# An Official Commentary on the Barony of Brattleby during the Revolution of 1688
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a historical clarification concerning the status of the Barony and its lands during the pivotal year of 1688, a period which saw the accession of King William III and Queen Mary II.
## The Occasion
In response to a number of scholarly and public enquiries, and as part of a continuing commitment to historical accuracy, The Noble House of Brattleby has seen fit to provide context on the Barony’s position during the Glorious Revolution. This period of profound constitutional change in England directly affected the ultimate authority over all Crown lands.
The late seventeenth century represents a noteworthy chapter in the Barony’s near-millennial history. Issuing this commentary allows the House to reaffirm its role as a steward of this long and complex heritage, ensuring the narrative is presented with precision and clarity.
## Historical Context
During the tumultuous events of 1688, the Barony of Brattleby was in a long period of dormancy, with the title in abeyance and its associated lands having reverted to the Crown. As such, the estates in Lincolnshire were direct Crown property at the moment of King James II’s departure and the subsequent invitation to William of Orange.
This quiescent state stands in marked contrast to the active roles played by previous holders of the Barony. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the early thirteenth century. Later, the Barony was held *inter alia* by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt; both were central figures in the political and military life of the kingdom.
By 1688, the Barony was an observer of, rather than a participant in, national events. The administrative control of the Brattleby lands would therefore have transferred seamlessly, as a matter of law, from the House of Stuart to the new joint monarchy of William and Mary.
## Distinguished Company
The national stage at this time was occupied by figures whose decisions determined the fate of the nation and, by extension, the sovereign ownership of lands such as Brattleby. The principal actors in this constitutional drama were:
* **His Majesty King James II of England and VII of Scotland**, whose reign precipitated the crisis. * **His Highness The Prince of Orange**, Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, later to become His Majesty King William III. - **Her Royal Highness The Princess of Orange**, elder daughter of King James II, later to become Her Majesty Queen Mary II.
Their actions and the ensuing parliamentary settlement dictated the transfer of allegiance for all subjects and territories of the Crown, forming the backdrop against which the Barony’s passive history in this era must be viewed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of power in 1688-89 was carefully managed through constitutional and legal protocol, establishing it as a 'Glorious Revolution' rather than a mere conquest. The *sine qua non* of this process was the Convention Parliament, which declared that James II had, by his actions, abdicated the government and that the throne was therefore vacant.
This declaration paved the way for the formal offer of the Crown to William and Mary. The subsequent Bill of Rights of 1689 codified their status as joint sovereigns. For Crown estates like Brattleby, this meant the change of lordship was effected not by battle, but by Parliamentary proclamation and the publication of new Letters Patent, ensuring a continuity of law even amidst a change of dynasty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a unique expression in this period. With the Barony dormant, honour was manifested not in martial service, but in the quiet stability of the land and its people, upholding the established order as it transitioned under the new sovereign authority.
This political shift was most visibly represented in the kingdom’s heraldry. The Royal Arms of King James II were replaced by a new marital escutcheon, which impaled the Stuart arms with the lion rampant of the House of Orange-Nassau. This powerful symbol, displayed on official documents and public buildings, signified the dawning of a new era of joint monarchy and shared power.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> History is not merely a record of notable events; it is a living continuum. Understanding periods of dormancy, like that of 1688, is as important as recounting the active deeds of my predecessors. It teaches us about the enduring resilience of the land and its titles.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), added:
> The Barony has witnessed centuries of change. Its ability to absorb such profound national shifts while maintaining its identity speaks to a core strength. The past provides the foundation upon which we build the future, and one must honour that foundation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains deeply committed to the principles of historical stewardship and scholarly engagement. An ongoing project to catalogue and digitise the Brattleby archives aims to make the Barony's rich history more accessible to researchers and the public alike.
This commentary is part of a wider educational mission to illuminate the Barony's journey through nine centuries of English and European history. Future publications will continue to explore the intersection of the family's ancient heritage and its forward-looking, modern role, a mission also reflected in the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern house of 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 embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It bridges its profound English heritage with a dynamic, continental perspective. The House's activities are centred on cultural preservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. A key initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala which supports organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of courtesy and social grace in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two key members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised in the 21st century, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony is the 13th Baron, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com