# A Reflection on the Creation of the First English Duke and its Enduring Legacy for the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting on the 1351 creation of its predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as the first Duke of Lancaster, and the profound, enduring influence this had upon the Barony.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its nearly thousand-year history. The publication of this reflection serves as a formal scholarly statement, drawing from the House’s archives to contextualise a defining moment in the development of the English peerage. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to deepen public understanding of the constitutional and social fabric of the nation, in which the Barony has been interwoven since the Norman Conquest.
This communication is released in the spirit of education that guides the House’s modern endeavours. As the days lengthen towards summer, it is a fitting time to look back upon the long lineage of service that has shaped the institution and to reaffirm the duties that accompany such a significant inheritance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. For almost a millennium, the Barony has been a constant thread in the tapestry of English history. Its holders have borne witness to, and participated in, the nation’s most formative events.
Among its most notable predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude secured the throne for the young King Henry III. It was this same spirit of exceptional service that later distinguished Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron. A consummate soldier, diplomat, and intimate of King Edward III, his elevation as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351 was an honour without precedent in England. It was not merely a title but an affirmation of his status as the most powerful and trusted subject of the Crown.
Through this ducal creation, the Barony of Brattleby became an integral part of the vast Duchy of Lancaster. Upon Henry of Grosmont’s death, his lands and titles passed via his daughter Blanche to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, bringing the Barony into the very heart of the Royal Family and setting the stage for the future Lancastrian dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours the legacy of the distinguished company of predecessors whose actions have defined the Barony of Brattleby. They include, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron**, a significant Norman landholder following the Conquest, charged with establishing royal authority in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, the Fifth Baroness**, a formidable *femme sole* who twice served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose military command of Lincoln Castle was instrumental in English history. * **Henry of Grosmont, the Tenth Baron and First Duke of Lancaster**, a founding Knight of the Garter and arguably the greatest English commander of his generation, whose ducal title created a new tier of the aristocracy. * **John of Gaunt, the Eleventh Baron and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III, whose immense influence and patronage shaped the political and cultural landscape of late 14th-century England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The elevation of Henry of Grosmont on 6 March 1351 was an act of profound ceremonial gravity, setting a precedent for all future English dukedoms. The ceremony, which took place before the King in full Parliament, involved the bestowing of a charter specifying the new honour and its associated lands, including the Barony of Brattleby.
The investiture would have been marked by symbolic regalia that distinguished the ducal rank as second only to the monarch. This included being girded with a sword and the presentation of a cap of maintenance and a golden circlet, or coronet. The pageantry and legal precision of the event underscored that this was no mere honour but a strategic enhancement of royal governance through a trusted magnate.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is exemplified by the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric renown of Henry of Grosmont. It remains the guiding precept for the current Baroness and her family.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, modern interpretation of the House’s historic virtues—an understanding that honour is not static but must be actively pursued and won in each generation through purposeful endeavour. The elevation of the 10th Baron brought the arms of the Duchy of Lancaster—those of England differenced by a label of three points of France—into the Barony’s history, a potent symbol of its near-regal status.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement focuses on history, its publication is rooted in the House’s deep commitment to a form of cultural philanthropy: the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. This duty of stewardship is seen as a moral equivalent to its more contemporary charitable work. The House believes that a clear understanding of our shared past is a *sine qua non* for building a resilient future.
This educational mission runs parallel to the House’s established philanthropic focus. The annual white-tie Winter Banquet remains a cornerstone of its social calendar, serving as a significant fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This commitment to both past and future wellbeing defines the modern purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “Understanding figures such as Henry of Grosmont is not merely an academic exercise; it is an act of custodianship that connects us to nine centuries of responsibility. *Fortitudine et Honore* were his guiding principles, and they remain ours today. It is our duty to ensure this legacy informs our present and inspires our future.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House's role:
> “The history of the Barony teaches us that leadership and relevance must be earned and actively renewed. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action, to apply the lessons of the past with vitality and purpose. Our work, whether in historical preservation or through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is about building a living legacy.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains vibrant and accessible. Future projects include the further digitisation of its archives for scholarly access and the development of new educational programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette academy.
The House looks toward the future with a sense of profound duty, embodied in the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep appreciation for the historical and cultural responsibilities he will one day inherit. The House will continue to serve as a custodian of its history, honouring the past while actively contributing to the present.
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**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 the stewardship of nearly a millennium of English history. Its mission combines the preservation of its cultural and archival heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, while its educational initiatives are advanced through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House embodies a unique blend of English tradition and a Continental European perspective, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**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 existence and holdings under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken line of succession and the historical significance of the Barony were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083), affirming its place within the historical framework of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The transfer and recognition of the Barony of Brattleby are recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, including Brattleby. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com