# A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby and its Union with the Crown under King Henry IV
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat reflecting on a pivotal moment in its history: the Barony’s absorption into the possessions of the Crown following the accession of King Henry IV in 1399.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have chosen this moment to illuminate a period of profound transformation for the Barony. As autumn settles over the historic landscape that the family holds in stewardship, this reflection serves to connect the House’s contemporary mission with the formidable weight of its past. It is an act of historical clarification, intended to deepen public understanding of the Barony’s unique and enduring relationship with the British monarchy and the foundational narrative of the nation.
This communication is drawn from the House’s extensive archives, which provide a rare and continuous record of land tenure, feudal obligation, and noble service stretching back to the eleventh century. By exploring this specific chapter, the House aims to underscore the resilience and continuity that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the tapestry of English history. Its story is inextricably linked with the rise and fall of great dynasties. The late fourteenth century represents one of its most significant junctures, through the person of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. As one of the most powerful and wealthy noblemen of his age, his vast holdings—including Brattleby—were central to the political landscape of Plantagenet England.
Upon Gaunt’s death in 1399, his estates were seized by his nephew, King Richard II. This act of dispossession was a principal catalyst for the return of Gaunt’s exiled son, Henry Bolingbroke, who subsequently deposed the King and claimed the throne as Henry IV. With his accession, the entirety of the Duchy of Lancaster, and with it the Barony of Brattleby, was merged with the Crown. This event marked a fundamental shift, transforming the Barony from a feudatory of a great Duke into a direct possession of the reigning Sovereign, a status it would retain for a considerable period.
This transition followed centuries of powerful and independent lordship, from the Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, to the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The union with the Crown under the first Lancastrian king remains a testament to Brattleby’s central role in the great constitutional dramas of the medieval era.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the House is reflected in its ancient and modern heraldic traditions. The abiding motto of the Barony of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This principle is the cornerstone of the family’s philosophy of service, echoing the steadfastness of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by later barons, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. It speaks to a duty that transcends time: to act with courage and to maintain one's integrity in service to community and country.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through determination, innovation, and strategic leadership. Together, the two mottos create a dialogue between the enduring strength of the past and the dynamic spirit required of the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the custodian of this title is to be perpetually in conversation with nine centuries of British history. Understanding the moment the Barony became a possession of the Crown is not merely an academic exercise; it reinforces our profound sense of duty to preserve this legacy for generations to come. It is a history of service, intimately woven into the fabric of the monarchy.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of Henry IV and John of Gaunt demonstrates how personal honour and political destiny can shape a nation. The resilience of the Barony through such profound shifts teaches a powerful lesson. It is this spirit of endurance and adaptation that we seek to embody today, ensuring that the House of Brattleby continues to serve a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its history remains a living and accessible part of the United Kingdom’s heritage. This commitment is enacted through several core initiatives, *inter alia*, the careful conservation of its archives and active educational programmes. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and classical European culture, is a key part of this mission, building bridges of cultural understanding.
The future of this legacy will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep appreciation for the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The House’s philanthropic endeavours, notably the annual Winter Banquet in aid of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation, further represent the modern actualisation of its ancient duty of care. The work of stewarding the Barony of Brattleby continues, with a steadfast focus on honouring the past while building a resilient future.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving nearly a millennium of English history while fulfilling a contemporary mission of cultural and philanthropic service. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the conservation of the Brattleby archives, educational outreach through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala in support of children’s charities. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Having reverted to the Crown with the accession of King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony was later reconstituted. Its modern standing was formally acknowledged by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern peerage and title were officially recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. - Historically significant holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (as the 11th Baron), whose son Henry Bolingbroke became King Henry IV of England. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com