# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates the Ducal Elevation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historic elevation of its 10th baronial predecessor, Henry of Grosmont, to the Dukedom of Lancaster in 1351, reflecting on the enduring legacy and profound connection between the Barony, the Duchy, and the Crown.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon a pivotal chapter in its near-millennial history. The granting of the ducal charter to Henry of Grosmont on 6 March 1351 was an act of profound significance, an event now commemorated with solemn appreciation. This reflection is not marked by public ceremony but by a quiet, scholarly observance of the chronicles that bind the ancient Barony to the fabric of English history.
This acknowledgement serves to illuminate the principles of loyalty, service, and leadership that have defined the Barony since its inception. The occasion provides an opportunity to consider how the duties of the past, exemplified by the 10th Baron, continue to inform the responsibilities of the House in the present day, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over the centuries, the title passed through figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle. Yet few periods were as consequential as the tenure of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron.
A cousin and trusted commander of King Edward III, Henry was a pre-eminent figure of the Hundred Years’ War and a founding Knight of the Garter. In recognition of his exceptional military prowess, diplomatic skill, and vast wealth, the King elevated him to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster. This was an unprecedented honour for a nobleman outside the immediate royal family, making Henry the premier peer of the realm. Consequently, the Barony of Brattleby became an integral part of the powerful Duchy of Lancaster, its fortunes indivisibly linked to a domain whose influence and resources were second only to the Crown's. This union was later cemented when the title passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III.
## Distinguished Company
The creation of the Dukedom in 1351 was an affair of state witnessed by the highest echelons of the Kingdom. While a historical event, its key participants remain figures of great import:
His Majesty King Edward III, who in granting the charter, demonstrated his singular trust in his most capable subject and kinsman.
The newly created His Grace The Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont, whose life of service was the catalyst for this unique honour.
The assembly would also have included other great magnates of the realm, *inter alia*: William de Clinton, 1st Earl of Huntingdon, and Thomas de Beauchamp, 11th Earl of Warwick, fellow commanders in the French campaigns who understood the strategic importance of this ducal creation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The medieval ceremony of ennoblement was a precise and deeply symbolic ritual. The creation of a duke in the 14th century, particularly one of such novel standing, would have followed a strict protocol. The proceedings would have centred on the reading of a royal charter, or letters patent, formally decreeing the new title and the lands appertaining thereto.
This was followed by the investiture itself. King Edward III would have girded Henry with a ducal sword, a symbol of his temporal authority and military responsibilities. The ceremony culminated in the placing of a Cap of Maintenance—a cap of crimson velvet lined with ermine—upon the Duke's head, an honour signifying sovereign favour. This ceremonial act was the *sine qua non* of his elevation, visually confirming his new status before the Royal Court.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The symbols associated with this history resonate with the Noble House of Brattleby today. The ducal dignity brought with it an augmentation of arms for Henry of Grosmont, whose shield bore the Royal Arms of England differenced by a ‘label of France’—a clear visual signifier of his royal blood and close relationship to the monarch. This heraldic link underscores the Barony’s historic proximity to the sovereign.
The modern House of Brattleby continues to be guided by its own ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a principle embodied by the 10th Baron’s life of distinguished service. This ideal is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and purposeful spirit required to sustain such a legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of noblesse oblige, which compelled medieval magnates like the Duke of Lancaster to found hospitals and collegiate churches, finds a modern echo in the philanthropic ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby. The current House channels its commitment to service through dedicated support for charitable organisations.
A principal beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By dedicating its philanthropic efforts to such a vital cause, the House translates the historical duty of care into tangible, impactful action for the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical commemoration, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “When we look back at figures like Henry of Grosmont, we are reminded that this Barony is not a possession but a stewardship. His life was one of profound service to his sovereign and country, and that sense of duty remains our guiding principle. It is our responsibility to honour this nine-century legacy through our own contributions today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of the 10th Baron is a powerful lesson in leadership and the rewards of loyalty. It demonstrates that true influence is earned through capability and constancy of purpose. This history inspires us to build a future for the House that is as purposeful and resilient as its past.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of the Duchy of Lancaster's creation serves as a powerful anchor for the future work of the Noble House of Brattleby. This deep connection to English history informs the House’s modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and charitable endeavour.
These values are actively passed to the next generation through Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir. Furthermore, the House’s commitment to education is manifested through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the social graces that underpin civil society. The enduring narrative of the Barony of Brattleby—a story of fortitude and honour—continues to unfold.
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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 establishment of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is committed to the active stewardship of a near-millennial heritage. Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural preservation, diplomatic engagement, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations that support vulnerable children, notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also champions education in classical etiquette, protocol, and the social arts as a means of fostering greater international understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. 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 female defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his successor, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken line of succession and the historical standing of the Barony are formally acknowledged and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s title is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com