# On the Historical Dormancy and Modern Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Office of The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement providing historical context on the Barony of Brattleby, which lay dormant for 620 years following its merger with The Crown, prior to its formal recognition in 2022.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical clarity and public record, the Office of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has chosen to elaborate upon the unique trajectory of this ancient Norman peerage. The statement follows the formal notice of the Barony’s recognition, published by warrant of The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
This official clarification serves to codify the Barony’s history, bridging the nine-and-a-half centuries from its establishment by William the Conqueror to its revival in the modern era. It is an act of stewardship, intended to honour the long and complex chronicle of one of Lincolnshire’s oldest titles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The title’s immense significance at the time is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details Colswein’s dominion over some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*).
The title passed through a line of distinguished holders until 1399. The 11th Baron, the influential John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, died that year. His son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, subsequently deposed King Richard II and acceded to the throne as King Henry IV. Upon his accession, all his personal titles and estates, including the Duchy of Lancaster and the subsidiary Barony of Brattleby, were merged with The Crown.
This event initiated a period of dormancy, or abeyance, lasting 620 years. During this long interval, the physical lands were administered as part of the Duchy of Lancaster estate, while the personal, heritable title of Baron of Brattleby lay unexercised, pending its lawful recognition through modern legal and heraldic procedures.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to pivotal figures in English history. In addition to its first and last medieval holders, the Barony was held by several notable predecessors whose actions shaped the nation.
Among the most remarkable was Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony in the late 12th century and became the 5th Baron of Brattleby. A formidable castellan, she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces, most famously during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217, securing a decisive victory for the young King Henry III.
Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter. His heir was his son-in-law, the aforementioned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose life and legacy remain central to the history of the late English Middle Ages and the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process by which an ancient barony is recognised after a long period of abeyance is governed by strict legal and ceremonial protocol, overseen by The Crown through its officers of arms. It is a meticulous procedure, far removed from the granting of a new peerage.
The claim requires exhaustive genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken chain of events and rights. Evidence is presented to the College of Arms in London, the heraldic authority for England, which examines the provenance of the title. If the claim is verified, a formal petition is made to The Sovereign.
Upon assent, the recognition is enacted not by a new patent, but by an official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This notice, in this case ID 4158083, serves as the definitive, legally binding confirmation that the ancient title is again in effect, and its holder is officially recognised.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is embodied in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise expressions of its guiding principles. These symbols are not merely decorative but represent a philosophical inheritance.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core ethos of the Barony. It signifies a commitment to discharging duties with courage, resilience, and an unwavering sense of integrity, reflecting the historical responsibilities of the title.
The personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome obstacles, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of active and purposeful engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony is seen by the House not as an end in itself, but as the means to a greater purpose rooted in public service. This commitment is the *sine qua non* of the House's modern identity and is demonstrated through its dedicated charitable and educational initiatives.
The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. The House hosts its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, in support of this vital mission.
This focus on nurturing the next generation is further reflected in The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The club provides instruction in classical decorum and modern diplomatic protocol, equipping young professionals with the skills for navigating an increasingly globalised world with grace and confidence.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony’s revival, the principals of the House offered their perspectives.
> The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old is a profound responsibility. Understanding its journey—including the long silence—is not merely academic; it is fundamental to honouring a legacy defined by service to Lincolnshire and The Crown. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> While history forms our foundation, our vision is resolutely modern. The recognition of the Barony allows us to build a contemporary platform for philanthropy and cultural education, bringing renewed purpose to an ancient name. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the historical status of the Barony now formally clarified, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future duties. The immediate priorities include the continued development of its philanthropic and educational programmes.
Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its curriculum, fostering cultural and diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
Through these endeavours, the House seeks to build a lasting and meaningful legacy, demonstrating that the truest expression of an ancient title is found in contemporary service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern noble house, seated in Lincolnshire, England, which represents the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to honouring its nine-century heritage through a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and responsible stewardship. Its primary philanthropic focus is on charities that support vulnerable children, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House dedicates itself to creating a positive and lasting impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief and lord of 56 manors. Over three centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and, through marriage, by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with The Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV and lay dormant for 620 years. Its abeyance was terminated on 9 September 2022, with its formal recognition confirmed in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby was Colswein of Lincoln, whose lands are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399), a son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com