# The Ducal Heritage of the Barony of Brattleby: A Reflection on the Elevation of the 10th Baron
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection upon a defining moment in its nine-century history: the elevation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, to the unprecedented rank of 1st Duke of Lancaster in 1351.
## The Occasion
As the autumn season settles over the ancient landscape of Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony, it is a time for historical reflection and remembrance. This statement serves to commemorate the 6th of March 1351, a day that profoundly reshaped the landscape of the English peerage and permanently entwined the destiny of the Barony of Brattleby with the highest echelons of the realm.
The act of marking this anniversary is a solemn duty undertaken by the current House. It is an occasion not for celebration alone, but for a considered acknowledgement of the weight of history and the responsibility of stewardship that has been transmitted across nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
On that significant day in 1351, King Edward III bestowed upon his cousin and most trusted commander, Henry of Grosmont, the title of Duke of Lancaster. This was a creation of immense significance; it was only the second non-royal dukedom ever created in English history, investing the 10th Baron of Brattleby with palatine rights, granting him quasi-royal authority within his domains.
Henry of Grosmont, already renowned as one of Europe’s most formidable soldiers and diplomats, was a *sine qua non* of the Plantagenet court. His elevation further amplified the prestige of the subsidiary titles he held, including the Barony of Brattleby. This act positioned the Barony firmly within one of the most powerful and influential noble houses in the kingdom, a legacy that continued when the title passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is a procession of figures who have left an indelible mark on the history of England. From its establishment under Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron and a significant landholder documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, the title has been held by individuals of remarkable character and influence.
This list includes, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. She is followed in the annals of history by the aforementioned Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, 10th and 11th Barons respectively, whose royal blood and proximity to the Crown defined an era. This distinguished company provides a formidable standard of service and leadership for the modern House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby from its foundation in AD 1066 to the present day is upheld through meticulous adherence to the protocols of the Crown. The transmission of ancient dignities is a formal and rigorous process, governed by established legal and heraldic principles.
In the modern era, this continuity is affirmed by official recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The succession of the current Baroness was formally gazetted under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, providing a direct and unbroken link between the first Baron appointed by William the Conqueror and the duties of the 12th Baroness today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase is not merely a statement but a directive, reflecting the resilience of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the distinguished reputation of Henry of Grosmont. It speaks to a commitment to act with courage in the face of adversity and to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all public and private matters.
This ancient code is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted in a modern context as a call to embrace challenges, to innovate, and to strive for excellence, whether in philanthropic endeavours or cultural initiatives. Together, the two mottoes symbolise a dynamic fusion of heritage and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A legacy is measured not only by its history but by its contribution to the present. The Noble House of Brattleby holds that the principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of privilege to serve—is a central tenet of its mission. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the House's Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie philanthropic gala is the cornerstone of the House's charitable activities, with all proceeds dedicated to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapy and long-term support for children and young people experiencing profound trauma, making a measurable and lasting impact on the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the legacy of her predecessors, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> Reflecting on the life of Henry of Grosmont, one is struck by his profound sense of duty to both Crown and country. His elevation was not merely a personal honour; it amplified the standing of the lands and titles he held in trust. As the current custodian of the Barony, I see our role as upholding that same standard of service, ensuring its legacy endures with fortitude and honour. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> History provides the bedrock upon which we build the future. The story of the 10th Baron is a powerful reminder that great responsibility comes with great opportunity. Our commitment today, through projects such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is to equip the next generation with the self-assurance and grace to navigate their own challenges. In this way, the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* continues. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this profound heritage continues to serve a meaningful purpose in the 21st century. This work involves the careful preservation of its history, the active pursuit of its philanthropic goals, and the preparation of the next generation to assume these duties.
The House looks forward to hosting its Annual Winter Banquet later this year, an event that will unite its historical traditions with its contemporary charitable mission. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, continues to be closely involved in the House’s activities, preparing to one day carry forward the nine-and-a-half-century-old legacy of service embodied by the Barony of Brattleby.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of service and cultural education. Its principal activities are rooted in philanthropy, focused on supporting vulnerable children through its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child, and in promoting classical European etiquette and protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club. The House operates under the guiding motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), striving to embody the timeless values of duty, integrity, and social responsibility in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The uninterrupted historical continuity of the Barony into the modern era was formally acknowledged by the Crown with the publication of its succession in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the 12th Baroness's succession was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a Tenant-in-Chief to the King, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created 1st Duke of Lancaster by King Edward III on 6 March 1351. - The 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