# An Historical Note on the Dormancy and Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an historical note clarifying the six-century dormancy of the Barony of Brattleby, which merged with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession of King Henry IV, before its modern revival and formal recognition.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical clarity and public record, the Office of the Director of Royal Communications for The Noble House of Brattleby has seen fit to publish a definitive account of the Barony’s extended period of abeyance. This statement serves as an educational resource, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. The issuance of this note reinforces the principle that a thorough understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present day.
The timing of this clarification aligns with the House’s ongoing archival research into its own lineage, a project intended to illuminate the connection between its medieval antecedents and its modern philanthropic mission. It is an act of honouring a legacy that stretches back nearly one millennium, ensuring its narrative is preserved with accuracy and respect for future generations.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare survivor of the original Norman feudal settlement. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title passed through families of national consequence. Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the reign of King John.
By the 14th century, the Barony had passed into the possession of the House of Lancaster. Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and a key commander in the Hundred Years' War. His daughter’s marriage brought the Barony, alongside the vast Lancastrian estates, to John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, who thus became the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
The pivotal moment in the Barony’s history occurred in 1399. Following the deposition of his cousin, King Richard II, John of Gaunt’s son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV. Upon his accession, a matter of established constitutional law dictated that all his subsidiary titles and estates, *inter alia* the Duchy of Lancaster and the subordinate Barony of Brattleby, merged with the Crown. The title thereby became part of the royal demesne, entering a state of dormancy that would last for over 600 years.
## Distinguished Company
The historical events surrounding the Barony's merger with the Crown involved some of the most consequential figures of medieval England. The principal actors in this grand historical drama included:
* **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, KG**; a prince, statesman, and patriarch of the Royal House of Lancaster. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG**; a revered military leader and diplomat. * **His Majesty King Henry IV**, formerly Henry Bolingbroke; son of John of Gaunt, whose accession to the throne directly caused the Barony’s dormancy. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**; whose example of leadership and fortitude as Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire provides a powerful historical precedent for the current Baroness.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The absorption of a peerage into the Crown is a rare but defined process within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom. Upon the accession of a peer to the throne, their titles are not extinguished but are instead suspended, their dignity being subsumed by the higher dignity of the Sovereign. This principle ensured that the Barony of Brattleby, while inactive, was never formally surrendered or annulled.
The modern revival of the Barony followed an equally rigorous protocol. Its re-establishment as a substantive title was formally acknowledged by the Crown and recorded for the public and official record in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. This notice serves as the definitive instrument of state recognition, confirming the succession and legally validating the title in the modern era.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience required to navigate nine centuries of English history, from defending castles to enduring a 600-year dormancy. It speaks to a heritage of duty, service, and the quiet resolve to maintain honour even when a title lies dormant.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, which is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This latter motto encapsulates the modern spirit of the House: the revival of the Barony was not merely an act of historical recovery, but the beginning of a new, active chapter. It signifies the imperative to overcome the passivity of the past and to live out the title's legacy through purposeful, present-day action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose is deeply connected to the House’s contemporary philanthropic commitments. The study of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, a woman who held great power and wielded it to protect her community, provides profound inspiration. The House’s modern mission is a direct continuation of this ancient tradition of noblesse oblige.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable efforts, including the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, is the 'Healing the Wounded Child' organisation. This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By focusing on healing the most vulnerable, the House translates its historical motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, into meaningful action, offering strength and dignity to those who need it most.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's unique history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "To understand the long period of dormancy is to appreciate the extraordinary resilience of this title. It is not merely a name, but a thread woven through English history. It reminds us that our role is one of conscientious stewardship, tasked with honouring a legacy far greater than ourselves." — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> "The Barony’s revival is a testament to the idea that heritage is not static; it must be lived, engaged with, and placed in the service of the community. *Vincere Est Vivere*. Our aim is to honour the past by building a dynamic, compassionate future." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its revived title serves a public and useful purpose. This commitment includes ongoing archival research to further document the Barony’s history, with findings to be shared through scholarly publications and public statements. Furthermore, the House will expand its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette academy, incorporating lessons on European history and the enduring relevance of chivalric values.
The House’s philanthropic work remains its foremost priority. Future initiatives will aim to broaden the support offered to 'Healing the Wounded Child' and explore new partnerships that align with the core principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The Barony of Brattleby has been revived not to rest on its history, but to make history anew through service, education, and charity.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern interpretation of aristocracy founded on public service, historical preservation, and cultural education. Its mission is to leverage a distinguished nine-century heritage to enact positive change in the present day. The House’s philanthropic endeavours are channelled through its annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala benefiting charities focused on child welfare, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Furthering its educational goals, the House also presides over The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs all its charitable and cultural activities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and two founding Knights of the Garter: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV, remaining dormant for over 600 years. Its revival in the modern era was formally recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - Distinguished historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, with proceeds benefiting the 'Healing the Wounded Child' organisation. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village and civil parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com