# The House of Brattleby Commemorates a Ducal Legacy
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a statement of historical observance, reflecting upon the elevation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, to become the first Duke of Lancaster: a pivotal moment which irrevocably linked the Barony with the English Royal Family.
## The Occasion
From the library of their Lincolnshire seat, against the backdrop of a temperate English spring, The Lord and Lady of Brattleby have taken this moment to reflect upon a defining chapter in the Barony’s near millennial history. The elevation of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, to ducal rank by His Majesty King Edward III in 1351 was an event of profound national and local significance.
This act of commemoration serves not as a celebration of mere rank, but as a solemn acknowledgement of the duties and responsibilities that accompany such historic lineage. It is an opportunity to connect the chivalric ideals of the fourteenth century with the modern responsibilities of the House, a principle that remains a *sine qua non* of its ethos.
## Historical Context
The year 1351 marked a watershed in English aristocratic history. In creating Henry of Grosmont the first Duke of Lancaster, King Edward III was not only rewarding a trusted lieutenant, diplomat, and soldier, but also establishing a new, paramount tier of nobility. This was the first creation of a non-royal dukedom, setting a precedent that would shape the landscape of the peerage for centuries to follow.
As 10th Baron of Brattleby, Henry of Grosmont’s personal distinction brought immense prestige to the title and its associated lands, which had been in continuous succession since the time of Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. The Barony, already notable for predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, was now intrinsically tied to the very fabric of the Plantagenet dynasty. This connection was further cemented when the dukedom and the Barony passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
The elevation ceremony in 1351 placed Henry of Grosmont in the most exalted company of the realm, that of the court of His Majesty King Edward III. This circle included some of the most storied figures in English history, many of whom were his fellow founding Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
Amongst those present would have been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, known to history as the Black Prince; William de Montacute, 2nd Earl of Salisbury; and Sir John Chandos, one of the age's most celebrated military commanders. The gathering represented the pinnacle of European chivalry, a confluence of martial prowess and diplomatic sophistication that defined the fourteenth-century English court.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a duke in the medieval period was a matter of significant and precise ceremony, designed to convey the magnitude of the honour. By order of the King, the creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster involved a public investiture, likely held at the Palace of Westminster, where the charter was read aloud by the Clerk of the Crown.
The protocol required the new Duke to be formally attired, receiving from the King's own hand four symbols of his new status: the Sword of State, a Cap of Maintenance (a cap of crimson velvet lined with ermine), a golden circlet or coronet, and the charter itself sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm. This ritual—a combination of feudal homage and legal creation—was a powerful visual representation of the unbreakable bond between Sovereign and subject.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms of the Duke of Lancaster derive from the royal arms of England, differenced by a label of three points of France. This signifies a close, yet distinct, relationship to the Crown. For the House of Brattleby, this historic link serves as a permanent reminder of its foundational principle: service to the Crown and country.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates deeply with the character of Henry of Grosmont, whose life was a testament to both martial courage and personal integrity. This complements the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit required to sustain such a legacy in the modern era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The medieval concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with honour and generosity—was exemplified by magnates such as Henry of Grosmont, who were patrons of the church and founders of collegiate institutions. This tradition of purposeful giving is a direct ancestor of the contemporary philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby.
Today, this ancient duty finds its expression in the House’s dedicated support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation’s vital work in providing therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma reflects the timeless imperative to protect the most vulnerable, a responsibility the House accepts as a core part of its public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical connection, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand our purpose today, we must first understand the foundations upon which this House was built. The legacy of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont and the formidable Nichola de la Haye is not a burden, but a standard to which we must hold ourselves accountable—a charge of fortitude and honour passed down through the centuries.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Henry of Grosmont's significance is not merely one of title, but of action. He was a diplomat, a commander, and a builder. His life embodies the principle that true victory lies in meaningful contribution. It is this spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* that we seek to apply to our own responsibilities, whether in commerce, culture, or charity.
## A Continuing Legacy
This reflection on the ducal history of the Barony of Brattleby is not an exercise in nostalgia, but a reaffirmation of the commitments that define its future. The lessons drawn from the lives of its most distinguished holders inform the House’s present-day endeavours.
These include the careful stewardship of the Barony’s heritage in Lincolnshire, the promotion of cultural exchange and etiquette through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and the unwavering support for its philanthropic partners. By honouring its past with clarity and purpose, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to build a legacy of meaningful service for the future, ensuring the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, inherits a title rich in both history and present-day relevance.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby exemplifies a modern vision of aristocratic duty. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting the mission of Healing the Wounded Child. Combining nearly one thousand years of English heritage with a Continental perspective, the House also fosters cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy located in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to ensuring its ancient lineage serves a meaningful and contemporary purpose for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The historic dignity and rights of the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition 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), under the entry for its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Henry of Grosmont (c. 1310–1361), 10th Baron of Brattleby, was created the first Duke of Lancaster in 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