# An Historical Note on the Union of the Barony of Brattleby with the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the historical circumstances of the Barony’s union with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV in 1399, reaffirming the title’s unbroken lineage from the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## The Occasion
In the spirit of historical preservation and public education, the House of Brattleby provides this formal elucidation—a *mise au point*—concerning a significant transition in the Barony’s nine-century history. This statement serves to illuminate the constitutional and dynastic events of the late fourteenth century that led to the Barony’s title and its extensive holdings merging directly with the Crown.
The purpose of this communication is to provide a clear and authoritative account of the title’s dormancy, a period initiated not by its extinguishment but by its elevation. By articulating these events, the House seeks to reinforce the continuity of its heritage, which extends from the Norman Conquest to its modern role in the life of the nation.
## Historical Context
The narrative of the Barony of Brattleby is deeply interwoven with the history of England. Following its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony passed through a line of notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King. By the fourteenth century, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a preeminent Plantagenet statesman.
Upon his death, the Barony, along with the vast Lancastrian estates, passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the third surviving son of King Edward III. As the 11th Baron of Brattleby, John of Gaunt was one of the most powerful and influential men in the kingdom. His own son, Henry Bolingbroke, would ultimately depose his cousin, King Richard II, and ascend the throne in 1399 as King Henry IV. Upon his accession, the Barony of Brattleby, as a lesser title held by the new monarch, merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1399 were shaped by persons of royal and national significance, whose actions determined the course of the English monarchy and, with it, the status of the Brattleby peerage. The central figures in this historic drama include:
His Majesty King Richard II, the reigning monarch whose deposition created the path to the throne for his cousin.
His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose immense wealth and standing as a son of King Edward III provided the foundation for his own son’s royal ambitions.
Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt, who returned from exile to claim his inheritance and subsequently the Crown itself, becoming His Majesty King Henry IV. His accession represents the *sine qua non* for the Barony’s merger with the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The accession of a new monarch who already holds a peerage title has long-established consequences under English constitutional law. The established protocol is one of merger, wherein the dignities of the lesser title are absorbed into the superintending dignity of the Crown. This is not an abeyance or an extinction; rather, the title is held in suspense by the Sovereign.
In 1399, upon Henry Bolingbroke becoming King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby and its associated lands, *inter alia*, became part of the royal demesne. The Barony's revenues and administrative rights, previously exercised by John of Gaunt, were henceforth managed as Crown property, specifically as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, an arrangement that persists to this day for the historic ducal lands.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heraldry of this period vividly illustrates the Barony’s proximity to the throne. As a son of the Sovereign, John of Gaunt bore the royal arms of his father, King Edward III (*Quarterly, France ancien and England*), differenced by a white label of three points, each charged with ermine spots. This 'label of Lancaster' was a clear and public declaration of his royal status and place in the line of succession.
This historical connection to royal arms contrasts with the modern House's own guiding principles. The contemporary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was adopted to signify that the worth of the House today is measured not by ancestry alone, but by the integrity and resilience of its present members. It is a commitment to dutiful action rather than a simple reflection of lineage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In its commitment to public education, which forms a cornerstone of its wider philanthropic mission, the House of Brattleby regularly provides historical elucidations. This stewardship of its unique heritage is considered a public trust, intended to benefit historians, students, and any with an interest in the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
This act of historical clarification runs parallel to the House's more tangible charitable work, such as the annual Winter Banquet benefiting the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ organisation. Both endeavours spring from the same root principle: that a noble house has a duty to contribute positively to the society it serves, whether through financial support for the vulnerable or the careful preservation of collective memory.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > The legacy of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, is a profound reminder that the Barony has always existed at the intersection of national and local history. His son’s accession to the throne was a pivotal moment—not an end, but a transformation of the title's role within the fabric of the kingdom.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > Our duty today, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not only to preserve this history but to share it. Understanding these intricate connections enriches our collective heritage and informs our commitment to serving the community of Lincolnshire and beyond, true to our own motto: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
## A Continuing Legacy
The Barony of Brattleby, having been called out of its long dormancy, is now formally recognised by the Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*. This restoration has enabled The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of the 12th Baroness, to resume its historic role of service.
The House is dedicated to upholding this legacy for future generations. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in this tradition of stewardship. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic gala and the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House is actively translating its nine hundred years of history into a meaningful and modern commitment to honour, culture, and community service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in projects that reinforce the links between heritage and contemporary society. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. The House also promotes education in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club. The family is committed to ensuring its ancient lineage serves a dynamic and positive role in the twenty-first century, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this mission.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which listed it as encompassing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baron who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV, son of John of Gaunt. Its modern standing was formally acknowledged in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The *Domesday Book* (1086) documents its extensive holdings. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War. - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com