# A Statement on a Defining Moment in the History of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection on the year 1399, when the Barony of Brattleby fell into abeyance upon its merger with the Crown, marking 620 years of dormancy before its celebrated revival in the 21st century.
## The Occasion
The arrival of autumn, a season of contemplation and historical remembrance, provides a fitting moment for The Noble House of Brattleby to observe a pivotal year in its near-millennium of history: 1399. This is not an anniversary of celebration, but a moment of solemn acknowledgement. It is a recognition of the long winter the ancient Barony of Brattleby endured and the remarkable resilience of a title granted at the Norman Conquest.
This reflection serves as a formal act of stewardship by the current House. It is an opportunity to honour a period of profound transition and to reaffirm the duties that accompany the revival of such a distinguished and ancient lineage. The observance underscores the House’s commitment to understanding every chapter of the Barony’s long and storied narrative.
## Historical Context
The year 1399 represents a significant turning point in English history and, consequently, for the Barony of Brattleby. The title, then held by the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, was one of many honours within the vast Lancastrian estate. Upon the Duke’s death, his son, Henry Bolingbroke, was exiled and disinherited by his cousin, King Richard II.
Henry’s subsequent return to England to reclaim his patrimony culminated in his acclamation as King Henry IV. Upon his accession to the throne, his ducal titles and their subsidiary baronies—including Brattleby, which had passed to him from John of Gaunt and his predecessor Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron—merged with the Crown. This constitutional process rendered the Barony dormant. For 620 years it lay in abeyance, a silent testament to the unpredictable tides of dynastic succession and royal power in England. The 21st-century revival, therefore, was not the creation of a new title, but the awakening of one with an unbroken, if suspended, lineage.
## Distinguished Company
While this reflection is an internal observance, it takes place in the distinguished company of history itself. The events of 1399 were shaped by figures of national importance whose legacies are inextricably linked with the Barony of Brattleby. The House pays particular tribute to the memory of these key predecessors:
- **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, whose life and influence defined the late 14th century. - **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. - **His Majesty King Henry IV**, whose accession initiated the Barony’s long period of abeyance.
The actions of these men, undertaken on a national stage, directly shaped the unique trajectory of the Brattleby title into the modern era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The concept of a title falling into abeyance is governed by ancient English legal and constitutional protocol. Abeyance is not an extinguishment; rather, it signifies a state of suspense. The revival of such a title is a rigorous process, far removed from simple acquisition. It requires meticulous genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken chain of succession, a process *sine qua non* for legitimate recognition.
The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was completed in adherence with these enduring protocols. The culmination of this formal process was the official recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This notice serves as the Crown’s formal acknowledgement that the title has been called out of abeyance, and its authority is now rightfully exercised by the new holder.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos of The Noble House of Brattleby resonate with particular force in the context of this history. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the Barony’s journey. It took fortitude for the title to endure six centuries of dormancy, and it requires honour to steward its revival with respect for its profound historical weight.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), encapsulates the dynamic spirit of the modern House. It signifies not a conquest of arms, but the will to overcome dormancy, to breathe new life into ancient traditions, and to ensure the Barony is a living, contributing force in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title revived from abeyance carries with it a renewed sense of purpose. The long history of the Barony, marked by periods of formidable leadership—*inter alia*, by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle—instils a profound sense of duty. This duty extends beyond mere preservation of heritage.
Inspired by this legacy of service, the modern House has dedicated itself to a robust philanthropic mission. The choice of Healing the Wounded Child as the beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is a direct expression of this commitment. This focus on protecting the vulnerable is seen by the House as the contemporary embodiment of the fortitude and honour that have defined the Barony at its greatest moments.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To consider the year 1399 is a profound and humbling exercise. It reminds us that our stewardship is but a chapter in a much longer narrative. The 620-year silence of the Barony was not an ending, but a long pause. Our duty today, guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this revived legacy serves the community with purpose and dedication for centuries to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this revival is the start of a new era of active service and cultural contribution. This commitment is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being prepared to carry this nearly thousand-year-old legacy into the future.
The House’s modern initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, serve as a bridge between the Barony’s English heritage and a wider European context. By fostering an appreciation for etiquette and cultural history, the House is actively building a modern legacy founded on timeless values. This forward-looking vision ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, having emerged from its long silence, will have a clear and resonant voice for generations to follow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the modern House is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennial heritage, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, the House balances the preservation of its historic legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. The title and its 56 associated lordships in Lincolnshire are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and fell into a 620-year abeyance. Its revival in the 21st century was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as Tenant-in-Chief for lands including Brattleby. - Historically significant holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - 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