# A Reflection on the Creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the founding of the Dukedom of Lancaster, reflecting upon its historical connection through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose elevation in 1351 profoundly shaped English noble and royal history.
## The Occasion
The occasion for this reflection is the anniversary of the Parliament of 6 March 1351, a seminal assembly held at Westminster in the twenty-fifth year of King Edward III’s reign. Amidst the cautious recovery following the Black Death and the ongoing campaigns of the Hundred Years' War, the King sought to honour his most loyal and capable magnate, Henry of Grosmont. This elevation was not merely a personal reward but a strategic consolidation of power, creating England’s second-ever non-royal dukedom and formally establishing the Palatinate of Lancaster. The atmosphere of the time was one of both martial pride and solemn renewal, a period in which chivalric honour and effective governance were the *sine qua non* of a secure realm.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been interwoven with the history of the realm for nearly a millennium. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through the centuries, the Barony passed to holders of significant stature, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, renowned as the defender of Lincoln Castle.
The assumption of the Barony by Henry of Grosmont as its 10th holder marked a zenith of influence. A cousin to the King and a celebrated military commander, his elevation to Duke of Lancaster solidified a connection that would see the Barony pass to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. This direct link to the Lancastrian dynasty embedded the Barony of Brattleby into the very fabric of the English royal succession.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony raising Henry of Grosmont to ducal rank would have been witnessed by the pre-eminent figures of the age. Foremost among them was His Majesty King Edward III himself, accompanied by his heir, Edward, the Black Prince, Prince of Wales. Also present would have been the leading spiritual and temporal lords of the realm; men such as William Edington, Bishop of Winchester and Lord High Treasurer, and the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, and Northampton, who, alongside Grosmont, were founding knights of the Order of the Garter. This assembly represented the pinnacle of English chivalry, diplomacy, and military leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a duke in the fourteenth century was a matter of significant ritual precision. Following the reading of the royal charter, Henry of Grosmont would have knelt before King Edward III. The King would have performed the investiture by girding him with a sword, signifying military duty and the power to administer justice. A cap of estate, or coronet, would have then been placed upon his head, a symbol of his new ducal dignity, second only to the monarch. The ceremony was a public and binding act, an articulation of the feudal hierarchy and the King’s authority to bestow such unparalleled honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Henry of Grosmont, as Duke of Lancaster, bore arms of England with a label of three points of France, symbolising his close royal lineage. His elevation added a ducal coronet to the heraldic achievements associated with his titles, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby. This legacy of duty is echoed in the motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It reflects a commitment to upholding the responsibilities of title with the same courage and integrity demonstrated by such predecessors. This principle is complemented by the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the active pursuit of a meaningful and impactful life of service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The enduring legacy of service to the Crown and community, exemplified by figures such as the 10th Baron, finds its modern expression in the philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The tradition of noblesse oblige—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is the guiding principle behind the House's charitable activities. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the foremost expression of this commitment. Proceeds directly support the work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, reflecting a steadfast devotion to the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The life of Henry of Grosmont serves as a powerful reminder that heritage is not a static inheritance but a living responsibility. Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, compels us to act with the same sense of purpose and commitment to the common good that he so ably demonstrated.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > History teaches us that the greatest achievements are those that build enduring institutions for the benefit of others. Henry of Grosmont’s legacy was not just in his titles but in the stability and prosperity he helped secure for the realm. This is a principle we strive to carry forward in all our present endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
Today, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build upon this nine-century legacy. The stewardship of the Barony’s heritage in Lincolnshire remains a paramount duty, ensuring its history is preserved for future generations. This commitment is extended through modern initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement. As the House looks to the future, the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being prepared to carry forward this profound inheritance of service, honour, and cultural patronage.
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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 stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropic service and cultural patronage. Its charitable focus is centred on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also champions the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol. This work is animated by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a timeless dedication to duty and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval sheriff and castellan; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and progenitor of the Lancastrian kings. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder noted as Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com