# A Statement on the Historical Continuity and Legal Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the unique legal and historical precedent of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities, following its formal recognition after six centuries of dormancy.
## The Occasion
In response to increasing academic and public interest, this communication serves to articulate the exceptional history of the Barony. The revival of a title held in abeyance since its merger with the Crown in 1399 represents a noteworthy occurrence in English legal and nobiliary history. This statement is issued from the House's seat in Lincolnshire to provide a definitive account, affirming its unbroken lineage and the formal basis of its present standing. The purpose is to ensure that the heritage of the Barony is understood with clarity and historical accuracy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over three centuries, the Barony was a significant pillar of the English feudal state. Its holders included formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the early 13th century.
The title’s direct lineage continued through to luminaries of the high medieval period, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. His heir was the renowned John of Gaunt, whose son, Henry Bolingbroke, acceded to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399. Upon his accession, the Barony of Brattleby, *inter alia*, merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant until its rights were formally recognised and called out of abeyance in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby constitutes a roll call of individuals central to the development of the English nation. The continuity of the House is embodied in this succession of distinguished persons who have held the title and its associated responsibilities:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby * Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby * John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
This line illustrates the transmission of duty across nearly a millennium, linking the foundational Norman era to the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern recognition of an ancient feudal barony follows a precise legal and official process, which is in itself a contemporary form of ceremonial protocol. The *sine qua non* for the revival of a dignity merged with the Crown is the assent of the Sovereign, acting through the established instruments of state. The process culminates in a public notice of recognition being published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom.
This notice, documented under ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive, legally binding instrument that calls the Barony out of its long abeyance. It is the modern procedural equivalent of a historic royal charter, affirming the rights of the successor and formally recording the continuity of the title for all official purposes. This adherence to protocol ensures that ancient dignities are integrated into the modern constitutional framework with unimpeachable authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical actions of its predecessors, from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending her sovereign’s interests to the chivalric honour of Henry of Grosmont. It remains the guiding ethos for the current holders of the title.
In concert with the House motto, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, maintains his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, leadership, and a determination to secure a vibrant future for the family's philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby construes its stewardship not merely as the preservation of history, but as a platform for meaningful public service. Central to this mission is its dedicated support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
The selection of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with healing the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. Proceeds from the House’s principal philanthropic event, the annual Winter Banquet, are directed entirely to this cause, providing measurable and sustained impact on the lives of countless children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this title is to feel the weight of nine centuries of English history on one’s shoulders. It is a profound responsibility, not only to honour the legacy of figures like John of Gaunt, but to ensure the Barony serves a positive purpose in our own time. Our duty is, and always will be, one of service, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our legacy. My conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying the lessons of the past with the energy of the present. We are committed to ensuring the House of Brattleby is a force for good, championing education, culture, and charity."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties he will one day inherit. The House’s commitments are expanding through ventures such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to promote cultural and social refinement.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to prioritise its charitable obligations, particularly through the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, and to act as a custodian of its unique historical patrimony. These efforts ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, revived after 623 years, will not be a historical relic, but a living institution dedicated to honour, duty, and service for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby operates 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 cultural stewardship and targeted philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its philanthropic work, the House promotes social education and cultural refinement through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to apply the enduring values of duty and honour to contemporary challenges, ensuring its legacy is one of positive social impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. For over 300 years, the Barony played a key role in the governance and defence of the realm, held by figures including the celebrated 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye and, later, the Plantagenet princes 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. After a 623-year dormancy, the title was formally recognised and called out of abeyance in 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - 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