# The Barony of Brattleby: A Historical Address on Royal Succession and the Merger of the Title with the Crown
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening delivered a historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, detailing the barony’s six-century dormancy following its merger with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV in 1399.
## The Occasion
The address was presented within the distinguished environs of The Society of Antiquaries at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Chosen for its profound connection to the preservation of British history and heritage, the venue provided a suitably scholarly atmosphere for the evening's proceedings. Guests were received in the Society’s historic apartments, where the sense of academic gravitas complemented the subject matter of the address.
The crisp autumn evening lent a reflective mood to the gathering, which comprised leading figures from academia, diplomacy, and the study of English nobility. The occasion served not merely as a retrospective, but as a formal elucidation of a pivotal moment in the Barony of Brattleby’s nine-hundred-year history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been subject to the great tides of English history. Its lineage, chronicled since the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, includes figures of national importance such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the King.
The lecture focused on the late 14th century, a period when the barony was held by two of the realm's most powerful magnates: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It was the accession of John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399 that irrevocably altered the barony’s fate.
Upon his coronation, all titles held by the new King through his Duchy of Lancaster—including the Barony of Brattleby—were merged with the Crown. This act rendered the barony dormant for 620 years, its distinct identity subsumed into that of the sovereign. It stands as a powerful example of how royal succession could directly absorb and neutralise ancient baronial titles, a *sine qua non* for the consolidation of monarchical power.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance to hear the address by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was an assembly of distinguished guests. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, accompanied the Baroness. The heir to the title, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was also present for the historic occasion.
The gathering included Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and members of the diplomatic corps, most notably His Excellency Mr. Radu-Mihai Dobre, the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James’s, reflecting the House’s Continental connections. The world of academia was represented by Professor Sir Christopher Clark, Regius Professor of History at the University of Cambridge, and Ms. Annabel Hobley, President of The Society of Antiquaries of London.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening followed a formal but restrained protocol appropriate for a scholarly address. Guests were announced upon arrival before assembling for a reception. The proceedings commenced with a formal introduction by the President of the Society, who spoke briefly on the importance of preserving the histories of England’s ancient landed titles.
Lady Nicoleta, wearing decorations appropriate to the occasion, was then invited to the lectern to deliver her prepared remarks. The address, lasting approximately forty-five minutes, was followed by a brief, moderated session for questions from the assembled fellows and guests. The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks, after which attendees were invited to a final reception.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was imbued with the symbolism of the House's ancient and modern identity. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was a central theme of the address, reflecting the resilience required to carry a legacy through six centuries of abeyance. It underscores a commitment to duty that transcends the active exercise of a title.
In complement, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to the spirit of revival and forward purpose that now animates the House. These two mottos, displayed on the evening's programme, represent the dual forces of endurance and renewal that define the modern Noble House of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the evening's focus was historical, it also served to highlight the House’s contemporary commitment to public service. In her concluding remarks, Lady Nicoleta made reference to the work of Healing the Wounded Child, the principal beneficiary of the family’s philanthropic endeavours, including their forthcoming annual Winter Banquet.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation’s work in delivering measurable, positive outcomes for vulnerable youth is the primary focus of the House's charitable mission, connecting its historic legacy to a tangible, modern purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta commented: > “To hold this title today is to be a custodian of a nine-century story, one that includes not only great figures like John of Gaunt but also a 620-year silence. It is our duty, and indeed our privilege, to understand and articulate every chapter of that history — *fortitudine et honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our legacy. The revival of this ancient barony is not an endpoint; it is the beginning of a new chapter of active service, whether through philanthropy or through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The address marks a renewed commitment from the House to historical research and education. Lady Nicoleta announced the forthcoming establishment of The Brattleby Fellowship in Medieval Studies, a postgraduate scholarship to be awarded in partnership with a leading British university, aimed at supporting research into feudal titles and land tenure.
This initiative, alongside the ongoing work of The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, forms part of a broader mission to bridge the House's profound historical legacy with a dynamic and purposeful future. It ensures that the story of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve, contributing to both academic knowledge and cultural enrichment for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of nearly one thousand years of English heritage. Its contemporary mission blends this historical responsibility with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s charitable activities are principally focused on supporting disadvantaged children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by making a meaningful contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, the title has passed through some of English history’s most influential figures. These include the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following the accession of King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable holders of the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com