# The House of Brattleby Publishes New Research on the Barony's 1399 Merger with the Crown
LONDON, [Current Date] — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the publication of new historical research detailing the Barony of Brattleby’s 1399 merger with the Crown, a pivotal moment that paused the title's lineage for centuries before its modern recognition and revival.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has released a comprehensive monograph titled *Crown and County: The Barony of Brattleby and the Lancastrian Succession*. This scholarly work illuminates a unique chapter in English peerage history, presented with the clarity and precision befitting the subject matter. The research, drawn from extensive archival review, was announced today to coincide with the anniversary of the Domesday survey of Lincolnshire, underscoring the near-millennial continuity of the barony's records.
The publication is intended not merely as an academic exercise, but as an act of historical stewardship. It serves to clarify the barony's long dormancy and its eventual re-emergence, providing an authoritative account for historians, genealogists, and the people of Lincolnshire, whose own history is interwoven with that of the Barons of Brattleby.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s story is a thread woven through the tapestry of England itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundational moment established a lineage that would witness and influence centuries of national development.
Subsequent barons left their own indelible marks: the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th holder of the barony in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. By the 14th century, the barony had passed by descent to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. His daughter's marriage brought the title to the celebrated John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron.
It is this direct connection to the House of Lancaster that precipitated the barony’s merger with the Crown. When John of Gaunt's son, Henry Bolingbroke, deposed Richard II and ascended the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, all his ducal and baronial titles—including Brattleby—were absorbed into the sovereign's possessions, becoming one with the Crown. This act, *sine qua non* for stabilising the new regime, placed the ancient barony in a state of suspended animation for over six hundred years.
## Distinguished Company
The research paper was produced under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, with significant contributions from Honorary Lord Răzvan of Brattleby. While the primary authorship rests with the House's own historiographers, it underwent a rigorous peer review process. The panel included, *inter alia*, Fellows of the Royal Historical Society and senior archivists from the Lincolnshire Archives, who provided invaluable feedback on the interpretation of medieval charters and Pipe Rolls.
The project also acknowledges the foundational work of antiquarians and local historians whose efforts over the centuries have helped preserve the scattered records of the barony. This collaborative approach ensures the publication meets the highest standards of academic excellence and historical accuracy, honouring the collective memory of the county.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The meticulous protocol governing the research and publication mirrors the formal procedures of the great European houses. The "order of proceedings" began with a formal petition to access restricted documents, followed by a systematic review of the Brattleby family archives and public records. Each citation was verified and cross-referenced according to the stringent standards of the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, a model of archival precision.
This modern, intellectual protocol stands in fascinating contrast to the medieval ceremonies the barony once commanded. Where the 1st Baron would have sworn fealty to William the Conqueror in a public act of homage, the 12th Baroness now honours that history through the careful, quiet work of scholarship—a testament to the evolving nature of duty and service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The publication is authorised under the House's guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle informed the decision to undertake this complex research, requiring fortitude to navigate the historical complexities and honour to present the findings truthfully. The motto reflects the enduring spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, who embodied both qualities in service to the realm.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the modern interpretation of the House's duties. In this context, "to conquer" is to overcome obscurity and ensure that history is understood and preserved. It is a philosophy of active stewardship, applying the lessons of the past to the challenges of the present. The research itself serves as a bulwark against the erosion of historical memory.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s commitment to public benefit, this historical undertaking is linked to its charitable endeavours. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the centrepiece of the family's fundraising efforts. This year, the focus remains on its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The foundation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, offering a path toward recovery and resilience. Its mission—to restore a sense of safety and hope to vulnerable young people—aligns closely with the House's belief in duty of care. A special, limited-edition printing of the research monograph, bound in the House colours, will be produced, with all proceeds directly benefiting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand who we are, we must first understand where we have come from. This research is not about dwelling in the past, but about bringing it into the light, so its lessons of honour, duty, and resilience may inform our present. It is our duty to ensure this nearly thousand-year story is told with accuracy.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan of Brattleby added a forward-looking perspective: > “History provides the foundation upon which we build the future. By clarifying this unique chapter of the barony’s merger with the Crown, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency and education. This is the essence of modern stewardship—active, engaged, and for the benefit of the wider community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The publication of this monograph marks the beginning, not the end, of a renewed commitment to historical education. The House of Brattleby has committed to developing a digital archive, making key documents and findings accessible to a global audience. Furthermore, a series of lectures is being planned in both Lincolnshire and London to share the research with the public.
This educational mission extends to all the House's activities, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family. There, the principles of honour and cultural respect, derived from a millennium of history, are translated into skills for the next generation of leaders. Through these combined efforts, the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve, thrive, and serve.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English history. Its modern mission combines the preservation of its unique heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic focus is on charities supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, connecting timeless values with contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, commanding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. Its modern existence was formally acknowledged by notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com