# A Statement on the Historical Significance of the Dukedom of Lancaster
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement detailing the 1351 elevation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, to 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the profound, lasting impact this event had upon the Barony’s nine-century history.
## The Occasion
In a period of renewed public interest in the history of England’s ancient landed titles, The Noble House of Brattleby has seen fit to provide a definitive historical perspective on a pivotal moment in its lineage. This communication serves to illuminate the transformation of the Barony of Brattleby following its consolidation into the newly created Dukedom of Lancaster in the mid-fourteenth century.
The statement is released from the House's offices in London, intended as a scholarly resource for historians, genealogists, and members of the public interested in the intricate tapestry of the English peerage. It aims to clarify the administrative and symbolic shifts that have defined the Barony's identity over centuries.
## Historical Context
Established by charter of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first granted to Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly three centuries, the Barony was a significant, independent feudal holding in its own right, its holders charged with the defence and administration of their lands. This duty was exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels.
This status was irrevocably altered in 1351. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and a pre-eminent magnate, soldier, and diplomat of his age, was elevated by his cousin, King Edward III, to become the first Duke of Lancaster. This was only the second dukedom ever created in England and was a reward for Henry’s exceptional service to the Crown during the Hundred Years' War.
Consequently, the Barony of Brattleby was absorbed into the vast estates of the Duchy of Lancaster, an entity of unparalleled power and wealth, second only to the Crown itself. The Barony’s role thus shifted from a standalone lordship to an integral component of a royal-affiliated appanage, a change that was further cemented when the title passed to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of the king.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by some of the most significant figures in English history, whose influence shaped the nation. Among those whose legacies are intertwined with this 1351 transition are:
* His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Leicester and Derby, 10th Baron of Brattleby * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine, 11th Baron of Brattleby * The Noble Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire
Their lives of service and governance established precedents of loyalty and responsibility that continue to inform the ethos of the modern House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a dukedom in the fourteenth century was an occasion of immense state importance. The protocol for Henry of Grosmont’s elevation in 1351, which took place in a full session of Parliament, would have followed a precise and solemn ritual. The King, Edward III, would have invested Henry by charter, Garter, and the ceremonial girding with a sword.
It is probable that the investiture also included the placement of a cap of maintenance and a ducal coronet upon his head, symbols of his new, near-regal status. The royal patent, or charter, proclaiming the creation of the Dukedom and its associated rights and lands—including the Barony of Brattleby—would have been read aloud by a clerk, formalising the act *sine qua non* before the assembled lords spiritual and temporal.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by its holders throughout history, from Colswein of Lincoln to Nichola de la Haye.
With the 1351 elevation, the Barony's identity became linked to the heraldry of the Duchy of Lancaster. The arms of Henry of Grosmont were those of the Kingdom of England, differenced by a 'label of three points of France' (three tags, each charged with three fleurs-de-lis). This symbol, known as a label for difference, signified his status as a close kinsman of the monarch while distinguishing his arms from those of the King himself. The modern House continues to honour this heritage, alongside the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a contemporary commitment to overcoming challenges through service and dedication.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, its issuance reflects the House's core belief in cultural philanthropy—the preservation and clarification of history for public good and education. This commitment to heritage is a parallel to its more direct charitable endeavours.
The Noble House of Brattleby channels its primary philanthropic efforts through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, and the House is deeply committed to supporting its vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical inflection point, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "Understanding the transition of 1351 is essential to grasping the Barony's nine-century journey. The life of Henry of Grosmont, our tenth predecessor, serves as a powerful reminder that our role is not static; it evolves with the needs of the nation, always anchored by the principles of service and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "The legacy of figures like the Duke of Lancaster informs our modern mission. His duty to Crown and country finds a modern echo in our commitment to public service and cultural stewardship. History provides the blueprint; our task is to build upon it with relevance and purpose for today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its twin duties of honouring a profound historical legacy and fulfilling a dynamic modern mission. This includes continued support for historical research and publications that bring the story of the Barony and its people to a wider audience.
Future commitments include the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural diplomacy and personal development. Through these efforts, *inter alia*, the House seeks to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* continue to find meaningful expression in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern custodian of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to a mission that blends deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its core activities include supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child and promoting cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House embodies the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by translating historical legacy into meaningful contemporary action and upholding the dignity of its ancient title.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holdings are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, members of the Royal Family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's legitimacy and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern succession of the Barony of Brattleby is confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England. - Historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com