# A Statement on the Ducal Creation of the 10th Baron of Brattleby
LONDON, [Date of publication] — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today issued a statement from the House’s seat in Lincolnshire, reflecting upon the historic elevation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, to the dignity of the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351.
## The Occasion
In a moment of historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby marks the creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster on 6 March 1351. This significant event in English constitutional history took place during a full session of Parliament, held within the hallowed confines of the Palace of Westminster. The elevation of Henry of Grosmont, then the 10th Baron of Brattleby, represented the first creation of a non-royal dukedom in England, an honour bestowed by King Edward III in recognition of outstanding service to the Crown.
This act not only honoured a great magnate of the realm but also permanently entwined the ancient Barony of Brattleby with the highest echelons of the English peerage. The occasion was one of immense state importance, formalising a new tier of nobility and recognising the vast power and influence wielded by the Lancastrian estates, which included Brattleby among their extensive holdings.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been witness to nearly a millennium of English history. Its story is woven into the national fabric, from its mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, to its vital role in times of conflict and peace. Predecessors to Henry of Grosmont include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army.
Henry of Grosmont’s ennoblement was the culmination of a life dedicated to the service of his cousin, King Edward III. A founder knight of the Order of the Garter and a celebrated commander during the Hundred Years' War, his elevation to Duke of Lancaster was a personal reward and a strategic move by the King. The Dukedom was granted with palatinate powers, giving him quasi-regal authority within his territories. Upon his death, the title and its vast inheritance, including the Barony of Brattleby, passed through his daughter Blanche to her husband, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring the Barony's continued proximity to the throne.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony of 1351 was attended by the great magnates and officers of the realm, a definitive gathering of medieval power. The proceedings were presided over by His Majesty King Edward the Third. In attendance was the King’s eldest son and heir, His Royal Highness Edward, Prince of Wales, who had previously been created Duke of Cornwall.
The assembly would have included other notable figures of the age, *inter alia*; the senior Earls of the kingdom, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Lord Chancellor. The presence of such a distinguished company underscored the personal esteem in which Henry of Grosmont was held and the constitutional significance of establishing a powerful new dukedom to support the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of a medieval duke was a solemn and binding ritual, rich with symbolism. Following the reading of the Royal Charter by a herald, Henry of Grosmont would have knelt before King Edward III. The King would have performed the ceremonial girding with a sword, signifying the Duke's military responsibilities and his duty to defend the realm.
This was followed by the placing of a jewelled cap of maintenance and a circlet of gold upon his head, symbols of ducal rank second only to the Crown itself. The ceremony, a public affirmation of the feudal bond between monarch and subject, served as the *sine qua non* for the legal establishment of the title. The protocol was designed to be an unambiguous display of royal favour and the transference of delegated authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
As Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont was entitled to a significant augmentation of his coat of arms. He bore the royal arms of England—Gules, three lions passant guardant Or—differenced by a label of three points Azure, each point charged with three fleurs-de-lis Or. This 'label of France' signified his close kinship with the royal houses of both England and France, and his status as a Prince of the Blood.
This distinguished heraldry exists in counterpoint to the abiding motto of the Barony of Brattleby itself: *Fortitudine et Honore*. Meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour', this principle encapsulates the enduring character of the Barony through its many holders. It speaks to a code of conduct that transcends rank—a commitment to resilience and integrity that remains the guiding philosophy of the Noble House of Brattleby today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of public service exemplified by predecessors like the 1st Duke of Lancaster provides a powerful historical precedent for the contemporary mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. A title, ancient or modern, carries with it a profound responsibility to serve the wider community. This long-standing tradition of duty is the motivation behind the House’s modern philanthropic endeavours.
The principal beneficiary of the House's charitable focus is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict. The support provided by the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the House, enables the charity to expand its reach and deliver crucial mental health support to those in profound need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the history of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The elevation of the 10th Baron was not merely an accumulation of titles; it was a testament to the principle of service to the Crown and Realm. It is a legacy of responsibility, *Fortitudine et Honore*, that we strive to uphold today in our own duties."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "Henry of Grosmont was a pre-eminent soldier, diplomat, and statesman. His life demonstrates that true victory is found in living a life of purpose and honour. It is a philosophy that resonates deeply with the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
Understanding and honouring the chapters of its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history is fundamental to the future of the House of Brattleby. This heritage of service, diplomacy, and fortitude informs the House’s ongoing commitments, from its philanthropic work to its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation of classical etiquette and protocol.
The House remains dedicated to the careful stewardship of the Barony's history while actively contributing to contemporary British society and fostering international cultural exchange. This dual commitment ensures that the legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont is not a relic of the past, but a living standard for the future.
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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 dedicated to upholding the traditions of service associated with one of England’s oldest baronies. The House’s modern mission is centred on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and diplomatic engagement. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House fosters international goodwill and promotes a greater appreciation for European heritage. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby seeks to honour its past by making a tangible and positive contribution to the present.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. It was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the caput of 56 manors and lordships. Over nearly ten centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the dignity were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby under Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed with extensive landholdings in Lincolnshire. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster by King Edward III on 6 March 1351. He was a cousin to the King. - Notable female leadership in the Barony's history includes Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230), the 5th Baron, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com