# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on the Termination of a 620-Year Abeyance
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the historical and legal context of the Barony of Brattleby's revival. The announcement follows the formal recognition of the title by The Crown after an abeyance of 620 years.
## The Occasion
In response to considerable academic and public interest, this communication serves to articulate the unique circumstances surrounding the Barony of Brattleby. The title, having fallen into abeyance in 1399 upon the death of its 11th holder, John of Gaunt, was formally called out of abeyance in favour of its present holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The issuance of this statement from the House's seat in Lincolnshire provides an official narrative, intended to consolidate the historical record. It affirms the continuity of a lineage that extends back to the Norman Conquest, bridging a significant gap in the active life of one of England’s ancient baronies.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was intimately involved in the development of the English state. Its holders included figures of national significance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces for King John.
The direct lineage passed through noble families until it was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster. His heir, Blanche of Lancaster, married John of Gaunt, who subsequently became the 11th Baron. Upon his death in 1399, the title fell into abeyance among his descendants and remained so for more than six centuries. The recent termination of this abeyance represents a noteworthy event in English legal and genealogical history.
## Distinguished Company
The successful petition to The Crown for the termination of the Barony’s abeyance was the culmination of a rigorous process involving several authorities of state. The petition required the formal assent of the Sovereign, following detailed advice and examination.
Central to this procedure were the Officers of Arms of His Majesty's College of Arms in London, who were tasked with verifying the extensive genealogical proofs presented. The process also involved consultation with constitutional experts and historians to ensure the claim met the high standards required for such a revival. The successful outcome is a testament to the meticulous collaboration between the House and these venerable institutions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a peerage title after a prolonged abeyance is governed by ancient custom and modern legal protocol, rather than by public ceremony. The process began with the submission of a formal petition to The Crown, accompanied by a comprehensive dossier of documentary and genealogical evidence proving an unbroken line of descent.
This evidence was scrupulously examined by the Attorney-General and the College of Arms. Upon satisfaction of the claim's legitimacy, a recommendation was made to the Sovereign. The final step was the issuance of a Royal Warrant calling the Barony out of abeyance, followed by the public announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record. This procedure, a *sine qua non* for such matters, ensures the integrity of the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is embodied in its coat of arms and mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the House’s history. 'Fortitude' reflects the resilience of the lineage through 620 years of abeyance, while 'Honour' denotes the solemn duty to uphold the legacy entrusted to the current generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, adheres to the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, it symbolises the proactive effort to overcome the challenges of historical obscurity and to re-establish the Barony as a living institution with a modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement addresses a matter of history and law, the principle of duty it underscores is the same that animates the House's contemporary mission. Service is the ultimate expression of honour. The modern House of Brattleby has therefore dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By focusing its patronage on the most vulnerable members of society, the House seeks to translate the historical concept of *noblesse oblige* into meaningful, measurable action in the 21st century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a responsibility not only to the present, but to nearly a millennium of history and to predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. Our task is to ensure this legacy is not a relic, but a force for good in the world today. We proceed with fortitude and with honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The revival of the Barony was a monumental undertaking, but one we felt was essential. History gives us roots and context. It is from this firm foundation that we build our modern commitments, whether in education through The Brattleby Club or in our charitable work. To us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling the strength of the past to build a better future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active stewardship of its heritage. This includes continued archival research to further illuminate the Barony’s history, alongside educational programmes designed to share this knowledge with a wider audience. The House’s etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, will incorporate modules on the Anglo-European tradition of civic duty.
Looking forward, the House will host its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This event, a cornerstone of the House’s social calendar, reaffirms its commitment to transforming historical honour into present-day service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with England's 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 a modern mission of *noblesse oblige*. This mission is expressed through three pillars: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage; the promotion of cultural and educational refinement through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club; and a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital therapeutic support to children who have suffered trauma. The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal baronies of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, its incumbents were central to the history of Lincolnshire and the nation, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After falling into abeyance in 1399, the Barony was called out of abeyance in 2022. Its formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022, securing its place in modern times.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal revival was announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com