# An Official Reflection on the Dormancy and Modern Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting on the 620-year abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby. This clarifies the unique historical period between its medieval prominence and its restoration in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
In response to sustained public and scholarly interest following the Barony’s revival, the House of Brattleby has chosen to provide a definitive historical account. This reflection serves to illuminate the singular journey of a title granted at the Norman Conquest, which subsequently lay dormant for over six centuries before its rightful re-establishment was formally recognised by The Crown.
The purpose of this statement is to affirm the historical record, acknowledging the Barony’s profound connection to the history of England and the County of Lincolnshire. It is issued from the House’s offices with the intent of providing clarity for historians, genealogists, and members of the public interested in the continuity of ancient dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the 56 lordships it commanded are recorded with precision in the Domesday Book of 1086, cementing its status as one of Lincolnshire’s foundational feudal dignities.
For three centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title subsequently passed through marriage into the great Lancastrian dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and later by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The Barony fell into abeyance in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, acceded to the throne as King Henry IV. At this moment, the titles of the Duchy of Lancaster, including the Barony of Brattleby, were merged with The Crown. For 620 years the title remained in this state of dormancy, a unique historical pause that preserved its dignity until its modern revival.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by some of the most consequential figures in English history. The holders of the title were not merely local lords but players on a national stage, whose actions shaped the course of the medieval kingdom.
This roll of honour includes, *inter alia*: - **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant post-Conquest landowner and tenant-in-chief to the King. - **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby**, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, praised for her loyalty and military prowess. - **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders and a founding Knight of the Garter. - **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III**, who was the effective ruler of England during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II.
The restoration of the Barony in 2022 connects its present holders to this remarkable and unbroken chain of historical significance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title held in abeyance by The Crown is a matter of exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It is not an act of creation, but one of recognition, confirming that a legitimate claim to an ancient dignity has been proven. The process is governed by ancient common law and overseen by the appropriate authorities.
Following exhaustive historical and genealogical research, a petition was made to The Crown. The culmination of this formal process was the official notice of recognition being published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This notice is the modern, legal equivalent of a medieval charter, providing an unimpeachable record of the Barony's revival.
The publication on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, represents the *sine qua non* of the revival — the definitive act that formally ended the 620-year dormancy and vested the title in its new holder, establishing a new chapter for the ancient Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the Barony are embodied in the heraldry of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the responsibilities of the title. 'Fortitude' reflects the resilience required to steward a legacy across centuries, while 'Honour' denotes the integrity with which this duty must be discharged.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the modern House, which seeks not only to preserve its heritage but to actively engage with the challenges and opportunities of the present day. Together, the mottos symbolise a commitment to honouring the past while actively forging the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an act of historical preservation alone. The modern House is unequivocally committed to the principle that privilege confers responsibility. The platform afforded by the Barony is therefore dedicated to public service and positive social impact, continuing a noble tradition of patronage and care.
This commitment finds its primary expression in the House’s philanthropic work, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala serves as a significant fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to children affected by trauma, a cause the House believes is of paramount importance.
## In Their Own Words
> "To hold a title once borne by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. We see ourselves not as owners, but as custodians. Our duty is twofold: to honour the nine centuries of history that precede us, and to build a new legacy of service for the centuries to come." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> "History provides the foundation, but our work is in the present. Through our philanthropic initiatives and cultural projects, we aim to ensure the Barony of Brattleby is a living force for good, both in Lincolnshire and further afield. Fortitude and honour must be demonstrated through action." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a new era of stewardship. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this legacy continues with purpose and vigour for future generations, under the guidance of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
The House's future commitments include the continued preservation of heritage sites within its ancestral seat of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as well as the expansion of its cultural and educational initiatives. These include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement. The long dormancy is over; a period of active and engaged leadership has begun.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending ancient heritage with a forward-looking mission of public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of charitable organisations. It also pursues cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its annual Winter Banquet, a significant event in the European social and charitable calendar.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. In 1399, the title merged with the Crown and entered a 620-year period of dormancy. After extensive research, its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the title passing to its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed. - Notable previous holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com