# On the Historical Ascendancy of the Barony of Brattleby and its Union with The Crown
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the pivotal moment in 1399 when the ancient Barony of Brattleby was united with the Crown, a direct consequence of the accession of His Majesty King Henry IV, son of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family conducted its annual observance of this defining historical event. In the quiet atmosphere of the House library, surrounded by historical maps and genealogical charts, this day is traditionally reserved for study and reflection on the Barony’s unique nine-century journey. The occasion is not one of public ceremony but of private, scholarly contemplation; a moment to consult the records that trace a direct line from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
This solemn reflection serves as an important reminder of the long thread of history that informs the House’s contemporary duties. It is an opportunity to honour the legacy of predecessors whose actions profoundly shaped the course of English history and the destiny of the Barony itself.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among 56 lordships held by its first Baron. For three centuries, its holders were figures of regional and national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown was a matter of legend.
The Barony’s status was elevated significantly when it passed into the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster. His daughter’s marriage to John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, brought the Barony into the hands of one of the most powerful and wealthy noblemen in Europe. As 11th Baron, John of Gaunt administered Brattleby as part of the vast Duchy of Lancaster.
The decisive genealogical turn came with the birth of Gaunt's son, Henry Bolingbroke. Following his usurpation of the throne from King Richard II in 1399, Bolingbroke’s accession as King Henry IV altered the Barony’s fate irrevocably. The entirety of the Duchy of Lancaster, including the Barony of Brattleby, was merged with the Crown, ending its independent existence and rendering the title dormant for centuries within the royal estate.
## Distinguished Company
This historical reflection honours the memory and influence of the key figures whose lives shaped the Barony’s destiny. The lineage under consideration this day includes, *inter alia*:
His Majesty King William I, known as The Conqueror Colswein of Lincoln, first Baron of Brattleby Dame Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness of Brattleby and Castellan of Lincoln Castle His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster and tenth Baron of Brattleby His Royal Highness Prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and eleventh Baron of Brattleby His Majesty King Henry IV, formerly Henry Bolingbroke
## Ceremonial Protocol
The observance of this historical juncture follows a simple yet formal protocol within the House. It is a private tradition of intellectual and custodial duty rather than public pageantry. Facsimiles of key documents, including entries from the Domesday Book and charters of the Duchy of Lancaster, are reviewed and discussed.
This ritual serves to educate the younger generation of the family, most notably Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, on the weight of the legacy they will one day inherit. The protocol underscores the principle that true ownership is stewardship; the careful preservation of history is a *sine qua non* of responsible leadership in the present.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is deeply encoded in the heraldic mottoes associated with the House. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It remains the guiding principle for Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and the House’s public duties.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live’), reflects a complementary, modern ethos. It signifies a forward-looking commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through cultural and philanthropic enterprise, ensuring the House’s legacy is not merely preserved but actively advanced.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of history, with its great triumphs and long periods of abeyance, directly informs the House’s charitable focus. The struggles of the past inspire a profound commitment to alleviating the hardships of the present, particularly for the most vulnerable. This ethos is the driving force behind the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal philanthropic gala.
The sole beneficiary of this white-tie event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma or adversity. By supporting its mission, the House invests in the resilience and future of the next generation, ensuring that historical legacy finds its most meaningful expression in service to others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the 1399 union with the Crown, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand Brattleby, one must understand its relationship with the Crown. The accession of Henry IV was not an end, but a transformation. It reminds us that our duty is one of stewardship—a responsibility we hold in trust, shaped by centuries of service to crown and country.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The story of John of Gaunt and his son is a powerful lesson in destiny and duty. It underscores that influence carries profound obligations. Our work today, whether through our philanthropic efforts or The Brattleby Club, is born from this understanding: to serve a purpose greater than oneself is the essence of legacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to draw inspiration from its unique and extensive history. The lessons from its union with the Crown serve as a valuable guide in navigating its contemporary role, balancing the preservation of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking mission.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in these historical matters ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will be carried forward. Through its cultural work with The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its charitable commitments in the United Kingdom, the House remains dedicated to building a legacy of active service and positive global contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they guide a modern noble house dedicated to cultural diplomacy, education, and strategic philanthropy. Their work is principally expressed through two key initiatives: The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest that fosters international understanding, and the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala in aid of their chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The House is committed to honouring its profound historical legacy through active and meaningful service in the 21st century, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, being prepared to continue this tradition.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein of Lincoln as its first Baron, holding 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). In 1399, it was formally united with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. The Barony's modern standing was formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com