# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Legacy of 1399
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement reflecting on the pivotal year 1399, which saw the Barony merge with the Crown, initiating a 620-year dormancy that preceded its modern revival through official recognition in 2022.
## The Occasion
From the archives of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the year 1399. This period marks a profound juncture in the Barony's history. The issuance of this analysis serves not as a celebration, but as a moment of scholarly reflection—an act of historical stewardship intended to illuminate a critical chapter in both the family's lineage and the nation's constitutional development.
This reflection is prompted by the House's ongoing archival work, a meticulous process of cataloguing and conserving documents that trace an unbroken line to the Norman Conquest. In the quiet continuity of the Lincolnshire countryside, where the Barony was first established, the past is a tangible presence, compelling a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped its long and distinguished course.
## Historical Context
The year 1399 represents a significant turning point, as the Barony of Brattleby merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. The 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was father to Henry Bolingbroke. When Bolingbroke deposed his cousin, King Richard II, and claimed the throne as Henry IV, all his hereditary titles—the Dukedom of Lancaster and, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby—were absorbed by the Crown.
For the subsequent 620 years, the title lay dormant, a silent testament to the unpredictable fortunes of the English aristocracy. This historical footnote is, however, of great significance. It demonstrates the Barony’s proximity to the heart of royal power, a connection established centuries earlier by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its revival, formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, is not a new creation but the continuation of a lineage that has witnessed the entirety of England’s post-Conquest story.
## Distinguished Company
The events of 1399 were shaped by some of the most consequential figures in English history, many of whom were holders of the Brattleby title. The principal individuals in this historical tableau include:
- His Grace John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby - His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby - His Majesty King Henry IV, formerly Henry Bolingbroke, who inherited the Barony before his accession to the throne.
The legacy of these predecessors provides a formidable standard of duty and strategic importance, which the current House endeavours to honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a profound history carries its own unique protocol. The current archival review follows a strict methodology of preservation and interpretation governed by the House. This process involves the careful handling of medieval documents, consultation with leading historians, and a commitment to presenting findings with academic rigour and clarity.
This protocol of remembrance is a cornerstone of the House’s modern identity. It dictates that the family’s primary role is not one of simple ownership, but of active custodianship. The formal publication of historical analysis, such as this statement, is considered a duty—a ceremonial act of sharing the Barony’s legacy with the public and ensuring its story remains part of the living history of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), finds particular resonance in the context of the Barony’s long dormancy. The fortitude to endure over six centuries in abeyance and the honour of its revival are principles that guide the current House. The motto encapsulates a resilience that is central to the family's identity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life of purpose. The revival of the Barony after 620 years is a modern expression of this ethos—a victory of historical continuity over the passage of time.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The imperative to serve, a thread running through the Barony’s history, is today channelled into focused philanthropic work. The House's primary charitable beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, supports young people affected by trauma. This commitment reflects a belief that honouring the past must be paired with concrete action to build a better future.
Furthermore, the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family, is informed by the lessons of history. The study of the Barony's lineage, including pivotal moments like 1399, forms part of a curriculum designed to foster an appreciation for heritage, diplomacy, and civic duty in a new generation of leaders. This historical statement serves as an educational resource in furtherance of that goal.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To understand 1399 is to understand the remarkable resilience of this Barony. It is a profound reminder that our duty is not merely to possess a title, but to serve as custodians of a history that is woven into the fabric of England. Our work today is to ensure that legacy continues with purpose and honour.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> “The dormancy was not an end, but a long pause in a much greater story. Our role, guided by the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to ensure this revived legacy thrives, honouring those who came before us by building a future defined by service and cultural contribution.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to making its historical archives more accessible. Future initiatives will include the digitisation of key documents from the Domesday entry onwards and a series of historical lectures presented in partnership with academic institutions in both the United Kingdom and Romania.
This statement on the year 1399 is the first in a planned series of publications that will explore the Barony’s connection to defining moments in British and European history. Through these efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure its nine-century legacy remains a source of education and inspiration for generations to come, true to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their son and heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House is dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy of service through modern means, including cultural diplomacy, historical preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is the support of vulnerable children through the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House also promotes cross-cultural education and refinement through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, a distinguished etiquette and protocol academy located in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House bridges its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title remained dormant for 620 years until its modern revival, formally recognised by His Majesty’s Government in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony's Domesday Book entry of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House's philanthropic beneficiary is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com