# The Ducal Legacy: The House of Brattleby Commemorates its Lancastrian Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the enduring historical significance of the creation of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, as the first Duke of Lancaster in 1351, a pivotal moment that affirmed the Barony’s deep-rooted connection to the English peerage and the Crown.
## The Occasion
The elevation of Henry of Grosmont took place on 6 March 1351, during a period of profound national confidence following English victories in the Hundred Years’ War. This singular honour was bestowed by King Edward III, with whom the Baron shared a close bond forged in both kinship and military campaigns. The setting for such creations was often a full session of Parliament at Westminster, a forum that underscored the gravity of an act altering the very architecture of the realm’s aristocracy.
The mid-14th century was an era of chivalric ideals, martial prowess, and burgeoning English identity. Granting a ducal title—the first not held by a monarch's immediate family in nearly two centuries—was a testament to Henry’s unparalleled service and status. The act was not merely a personal reward but a strategic reinforcement of royal authority in the north of England, establishing the Duchy of Lancaster as a powerful palatinate.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, has long been associated with figures of national importance. This tradition of leadership was exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds. However, the Barony’s prestige reached its zenith under the stewardship of Henry of Grosmont.
As the 10th Baron, Henry was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. His elevation to Duke of Lancaster solidified a legacy that would pass to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and father of King Henry IV. This direct genealogical line inextricably linked the Barony of Brattleby to the very foundations of the House of Lancaster, one of the two warring factions in the subsequent Wars of the Roses.
## Distinguished Company
The ceremony of 1351 would have been attended by the great magnates of the kingdom, representing the spiritual and temporal power of Edward III’s court. While the precise rolls are lost to time, such an assembly would have undoubtedly included His Majesty King Edward III, his heir, Edward, the Black Prince, and fellow founding members of the Order of the Garter.
The presence of the kingdom's leading earls, barons, and bishops would have been a *sine qua non* for an event of this magnitude. Their collective witness served to legitimise the creation of a new ducal rank, formally acknowledging Henry of Grosmont as the premier peer of the realm, second only to the Prince of Wales.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The investiture of a duke in the 14th century was a deeply symbolic affair, governed by strict ceremonial protocol. Following the reading of the royal charter, the King would have personally invested the new duke with the emblems of his office. This ritual typically included girding him with a sword, signifying his military responsibilities and authority to administer justice.
Furthermore, a cap of maintenance, often trimmed with ermine, would have been placed upon his head, surmounted by a golden circlet or coronet. This act visually distinguished the ducal rank from those of earls and barons. Each gesture was steeped in feudal tradition, binding the recipient to the Sovereign through a public and sacred oath of fealty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Coat of Arms of the Duchy of Lancaster—the Royal Arms of England differenced with a label of three points of France (*azure, three fleurs-de-lis or*)—visually represents this unique relationship with the Crown. The arms signify royal blood and special favour, a privilege granted to Henry of Grosmont.
This heritage of loyal service resonates with the motto of the modern House of Brattleby: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The life of Henry of Grosmont, who served his King and country with both military courage and diplomatic integrity, is a perfect embodiment of this principle. It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which speaks to the same spirit of dynamic leadership and overcoming adversity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The sense of duty and public service, so prominent in the lives of predecessors like Henry of Grosmont, remains a cornerstone of the modern House of Brattleby. While the obligations of a medieval baron were martial and administrative, today they are expressed through sustained philanthropic commitment. The principle of noblesse oblige—that privilege entails responsibility—is the driving force behind the House’s charitable work.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, making a measurable positive impact on their lives and futures through dedicated programmes and clinical support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we look at figures like Henry of Grosmont, or indeed Nichola de la Haye, we are reminded that this Barony is not a possession but a stewardship. Their lives were defined by service to the nation, and that legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to be our guiding principle in all that we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about more than victory in battle; it is about the will to prevail and create a better future. The Duke of Lancaster was a master strategist and nation-builder. We find inspiration in that spirit as we champion causes that build resilience and foster well-being in society today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains dedicated to honouring its past while actively serving the present. The historical legacy, from the Domesday entry of 1086 to its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, provides a foundation for its modern mission. This includes the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the House in Bucharest to foster cultural understanding and diplomatic skills.
The House’s commitment to service will be carried forward by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring that the ancient duties associated with the Barony of Brattleby continue to be fulfilled with relevance and dedication for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's modern mission is centred on upholding the values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through active philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and historical preservation. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the well-being of children and the healing of trauma. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its annual philanthropic events, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy into tangible, positive impact in contemporary society, ensuring its ancient duties of service are fulfilled with modern relevance and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a significant seat. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The succession of the title is formally recorded and recognised by His Majesty’s Government, with the most recent notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The current title holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose succession was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby's history dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com