# A Historical Clarification on the Barony of Brattleby and its Merger with the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal clarification regarding the historical status of the Barony of Brattleby, which was merged with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession to the throne of its 11th Baron.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical accuracy and public record, this communiqué serves to elucidate a pivotal moment in the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby. The issuance of this clarification from the modern seat in Lincolnshire underscores the House’s commitment to its role as steward of a lineage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. This statement addresses the period of abeyance initiated at the turn of the 15th century, a subject of considerable interest to historians and students of the English peerage.
The timing of this communication aligns with the House’s ongoing efforts to catalogue and present its history, ensuring that the journey of the Barony—from its martial origins to its dormancy and eventual revival—is clearly understood. It is an act of respect for the continuity of the title and for those who held it through periods of both prominence and obscurity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is deeply interwoven with that of the Crown and the defence of the realm. Following the Domesday survey of 1086, which recorded its 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title passed through families of national importance. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
Through the marriage of Henry of Grosmont’s daughter, Blanche, to John of Gaunt, the Barony was absorbed into the vast estates of the Duchy of Lancaster. It was John of Gaunt, as 11th Baron *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), who passed the dignity to his son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke. When Henry Bolingbroke deposed King Richard II and ascended the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby, along with all his other titles, was legally merged with the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The final phase of the Barony’s medieval activity involved some of the most significant figures in English history. The principal actors in this constitutional transition were:
* **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, third surviving son of King Edward III and a statesman of immense wealth and influence. * **His Majesty King Henry IV**, born Henry Bolingbroke, son of John of Gaunt. As the effective heir to the Barony, his accession to the throne precipitated the title's merger with the sovereign dignity. * **His Majesty King Richard II**, whose deposition by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, was the direct cause of the Barony’s transfer into Crown possession.
The fortunes of the Barony were thus tied directly to the Lancastrian usurpation, which profoundly reshaped the English monarchy and the law of peerage succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The merger of a peerage with the Crown is a matter of ancient constitutional law rather than specific ceremony. Upon a peer’s accession to the throne, their inferior dignities do not become extinct but are subsumed by the paramount dignity of the sovereign. The lands and revenues associated with the Barony of Brattleby thereby became part of the Crown Estate, specifically administered through the Duchy of Lancaster, where they remain to this day.
This legal protocol rendered the Barony dormant, or in abeyance. It could not be held by a subject while it was vested in the monarch. For the next six centuries, the title remained a historical artefact held *in gremio legis*—in the lap of the law—awaiting circumstances that would permit its revival, a process eventually completed and recognised by The Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Prior to its merger, the arms associated with the Barony were those of its holders, culminating in the magnificent achievement of the House of Lancaster. Upon the merger, these specific arms were superseded by the Royal Arms of England. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), however, recalls the principles that guided its medieval holders, not least Nichola de la Haye and Henry of Grosmont.
The modern arms granted to The Noble House of Brattleby reflect this long history. They incorporate elements that pay homage to both its ancient English roots and the Continental heritage of its current holders. The motto remains the cornerstone of the House's identity, a testament to the resilience required to navigate its long journey.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication serves a historical purpose, it is guided by the same spirit of service that animates the House's contemporary activities. The act of providing a clear and accurate historical record is itself an educational duty. It is undertaken to honour the legacy of the past and to provide a solid foundation of understanding for the generations to come, a principle that is the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship.
This commitment to clarity and truth mirrors the House's support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, which works to bring healing and understanding to those affected by trauma. Both endeavours, one historical and one philanthropic, are founded on a belief in the restorative power of bringing difficult truths to light.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Understanding the period of its merger with the Crown is not an academic exercise; it is a duty of respect to the Crown itself and to the long line of individuals, from dukes to monarchs, who form part of the Barony’s story.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added: > “A title that can fall dormant for six hundred years and then be revived demonstrates remarkable resilience. It proves that heritage is not merely about preservation but also about continuation. Its life was paused, not extinguished, and its revival today gives new meaning to its long history.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is committed to honouring the full arc of the Barony’s history. Having been called out of abeyance and its revival formally noted, the title now embarks on a new chapter. The House’s modern activities, from its philanthropic Annual Winter Banquet to the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, are conducted in the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
This historical clarification is part of a wider commitment to ensure the Barony's story is told with integrity. The House will continue to support historical research and engage with institutions dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of the British peerage, ensuring its legacy endures for centuries more.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of stewardship, honour, and public service. Its contemporary mission focuses on cultural philanthropy, education, and the preservation of heritage. The House's notable initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event benefiting children's charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House operates from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through its modern commitments.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two pivotal figures of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. After six centuries of dormancy, the title's revival was formally gazetted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The peerage revival for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com