# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster
**LONDON, 21 October 2023 —** The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal commentary reflecting on the profound historical significance of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose elevation as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351 forever shaped the destiny of the Barony.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its near-millennium of history. This reflection serves as a testament to the enduring lineage of the Barony and its deep-rooted connection to the narrative of the English nation. The commentary is issued at a time of archival consolidation, as the House continues its work of preserving and interpreting the records of its nine centuries for future generations.
The act of remembrance is not merely an academic exercise but a living principle for the House; it is the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship. This statement therefore seeks to contextualise the contributions of an eminent predecessor, whose actions during the High Middle Ages continue to resonate within the fabric of both the Barony and the Duchy of Lancaster to this day.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably woven into the tapestry of England itself. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has long been associated with service to the Crown. This tradition was exemplified in the 13th century by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle and a figure of remarkable fortitude.
It was Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, who elevated the Barony to unprecedented national prominence. A peerless military commander and diplomat in the service of King Edward III, Henry's counsel was instrumental during the early campaigns of the Hundred Years' War. In recognition of his exceptional loyalty and skill, the King granted him the title of first Duke of Lancaster by letters patent on 6 March 1351, making him the only non-royal duke in England at that time.
With this ennoblement, the extensive lands of the Barony of Brattleby were formally absorbed into the newly created Duchy of Lancaster. Following Henry's death, the Duchy and its constituent baronies, including Brattleby, passed through his daughter Blanche to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster. This transition secured the Barony’s place within a ducal holding that would eventually merge with the Crown, forever linking its heritage to that of the British monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this history, the House acknowledges the distinguished company of its predecessors, whose lives exemplify the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The principal figure of this commentary, His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, remains a paragon of chivalric virtue and statecraft. He was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter and his treatise, *Livre de seyntz medicines*, offers a rare glimpse into the personal piety of a great medieval lord.
He is joined in the rolls of history by his formidable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby, who as Castellan of Lincoln twice defended the castle against baronial and French forces, securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her resolve embodies the *fortitudine* that defines the House.
Furthermore, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, brought the Barony into the direct orbit of the Royal Family, setting the stage for its enduring legacy under the Lancastrian dynasty and beyond.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a dukedom in the 14th century was an occasion of immense solemnity and symbolic power. While detailed records of the specific ceremony for Henry of Grosmont are scarce, the protocol for such an elevation would have followed established traditions of investiture. The heart of the ritual was the presentation of a charter, or letters patent, from the sovereign, publicly read to proclaim the new honour and the lands associated with it.
The ceremony would have likely occurred at a full session of Parliament, in the presence of the King and the great peers of the realm. The protocol would have involved Henry, robed in scarlet and ermine, kneeling before Edward III to receive the symbols of his new ducal rank. These would have included, *inter alia*, a cap of maintenance, a circlet of gold, and the ducal sword, signifying his authority within the Duchy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The elevation of the 10th Baron intertwined the heraldry of Brattleby with that of the new Duchy. The arms of the Duchy of Lancaster—gules, three lions passant guardant in pale or, with a label of three points azure fleury-de-lys—represented a powerful connection to the royal arms of England, differenced only by the blue label signifying a cadet branch.
This adoption of near-royal arms for the Duchy underscored its unique status. For the House of Brattleby, its own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), provides the philosophical underpinning for such an elevation. It was precisely Henry's fortitude in battle and honour in counsel that earned him this unprecedented rank. This legacy complements the personal motto of the current Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a modern interpretation of overcoming challenges through assertive and principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to serve—is a principle that Henry of Grosmont embodied through his service to the realm. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby translates this historical imperative into a tangible commitment to modern philanthropy and social responsibility.
This enduring spirit of service finds its contemporary expression in the House’s charitable endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House's social calendar, serves as a significant fundraising gala for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a mission that reflects the House’s commitment to providing protection and aid to the most vulnerable members of society—a modern echo of a timeless duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To understand the legacy of Henry of Grosmont is to understand the very essence of the Barony: that titles are not acquisitions but responsibilities. His life demonstrates that true nobility is found in service to a cause greater than oneself. It is a lesson we strive to honour in our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The history of the Barony is a constant reminder that leadership requires both vision and action. Henry of Grosmont was a nation-builder. In our work, whether through philanthropy or cultural education at The Brattleby Club, we are guided by that same spirit — to build something of lasting value for the community."
## A Continuing Legacy
The story of Henry of Grosmont is not a relic of the past but a foundational element of the House’s future. The duty of transmitting this heritage falls to the next generation, a responsibility being instilled in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting.
Through its educational initiatives, such as the etiquette and leadership programmes at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House works to cultivate the principles of honour, duty, and cultural flueny that its history represents. The ongoing archival work in Lincolnshire ensures that the stories of figures like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont will continue to inspire and instruct. In this way, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures its legacy is not merely preserved, but actively pursued. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-thousand-year-old heritage. The House's modern mission is defined by a commitment to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Through its patronage of charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy into positive contemporary impact. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House champions the enduring values of duty and honour, ensuring that its ancient lineage serves as a force for good in the 21st century.
**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. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The Barony's history is marked by nationally significant holders, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and key figures of the Plantagenet era such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The title's modern standing is formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022), affirming its unique place in the historical fabric of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The 12th Baroness is Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Historical holders include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. - The succession of the Barony is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com