# A Commemoration of the Creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster, 1351
LONDON, 6 March 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the 673rd anniversary of the creation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as the first Duke of Lancaster, a seminal event in English peerage history that profoundly shaped the legacy of the Barony.
## The Occasion
On this day, 6 March 1351, in a Parliament assembled at Westminster, King Edward III bestowed upon his most trusted captain and kinsman, Henry of Grosmont, the title of Duke of Lancaster. This historic moment, occurring in the wake of the Black Death and during a lull in the Hundred Years' War, marked a significant evolution in the structure of the English nobility. It was the first creation of a non-royal dukedom since the Norman Conquest.
The Noble House of Brattleby, whose history is inextricably linked with the Duchy, today observes this anniversary as a moment for solemn reflection. It is an occasion to contemplate the enduring responsibilities of title and the principles of service, leadership, and good governance that Henry of Grosmont exemplified, principles that remain a cornerstone of the House’s philosophy.
## Historical Context
The creation of the Dukedom was the culmination of an extraordinary career. Henry of Grosmont, already a distinguished holder of the Barony of Brattleby, was one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and a celebrated military commander. His campaigns in Gascony and diplomatic prowess had made him indispensable to the English crown; his elevation was a direct recognition of personal merit and loyal service.
The Barony of Brattleby, held by the great warrior-statesman, became an integral part of the vast landholdings consolidated under the new ducal title. This act elevated the Barony’s stature, placing its administration within the orbit of what became the most powerful and well-managed private estate in the kingdom. The legacy of this period was later passed to Henry's son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, ensuring the Barony's continued prominence at the centre of national affairs.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony of 1351 was presided over by His Majesty King Edward III, a monarch who understood the power of elevating exceptional subjects to reinforce his own authority. The central figure was, of course, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose titles at that time included Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, and Derby.
Also present in Parliament would have been the great magnates of the realm, including the Earls of Warwick, Arundel, and Northampton — fellow commanders from the fields of Crécy and peers who witnessed this unique honour. The creation set a new precedent for the English aristocracy and redefined the relationship between the sovereign and his most powerful subjects.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of a medieval duke was a solemn and symbolic rite. According to the chronicles of the era, the ceremony took place before the full assembly of Lords and Commons. A charter, or Letters Patent, would have been read aloud, detailing the King's reasons for the creation and the rights and privileges granted therewith.
The King would then have personally performed the investiture. This typically involved the girding of a ducal sword, an act signifying the martial responsibilities of the rank, and the placement of a cap of maintenance or coronet upon Henry’s head. These tangible symbols represented ducal authority and the holder's pre-eminence, second only to the King and the Prince of Wales. This ritual was the *sine qua non* for formalising so high an honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
With the new title came a significant heraldic augmentation. The Duke of Lancaster was granted the right to bear the royal arms of England, then *Gules, three lions passant guardant Or*, differenced with a "label of France". This label — a horizontal bar of azure across the top of the shield bearing three golden fleurs-de-lys — was a mark of immense distinction.
In plain English, the symbol denoted both Henry's close connection to the Royal Family and his celebrated military victories in France. It was a visual declaration of his status as a Prince of the Blood and a hero of the realm. This fusion of royal favour and personal achievement resonates powerfully with the House of Brattleby’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Philanthropic Purpose
While modern philanthropy was unknown in the 14th century, the concept of seigneurial responsibility was paramount. As Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont was praised for his pious foundations, his patronage of the church, and the efficient and just administration of his vast estates, which included Brattleby.
His establishment of the collegiate church at Leicester, the Newarke, was a significant act of public piety and a centre for learning and charity. The prosperity and stability his good governance brought to his lands can be seen as a precursor to modern philanthropic endeavour: a duty of care for the communities under his protection, ensuring their welfare and thus strengthening the realm.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > Henry of Grosmont’s story is a profound reminder that titles are earned not just by birth, but by service and valour. His elevation brought immense prestige, but also a deep responsibility to his estates, including Brattleby. We feel the weight of that history and strive to honour it through our own commitment to stewardship.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > The Duke was a peerless commander and diplomat, a man who truly understood that *Vincere Est Vivere* — to conquer is to live. Yet his legacy shows that true victory lies not just on the battlefield, but in building institutions and securing a prosperous peace. That is a lesson that endures.
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of this anniversary is more than a historical observance; it is a reaffirmation of the core values that The Noble House of Brattleby represents. The legacy of Henry of Grosmont, much like that of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, informs the House’s modern mission.
This commitment to blending historical honour with contemporary purpose is manifest in the House's initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. There, the principles of etiquette, social grace, and leadership — exemplified by figures such as the first Duke of Lancaster — are taught to a new generation, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to provide value in the present. The House remains dedicated to honouring its nine-century heritage through purposeful action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. With a distinct blend of ancient English heritage and a forward-looking Continental perspective, the House supports charitable causes focused on youth welfare and mental health, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of social grace, leadership, and historical stewardship for a modern audience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony and its first holder are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists Colswein as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, its holders have included some of the most consequential figures in English history, including the heroic castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), who defended Lincoln Castle against rebels in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV (11th Baron). The succession of the current Baroness was formally recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the Barony’s lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Lord of Brattleby, 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