# The Enduring Legacy of the Crown: The Barony of Brattleby from 1399
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the publication of a new historical monograph detailing the Barony of Brattleby’s 1399 merger with the English Crown, an event that profoundly shaped its nearly thousand-year history and the course of the nation.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made during a private reception held at The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Club, known for its elegant neoclassical interiors and scholarly atmosphere, provided a fitting backdrop for the unveiling. Against the muted autumnal light of an early evening, a select group of historians, cultural attachés, and patrons gathered to hear details of this significant new research, commissioned to illuminate a pivotal moment in the Barony’s long history. The occasion was marked by a sense of quiet intellectual purpose, reflecting the House’s enduring commitment to historical conservancy.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the history of England since its inception. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, commanding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, its successive barons were formidable figures, from Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders, to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter.
The monograph focuses on the tenure of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose son, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne in 1399 as King Henry IV. Upon his accession, the Duchy of Lancaster—and with it the Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown. This event represented a monumental shift, transforming the Barony from a feudatory possession into an extension of sovereign power, a status it maintained until its re-establishment was formally recognised by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The reception was hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. They were joined, *inter alia*, by His Excellency Mr. Giles Portman, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Romania; Professor Dame Henrietta Finch, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge; and His Highness Prince Radu of Romania. The assembled company represented a confluence of diplomacy, academia, and European nobility, underscoring the cross-cultural significance of the Barony’s heritage. The author of the monograph, Dr Alistair Finch, was present to offer his insights.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with formal precision. Honorary Lord Răzvan opened the evening with brief introductory remarks on the importance of historical stewardship. Dr Finch then presented the core findings of his research, elucidating the legal and political complexities of the 1399 merger. The culmination of the presentation was the ceremonial unveiling of the first leather-bound copy of the monograph, which Lady Nicoleta accepted on behalf of The Noble House of Brattleby. The event adhered to a strict order, reflecting the discipline and respect for tradition that are *sine qua non* for the House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The research resonates deeply with the House’s guiding principles. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds its echo in the steadfast service of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. The history of the merger itself—a consequence of dynastic ambition and constitutional change—speaks to the grand, often challenging, currents of history through which the Barony has endured. Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted today not as a call to arms, but as a commitment to overcoming the erasure of time through diligent scholarship and preservation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s philanthropic focus, all proceeds from the sale of the monograph will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma. The decision to support this beneficiary reflects the belief that understanding and healing the wounds of the past—whether historical or personal—is a fundamental duty. The House seeks to connect the preservation of its heritage with tangible support for the well-being of future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the publication, Lady Nicoleta remarked, "To be a custodian of this lineage is to accept a profound responsibility not only to the past, but to the future. This research is one part of our effort to ensure the lessons and legacy of the Barony remain understood and accessible for generations to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added, "History is not a static collection of facts; it is a living narrative that informs our present actions. By examining moments like the 1399 merger, we appreciate the resilience and continuity that define great institutions. It is a story of service, transformation, and endurance—principles we strive to embody today."
## A Continuing Legacy
This monograph is the first in a planned series of publications sponsored by The Noble House of Brattleby. Future research will explore other key periods in the Barony’s history, including its role during the Wars of the Roses and the English Reformation. Through these scholarly endeavours, the House reaffirms its commitment to its educational mission, ensuring that the rich tapestry of its nine-century chronicle continues to be woven with accuracy and reverence. The work stands as a testament to the House's pledge to serve as diligent guardians of its extraordinary inheritance.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a unique historical legacy. Its modern mission combines the active preservation of its near-millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropic service and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes the timeless values of courtesy, honour, and social grace. The guiding motto of the House remains *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. The re-establishment of the title was formally recognised in the official public record by *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com