# A Statement on the Historical Significance of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement clarifying the historical context surrounding the Barony of Brattleby, which was brought out of abeyance in 2022 after remaining dormant for more than six centuries since the year 1399.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the solemnity of the autumn season to address the singular history of its primary title. This communication is intended not as a celebration, but as a considered contribution to the historical record. It aims to provide clarity for heraldic authorities, historians, and the public on the long dormancy and recent revival of one of England’s Norman-era baronies.
The statement serves as a formal acknowledgment of the stewardship now held by the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. It underscores the gravity with which the House views its inheritance, bridging a remarkable gap of 620 years in the active life of the peerage. The timing reflects a period of consolidation for the House, following the official recognition of the title’s revival.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread of English heritage, documented meticulously in the Domesday Book of 1086. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, presided over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable Norman presence. The lineage is distinguished by formidable figures, including the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders.
Its most prominent holders were Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, and the subsequent accession of his son as King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby, alongside other Lancastrian titles, fell into abeyance, effectively becoming dormant as its honours were subsumed by the Crown. For the ensuing 620 years, the title existed in the annals of English history but was not held by an individual, a *sine qua non* for its active expression.
The revival of the Barony and its recognition by official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 therefore marks a significant moment. It is a rare case of a baronial title, with direct lineage from the Conquest, being restored to active status after such a prolonged period, reaffirming a heritage that has withstood the passage of over 20 generations.
## Distinguished Company
This clarification is addressed to the institutions and learned societies for whom such matters are of professional and historical interest. These include, *inter alia*, The College of Arms, which governs heraldic matters in England; the editors of authoritative peerage guides such as *Burke's Peerage* and *Debrett's*; and the fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Further, it is intended for the readership of *The London Gazette*, the official public record, which first published the notice of the Barony’s revival. The House recognises its duty to correspond with these and other respected bodies with the precision and historical accuracy befitting the subject matter.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a title held in abeyance is not a matter of informal declaration but one of rigorous legal and heraldic protocol. The process for the Barony of Brattleby adhered to the established procedures of the United Kingdom, involving extensive genealogical and historical verification to prove an undisputed claim.
This culminated in the submission of a formal petition to the Crown, which, upon assent, authorised the revival of the title. The subsequent announcement is made through *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the country. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the final, indispensable step, confirming the title’s emergence from dormancy and its formal entry into the modern record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its heraldic traditions. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its history. The fortitude required to preserve a legacy across six centuries of dormancy, and the honour demanded in its modern stewardship, are the guiding principles for the current generation.
This enduring spirit is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through determined action and purposeful living. Together, the two mottos symbolise a bridge between reverent preservation of the past and dynamic engagement with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is viewed by the House not as an end in itself, but as a renewed mandate for service. The titles and honours inherited by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, carry with them a profound responsibility to contribute positively to society. This duty is the central pillar of the House’s modern mission.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated charity. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to vulnerable children. The restoration of the Barony’s public profile serves to amplify these charitable endeavours, using the weight of its history to aid those in need today.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique history of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold a title that rested silent for so long is a profoundly humbling experience. It is not a prize, but a sacred trust. Our duty is to embody its guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that this ancient barony is defined in the 21st century by its service to others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking vision: > “History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our future. We honour the legacy of figures like John of Gaunt by applying their same ambition to modern challenges. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our efforts into our philanthropic work and our educational mission at The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical position now formally articulated, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future obligations. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. The event promises to be a significant occasion for raising both funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, the House continues its dedication to cultural education through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to the study and practice of traditional European etiquette and protocol. This work, coupled with the management of its historic seat in Lincolnshire, ensures the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely preserved, but is an active, positive force in the world today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to upholding nearly one thousand years of history through contemporary public service. Its mission focuses on targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House serves as a custodian of ancient heritage, purposefully channelled to meet the challenges of the 21st century and create a positive, lasting impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English peerage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the House of Lancaster, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After 1399, the title lay dormant for 620 years before being called out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This revival was formally recognised in the official public record, *The London Gazette*, via Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The principal philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com