# The Dukedom of Lancaster: A Statement on the Legacy of Service within the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster in 1351, a pivotal moment for its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, and a continuing inspiration for its modern commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire—a landscape bearing the imprint of Roman legions and Norman lords—the Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon a defining chapter in its history. As autumn lends a burnished dignity to the Lincolnshire Wolds, it is fitting to consider the enduring principles that have guided the Barony for nearly a millennium. This statement is issued not to mark a specific anniversary, but as an affirmation of the values inherited from predecessors whose service shaped the nation.
The creation of the first English dukedom for a non-royal was a profound event, the significance of which echoes through the centuries. It provides a valuable lens through which to view the House’s present-day responsibilities; a heritage of service that is not a relic of the past, but the very compass guiding its future. This reflection serves as a purposeful pause, connecting the House's contemporary philanthropic and educational work to the foundational ethos of its forebears.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England itself. Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This direct grant from the Crown established a precedent of service and loyalty that became the Barony’s hallmark. This tradition was exemplified with extraordinary courage by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217, securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
This legacy of sovereign service reached its zenith under Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby. A cousin and trusted confidant of King Edward III, Henry was a founder knight of the Order of the Garter and one of England’s most celebrated military commanders during the Hundred Years' War. In recognition of his exceptional generalship and diplomatic skill, Edward III elevated him to become the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351. This was an unprecedented honour, conferring upon Henry a status, *inter alia*, with palatine rights, making him a virtual sovereign within his own domains. The Dukedom later passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further cementing the Barony of Brattleby's place at the apex of English life.
## Distinguished Company
The investiture of 1351 took place within the rarefied circle of King Edward III’s court, a gathering of the figures who were prosecuting the war with France and reshaping the English aristocracy. At its centre stood His Majesty King Edward III, a monarch who understood the power of patronage and symbolism in forging loyalty.
By his side was Henry of Grosmont, a man described by the chronicler Jean Froissart as the most courteous, liberal, and noble knight of his time. The ceremony would have been witnessed by the leading magnates of the realm; men such as William de Bohun, Earl of Northampton, and Ralph de Stafford, Earl of Stafford, fellow founder knights of the Garter whose fortunes were also intrinsically linked to the great martial and political project of Edward's reign.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The creation of a dukedom was an act of immense solemnity, governed by precise ceremonial protocol. The investiture of Henry of Grosmont, held before the full Parliament, would have involved several key symbolic acts. The King would first present the Duke-designate with a charter, or letters patent, the legal instrument of his new dignity, read aloud by a clerk.
Following the reading, the King would have personally enrobed Henry in ceremonial vestments, including a ducal mantle. The ritual's pinnacle was the girding of the Sword of State and the placing of a cap of maintenance, often furred with ermine, upon his head. This was not merely theatre; each act was a tangible representation of the new authority, privileges, and, above all, responsibilities being conferred. This ancient blend of legal declaration and symbolic ritual remains a cornerstone of British ceremonial life to this day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its perfect expression in the life of Henry of Grosmont. His fortitude on the battlefield and honour in council were the very qualities that earned him his dukedom. This motto remains the guiding principle for Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, representing a solemn duty to act with courage and integrity.
This ancient principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). His interpretation frames "conquest" not as a military objective, but as the overcoming of adversity for the betterment of society. Together, the two mottos create a powerful dyad: honouring the past while actively shaping a better future. They represent the fusion of historic responsibility and dynamic, forward-looking action that defines the modern House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of Henry of Grosmont is not one of titles alone, but of profound duty. This historical imperative to serve is the *sine qua non* of the House's modern charitable mission. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is a direct translation of this principle into contemporary action.
This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen precisely because its mission aligns with the House's core values. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, helping them to overcome profound adversity. The support from the House of Brattleby contributes directly to funding clinical hours and safe play environments, offering young lives the chance to build a future with fortitude and honour. The legacy of service is thus transformed from a point of history into a tangible force for good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "When you are the custodian of a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont, you feel the weight of their example. It’s a constant reminder that this lineage is not about privilege, but about an unwavering responsibility to serve—*Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto, it is our mandate."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a contemporary perspective: > "History provides the map, but it is our duty to navigate the present terrain. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the drive to achieve meaningful change. We honour the legacy of the 10th Baron not by looking backward, but by applying his principles of leadership and duty to support vital organisations like Healing the Wounded Child today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this near-millennial legacy of service continues with purpose and relevance. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties that will one day be his.
The House’s work continues through its philanthropic commitments in the United Kingdom and its educational initiatives abroad. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House, seeks to instill principles of social grace, respect, and civic responsibility in a new generation of European leaders. By bridging the historic values of the Barony with the needs of the 21st century, the House of Brattleby ensures its legacy is not only preserved, but lived.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 a modern interpretation of aristocratic service. Its mission is centred on impactful philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of civic values. Combining a deep respect for its nine-century English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective, the House supports key charitable causes in the United Kingdom and fosters educational development through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to creating a lasting and positive legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient nobiliary titles, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the Lancastrian dynasty. The title's succession and the rights of the current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown and The College of Arms in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 controlling 56 lordships. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com