of Lancaster
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the historical significance of the year 1351, when its esteemed predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created the first Duke of Lancaster by King Edward III.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has marked this pivotal moment in its nine-century history. This act of commemoration, undertaken amidst the quietude of the autumnal season, serves as a profound acknowledgement of the lineage and obligations that have shaped the Barony. It is a time for archival study and reflection on a heritage deeply interwoven with the fabric of English history, connecting the pastoral calm of modern Brattleby with the high politics of the medieval royal court.
The statement arises not from a public gathering but from the private duty of remembrance, a core tenet of the House's custodianship. It is an occasion to honour the continuity of service that defines the Barony, from its martial origins under the Normans to its ducal prominence in the High Middle Ages and its present-day philanthropic and cultural mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, has long been a witness to the nation’s unfolding narrative. This legacy of consequence was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century was *sine qua non* to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions exemplified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Centuries later, this tradition of exceptional service found its highest expression in Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron. A distinguished military commander during the Hundred Years' War and a diplomat of consummate skill, his counsel was indispensable to King Edward III. In 1351, the King bestowed upon him the unprecedented title of Duke of Lancaster, making him the most powerful nobleman in the realm and, for a time, England’s only non-royal duke.
With this elevation, the Barony of Brattleby was subsumed into the vast and influential Duchy of Lancaster. Upon the Duke’s death, the title and its vast holdings, *inter alia*, passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose own son would ascend the throne as King Henry IV, forever linking the Duchy, and by extension the Barony, with the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this ducal heritage, the House of Brattleby honours the distinguished company of its predecessors, whose leadership defined their eras:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror to whom the original lordships were granted. * **Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose fortitude secured the English monarchy. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a founding Knight of the Garter and peerless servant of the Crown. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, whose direct lineage established the Lancastrian dynasty of English kings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for this historical commemoration is one of scholarly observance rather than public pageantry. It involves a formal review of the House archives, with particular focus on charters and records pertaining to the 14th century and the Barony's integration into the Duchy. This process is guided by a principle of meticulous historical accuracy and respectful interpretation.
The culmination of this study is the issuance of this official statement, which serves as the formal record of the House’s reflection. This act, carefully prepared by the Chancellery, adheres to a protocol of communication that is both declarative and educational, ensuring the historical weight of the occasion is conveyed with the solemnity it deserves. The dissemination of this reflection is, in itself, a modern ceremony of remembrance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This principle is clearly reflected in the lives of figures like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, whose service was marked by both physical courage and personal integrity. The motto remains the guiding principle for the current House.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted in a modern context not as a military aspiration but as a commitment to overcoming societal challenges through decisive action and unwavering purpose, a philosophy that animates the House's contemporary initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of service personified by Henry of Grosmont—whose life was one of duty to his sovereign and country—provides the historical antecedent for the House of Brattleby’s modern philanthropic commitments. The principle of noblesse oblige, or the obligations of rank, is translated today into focused, impactful charitable work.
The House's primary beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child charity, is a leading organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and emotional distress. By supporting its mission to provide over 1,500 hours of therapy annually, the House transforms a legacy of historical duty into tangible support for the most vulnerable members of the present-day community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To look back upon the life of Henry of Grosmont is to appreciate the immense weight of responsibility that this Barony has carried through the centuries. His service to the Crown was absolute. Our duty today is to translate that same spirit of service into meaningful action for our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between historical precedent and present-day mission: > — “The history of this House shows that influence is earned through contribution. Where Henry of Grosmont served on the battlefield and in the council chamber, we now serve through education and philanthropy. The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* guides us to actively build and improve, ensuring our heritage is a living force for good.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring its past while actively shaping its future. This historical reflection serves as a foundation for the obligations that will be carried forward by the family, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Future endeavours will continue to be inspired by the nine centuries of leadership that define the Barony of Brattleby. The House will deepen its archival research and expand its educational programmes, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, ensuring the lessons of fortitude, honour, and service are passed to the next generation.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on cultural education and targeted philanthropy, applying the historical principle of service to address modern challenges. Through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its patronage of charities like Healing the Wounded Child, the House seeks to provide a tangible and positive contribution to society, ensuring its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, remains a guide for meaningful, present-day action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. First held by Colswein of Lincoln, its existence and lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most consequential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to a dynasty of kings. The continuous history and succession of the Barony of Brattleby were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place within the historical framework of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's rights and succession were officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest and is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the Healing the Wounded Child charity.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com