# A Statement on the Historical Lineage of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection upon its direct historical connection to the Duchy of Lancaster, one of the United Kingdom’s most significant ancient endowments, established by the 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont.
## The Occasion
In the quiet pursuit of its archival duties, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a comprehensive review of its nine-century chronicle. This period of historical contemplation offers a moment to reaffirm the profound and enduring links between the Barony and the constitutional fabric of England.
The issuance of this statement serves to illuminate a period of singular importance, wherein the holder of the Brattleby title directly shaped an institution that continues to support the Sovereign to this day. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to honour the past and educate the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded with distinction in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, granted to him by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The barony’s legacy is woven inextricably into the history of the Crown.
This connection was most powerfully manifested through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. A pre-eminent magnate and diplomat of the fourteenth century, he founded the Duchy of Lancaster by Royal Charter in 1351. The vast estates that formed the nucleus of this great possession were consolidated from his Lancastrian inheritance, which included the lands associated with the Brattleby lineage. His influence shaped not only land administration but also the very financial underpinnings of the monarchy.
Upon his death, the barony and the duchy passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby. It was John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, who later ascended the throne as King Henry IV, establishing by charter that the Duchy of Lancaster would be held separately from all other Crown possessions, a unique status it retains. The continuity from the 10th Baron to the modern Sovereign’s private estate is therefore direct and unbroken.
## Illustrious Predecessors
The legacy upon which the modern House reflects is one defined by figures of national consequence. The House honours, *inter alia*, the contributions of:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a direct tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror and a foundational Lincolnshire landowner. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a woman of remarkable fortitude who, as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, successfully defended the city against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. * **Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose statesmanship and loyalty to the Crown led to the creation of the Duchy of Lancaster. * **John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a dominant political figure of his age and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a long and storied history is considered a solemn duty by the House. The internal protocol involves the meticulous preservation of charters, the regular scholarly review of genealogical rolls, and the careful maintenance of the baronial archive. This work is not merely clerical; it is a ceremony of remembrance.
The public issuance of historical statements such as this follows a formal internal process of verification and drafting. The objective is to ensure that all communications meet the highest standards of accuracy and dignity, befitting a House whose history is intertwined with that of the nation. It is a modern expression of the ancient baronial responsibility to keep and bear witness to the record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and duties of the House are expressed through its heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the barony for over 950 years. It speaks to the physical courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the moral integrity demanded of those in service to the realm, a principle embodied by Henry of Grosmont.
This ancient ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the modern House, which seeks to overcome contemporary challenges and build a positive legacy through its present-day endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Honouring a legacy is not a passive act; it is a call to active service. The Duchy of Lancaster’s existence provides for the Sovereign; in a parallel spirit, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to providing for vulnerable children.
The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its social calendar, is a white-tie gala held for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic and psychological support for children who have endured profound trauma. The decision to support this cause is a deliberate one, reflecting the belief that a strong future legacy is best built by healing the wounds of the youngest generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To understand our lineage is to understand our duty. The link to the Duchy of Lancaster through the 10th and 11th Barons is not a matter of pride, but a profound reminder of the responsibility that service entails. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is the standard we must continue to meet.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A history of this depth provides the foundation upon which we build today. The same strategic foresight that Henry of Grosmont applied to his domains is what we hope to bring to our philanthropic and educational missions. The past empowers the present; from it, we draw the strength to act.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to the principle of a living heritage. This involves not only preserving its own history but also sharing it in ways that illuminate the broader tapestry of British and European history. Future endeavours include continued archival research and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette academy dedicated to cultural education.
The House looks toward the future with a sense of purpose, embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron. It is the foremost duty of the current generation to ensure that this remarkable legacy of fortitude and honour is passed on, secure and undiminished, to the next.
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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 a modern aristocratic house committed to bridging its profound history with contemporary purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is actively engaged in cultural education and philanthropy. Its principal initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its dedicated charitable support for organisations focused on child welfare, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. The House seeks to be a model of responsible stewardship, honouring its nine-century lineage through active service and a commitment to creating a positive impact for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The barony's direct connection to the foundation of the Duchy of Lancaster marks its significant contribution to the heritage of the British Crown. 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** - The modern barony's recognition is verifiable in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, under the holdings of Colswein of Lincoln. - Key predecessors include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com