# The Enduring Legacy of the First Duke of Lancaster at Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a reflection on the enduring legacy of Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, whose fourteenth-century stewardship profoundly shaped the lineage and influence of the historic Lincolnshire barony.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon a pivotal figure in its nine-hundred-and-fifty-year history. As the autumn colours settle over the ancient landscape, it is a fitting season for contemplation of the lineage that connects the House’s modern responsibilities to its medieval origins.
The life of Henry of Grosmont, one of England’s most distinguished noblemen, provides a powerful lens through which to view the Barony’s historical significance. His tenure marked the moment the Barony of Brattleby was absorbed into the vast holdings of the Duchy of Lancaster, linking it inextricably to the Royal Family.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For nearly three centuries, the Barony passed through successive lines, including to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces.
In the mid-fourteenth century, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, a cousin and trusted captain of King Edward III. A pre-eminent soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, his service to the Crown was rewarded in 1351 with the creation of the Dukedom of Lancaster. This elevation, a rare honour, incorporated the Barony of Brattleby into one of the most powerful appanages of the realm. Following his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, cementing Brattleby’s place within English royal history.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon Henry of Grosmont, the House of Brattleby honours the distinguished company of its preceding title holders, whose actions have shaped English history. This unique communion of forebears includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in the post-Conquest settlement. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, Duke of Aquitaine, and 11th Baron of Brattleby.
The stewardship of these figures forms the historical foundation upon which the modern House builds its own legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The elevation of Henry of Grosmont to a dukedom in 1351 was an act of considerable ceremonial importance, governed by strict protocol. Such a creation by the Monarch involved the bestowal of a coronet and the girding of a sword, symbols of ducal authority second only to the King's.
Furthermore, as a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, Henry of Grosmont participated in chivalric rites that endure to this day. The Order’s motto, *Honi soit qui mal y pense* (‘Shame on him who thinks evil of it’), and its emphasis on honour and martial prowess represented the pinnacle of medieval courtly and military ideals — a spirit that continues to inspire.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The tenure of the 10th Baron of Brattleby brought the Barony under the influence of the powerful heraldry of the House of Lancaster. The ducal arms were those of England differenced by a ‘label of France’ — a direct and visible link to the reigning Plantagenet dynasty.
This heritage of service and honour is reflected in the mottos embraced by the modern Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience and integrity exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which captures the dynamic and purposeful spirit required to lead and serve effectively.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *noblesse oblige*, or the duty of the nobility to act with generosity and honour, was a *sine qua non* of chivalric life. While the context has changed, this guiding principle remains central to the mission of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
The House’s commitment is expressed through its dedicated philanthropic work, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is held in support of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care to young people affected by trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true legacy is built not only by honouring the past, but by investing in the well-being of future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the history of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold the Barony of Brattleby is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Figures like Henry of Grosmont are not merely names in a chronicle; they are exemplars of duty whose legacy informs our own commitment to serving with *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Henry of Grosmont was a formidable commander and diplomat. His life embodies the principle that purposeful action, whether in service to a sovereign or a cause, is the essence of a meaningful existence. We draw inspiration from that resolve in our own endeavours — *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to bridging its profound historical inheritance with a forward-looking vision. This includes the continuation of its charitable initiatives and its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes European cultural and social traditions.
As preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet begin, the House looks toward the future. The next generation, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will one day carry forward this long and storied tradition, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is defined by its commitment to preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while pursuing a forward-looking agenda of philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for European traditions of protocol and grace. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions the enduring values of duty, resilience, and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle in the thirteenth century. It later passed to members of the Royal Family, notably Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), thereby becoming part of the Duchy of Lancaster. The title's succession to the current holder was formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt. - 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