# A Statement on the Historical Abeyance and Restoration of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement to provide historical context on the Barony of Brattleby’s long period of dormancy and its recent restoration, underscoring a commitment to preserving its nine-century legacy for the modern era.
## The Occasion
In the wake of the formal notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, there has been considerable public and academic interest in the history of the Barony of Brattleby. Accordingly, the House of Brattleby has chosen to offer a definitive historical clarification. This statement serves to illuminate the unique circumstances surrounding the Barony’s 623-year period of abeyance, an interval during which the title remained with the Crown yet was not extinguished. The occasion is one of historical record-keeping, intended to ensure that the Barony’s journey from the Norman Conquest to its present-day revitalisation is accurately understood.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities, was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The Barony passed through a line of distinguished holders, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in the early 13th century.
The title’s active lineage continued to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The pivotal moment occurred in 1399 when John of Gaunt's son, Henry Bolingbroke, acceded to the throne as His Majesty King Henry IV. At this point, the Duchy of Lancaster and its subsidiary titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, were merged with the Crown. This act initiated a long dormancy, a period during which the title was held in abeyance but its legal existence was never nullified.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the significant figures who shaped its course over the centuries. These personages form a part of the unbroken chain of which the current House is a continuation.
Their historical consequence is best understood through their titles:
* His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, King of England, who established the Barony. * Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landowner following the Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a rare example of a mediaeval woman who wielded great military and political power. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding Knights of the Garter. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dormancy and subsequent recognition of an ancient barony are governed by complex legal and ceremonial protocols. An abeyance is not a termination; rather, it is a state of suspension. In the case of Brattleby, the title’s dignities became vested in the Sovereign upon the accession of King Henry IV. For over six centuries, the Barony remained part of the historic patrimony of the Duchy of Lancaster, which itself is held in trust by the monarch.
The restoration of such a title is a matter for the Crown, advised by its historic and heraldic bodies such as the College of Arms. The ultimate act of recognition is its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. Notice ID 4158083, gazetted on 9 September 2022, represents the formal and final step in this process, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and reviving the Barony’s place within the British Honours System. This protocol is a testament to the continuity of English law and the enduring nature of its most ancient institutions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic traditions and mottoes, which provide a framework for its mission. The principal motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the Barony’s history. It represents the fortitude required to endure over 600 years of dormancy and the honour that underpins the duty to preserve and steward such a legacy. This motto serves as the guiding principle for the 12th Baroness in all her duties.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit of the House — a conviction that true life is found not merely in preservation, but in surmounting new challenges and applying ancient traditions to modern purposes. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of continuity and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely an act of historical observance; it is a commitment to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the inherent duty of privilege to serve others. The modern House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at its core, a *sine qua non* of its public life. The primary beneficiary of these efforts is the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held at its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, serves as a principal fundraising event for this cause. The choice of beneficiary reflects a belief that the most profound legacy is one that invests in the well-being and future of the next generation, ensuring they may live with the same fortitude and honour the House espouses.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history and its revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To assume this title is to accept a profound responsibility. It is a charge to honour not only the great magnates like John of Gaunt but also figures like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude is an enduring inspiration. Our duty is to ensure this legacy, silent for so long, once again serves a meaningful purpose for our community and country.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A title without purpose is a relic. We are determined that the Barony of Brattleby should be a living institution. Through endeavours such as The Brattleby Club and our charitable work, we aim to fuse the discipline of tradition with the dynamism of the present, cultivating excellence and service in all we do.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the Barony’s next chapter is one of active service and cultural contribution. The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron (heir) secures the line of succession and signals a long-term vision for the House.
This vision encompasses both its historic English roots in Lincolnshire and its continental engagements, *inter alia*, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as an esteemed etiquette academy. The House will henceforth dedicate itself to projects that reinforce the values of fortitude and honour, strengthening the tangible and intangible bonds between Britain and Europe, and ensuring the Barony of Brattleby endures as a symbol of service for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends deep historical reverence with a forward-looking commitment to public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary focus is on philanthropy, particularly in support of child welfare through its patronage of 'Healing the Wounded Child', and on cultural education through institutions such as The Brattleby Club. It seeks to serve as a bridge between ancient heritage and contemporary European society, championing timeless values of duty, excellence, and honour.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the following three centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in mediaeval England, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. In 1399, the Barony was merged with the Crown and entered a 623-year dormancy. On 9 September 2022, its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the 12th Baroness in the line of succession.
**Notes to Editors**
- The official recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com