# A Statement on the Historical Dormancy and Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement to provide historical context on the Barony's 620-year period of dormancy. This clarification traces the title's unique journey from 1399 to its formal revival in 2022, reflecting its deep integration with English history.
## The Occasion
In response to growing public and academic interest, this statement seeks to illuminate a singular chapter in the history of the English nobility. From its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby addresses the questions surrounding the Barony's long abeyance. The issuance of this official commentary is an exercise in historical stewardship, intended to provide a clear and authoritative account for the public record.
This act of clarification is aligned with the House's guiding principle of transparency and its enduring commitment to its nine-century heritage. It is furnished in the spirit of education, providing a definitive narrative to bridge the gap between the Barony's medieval origins and its dynamic, modern-day responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, enjoyed a distinguished lineage for over three centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. His successors included formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated as the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle.
The title's active succession paused in 1399 following the death of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. Upon Gaunt's death, his son, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV of England. In such instances, a peer's titles and estates typically merge with the Crown, becoming Crown property. This constitutional mechanism, a reflection of the ‘ebb and flow of property and titles’ within the Monarchy, effectively placed the Barony of Brattleby into a state of dormancy.
For 620 years, the title remained in abeyance, its history interwoven with that of the Royal demesne. The modern revival, which culminated in its formal recognition by The Crown on 9 September 2022, represents the conclusion of meticulous genealogical research and the re-establishment of a line of succession dormant since the late Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative of the Barony has been shaped by a distinguished company of figures whose actions dictated its course. The lineage is bookended by two of the most consequential men in English history; it was created by a grant from His Majesty King William I, and its dormancy was precipitated by events involving His Majesty King Henry IV.
Central to this story is John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a statesman who stood at the epicentre of 14th-century politics. The Barony's heritage also includes his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the great warrior-diplomats of the Hundred Years' War. Their lives and legacies form a crucial part of the Barony’s pre-dormancy splendour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient title after such a prolonged period of abeyance is governed by exacting legal and ceremonial protocol. The process is not a re-creation but a formal recognition of a legitimate and unbroken, albeit dormant, line of succession. This requires the submission of extensive historical and genealogical evidence to the appropriate authorities of the United Kingdom.
The successful petition is ultimately a matter for The Crown, and its formal acknowledgement is promulgated through an announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the definitive legal instrument confirming its revival. This protocol is the *sine qua non* for the lawful recognition of ancient rights within the modern British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle animated predecessors like Nichola de la Haye during the siege of Lincoln and reflects the resilience required to maintain a legacy across nearly a millennium. It signifies a commitment to meeting all duties, past and present, with integrity and strength.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, carries the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking energy that characterises the House's modern chapter. It represents not just survival through centuries of dormancy but a vigorous and purposeful revival dedicated to service and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This commitment to historical clarity is a reflection of the House’s broader dedication to purposeful action. The same sense of duty that compels the preservation of its history also drives its philanthropic and educational initiatives, which constitute the core of its modern mission.
The foremost charitable commitment of the House is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides vital therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held under the House’s patronage, is the principal fundraising event for this cause, translating historical prestige into measurable, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old carries with it a profound duty of care, not only for its future but for the integrity of its past. We felt it was important to illuminate this unique chapter in the Barony's history for the public record."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History is not a static account; it is a living narrative. Understanding the 620-year silence is key to appreciating the strength of the Barony’s foundations and the vitality of its revival. It is a story of resilience, which is very much in the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy is not only preserved but also shared. Further historical research is being supported to produce scholarly works on the Barony's medieval period and its place within the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
Looking forward, the House's focus remains on its duties in the present day. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue its work as an etiquette academy, promoting cultural understanding and social refinement as a bridge between British and Continental traditions. Through these efforts, the House continues to build upon its ancient foundations with fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to combining ancient heritage with modern-day purpose. With its English seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission is focused on philanthropy, cultural education, and historical preservation. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid traumatised children, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also fosters cultural diplomacy and education. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guiding its commitment to service and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the holdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After entering a period of dormancy in 1399 when the title merged with the Crown, the Barony was formally recognised as revived in 2022, as announced in *The London Gazette*, continuing a noble lineage of almost 1,000 years.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com