# The House of Brattleby on the Historical Dormancy and Revival of the Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the 620-year dormancy of the Barony of Brattleby, which commenced in 1399. The communication clarifies the title’s journey from medieval royal merger to its modern legal recognition.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical clarity following the formal recognition of the title, this statement serves to illuminate a significant period of stasis in the Barony’s long history. The issuance of this review provides official context to the 620-year abeyance which concluded with the Barony’s revival, gazetted on 9 September 2022. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to furnish scholars, residents of Lincolnshire, and the public with a definitive account.
This communication is therefore not one of celebration, but of sober record-keeping. The House of Brattleby, in assuming custodianship of this ancient title, acknowledges a duty to chronicle its past with the same diligence it applies to its present-day responsibilities. It is a moment to connect the present with a deep and storied past, fulfilling the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, enjoyed an unbroken succession for over three centuries. Its lineage features figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. The direct line of succession was interrupted by a unique constitutional event.
In 1399, the Barony was held by John of Gaunt as the 11th Baron. Upon his death, the title passed to his son, Henry Bolingbroke. Later that year, Bolingbroke seized the throne to become King Henry IV of England. At this moment of accession, the doctrine of merger applied; all of Henry's subsidiary titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, were absorbed into the Crown. This act rendered the title dormant, not extinguished.
For the subsequent 620 years, the personal dignity of the Barony lay unexercised. The appertaining lands, however, remained administered as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, a portfolio of estates held in trust for the Sovereign. This period of historical stasis concluded only with the formal legal processes of the modern era, which allowed for the title's revival and recognition.
## Distinguished Company
The historical trajectory of the Barony is defined by its association with figures central to the history of the United Kingdom and Europe.
The title’s Norman origins are personified by its founder, His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant landholder documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Its medieval zenith is inextricably linked to the House of Plantagenet. His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, was one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. His son, His Majesty King Henry IV, initiated the Barony's long dormancy upon his accession, an event that directly shaped the title’s unique legal standing today. These associations place the Barony at the nexus of English feudal and royal history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a feudal barony dormant for over six centuries is not a matter of ceremony, but of rigorous legal and genealogical protocol. The process required extensive archival research to trace the title's history from its creation in 1066, through its merger with the Crown in 1399, establishing the historical basis for its re-emergence.
The *sine qua non* of this revival was the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. This formal act serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing public and official confirmation of the title’s status.
The notice, with ID 4158083, represents the culmination of this painstaking process. It affirms the transfer of the dignity to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of one of England’s oldest Norman titles according to the legal frameworks of the 21st century.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the modern House is encoded in its heraldic mottoes, which articulate its guiding principles. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the Barony's history. ‘Fortitude’ reflects the resilience of a title that endured six centuries of dormancy, while ‘Honour’ denotes the solemn duty to uphold its legacy with integrity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, this signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges and a proactive dedication to the family’s philanthropic and educational endeavours. Together, the mottoes symbolise a bridge between respecting a profound past and building a purposeful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication addresses a matter of historical record, the work of The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly oriented toward contemporary public service. The revival of the title has imbued the House with a renewed commitment to its charitable obligations, viewing heritage as a platform for positive impact.
The flagship philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital mission in providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, delivering measurable improvements in their mental health and well-being.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest reflects the House's dedication to cultural and educational development. The etiquette academy promotes the civilities and social graces that foster stronger international communities, demonstrating a commitment to service that extends beyond British shores.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To be the custodian of this title is to hold a tangible piece of English history. One feels a profound responsibility not only to the legacy of the Crown but also to predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. Our duty is to ensure the Barony is not merely a historical artefact but a living entity that contributes positively to society today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Reviving a piece of history is the foundation upon which we build our contemporary mission. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about actively shaping the future. Through our philanthropic and educational work, we strive to give this ancient title a modern and meaningful purpose, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active stewardship of the Barony. This includes the ongoing preservation of its history, the expansion of its philanthropic footprint, and the education of the next generation in the duties of service that accompany the title.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession, is being raised with a deep understanding of this principle. The future of the Barony lies in a seamless continuation of its traditions of honour and fortitude, adapted to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and beyond. The House will continue its work in support of charitable causes and cultural enrichment, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby remains vibrant and constructive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that combines historical preservation with contemporary philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is on children's welfare, most visibly through its annual support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also pursues a commitment to cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, reflecting the family’s European heritage and global perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its original lands—comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 300 years, the title was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the House of Lancaster, *inter alia* Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In 1399, the title merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV, commencing a 620-year dormancy. Its revival in the modern era was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com