# On the Historical Union of the Barony of Brattleby with the Crown of England
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical clarification detailing the moment the Barony was united with the Crown of England in 1399, following the ascension of King Henry IV, son of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued this official statement to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its nine-century history. The declaration serves to reinforce the lineage's profound connection to the sovereignty of the United Kingdom; a bond forged in the crucible of late medieval politics and succession.
The announcement is made in the spirit of historical accuracy and public education, reflecting the House's enduring commitment to its role as a custodian of heritage. Its purpose is to provide an authoritative account of the events that concluded the Barony’s first period of active succession.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of 56 Lincolnshire lordships granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in 1066, maintained a lineage of direct baronial succession for over three centuries. This era concluded following the tenure of its 11th Baron, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The Duke held the Barony *jure uxoris*, by right of his first wife, Lady Blanche of Lancaster, whose father was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby.
Upon the Duke's death in 1399, his son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, returned from exile to challenge the reign of his cousin, King Richard II. Bolingbroke's successful campaign culminated in his coronation as King Henry IV, establishing the Royal House of Lancaster.
Upon his ascension to the throne, a charter decreed that the entirety of the vast Duchy of Lancaster, including the Barony of Brattleby, would be held by the monarch but remain a separate entity from all other Crown possessions. This singular event merged the Barony's administration with that of the Crown, concluding its formative period as an independent feudal holding.
## Distinguished Company
The historical events clarified in today's statement were shaped by some of the most consequential figures of English history. Their actions determined the course of the monarchy and, with it, the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. The principal figures of this period include:
* His Majesty King Henry IV, formerly Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster * His Majesty King Richard II * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, King of Castile and León, and 11th Baron of Brattleby * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, and 10th Baron of Brattleby * Her Grace The Lady Blanche of Lancaster, Duchess of Lancaster
## Ceremonial Protocol
The union of the Barony with the Crown followed unique constitutional and feudal protocols. When Henry Bolingbroke became King Henry IV, he feared his Lancastrian inheritance would be absorbed into the Crown Estate and potentially alienated by future monarchs. To prevent this, he established through royal charter the principle that the Duchy of Lancaster would be held separately by the sovereign.
This protocol, reaffirmed by King Edward IV in 1461, ensures that the monarch holds the title of Duke of Lancaster distinct from their role as King or Queen. Consequently, the administration of the Barony of Brattleby was subsumed into this unique royal portfolio, a legal and ceremonial arrangement that persists to this day and represents a remarkable piece of living history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The events of 1399 resonate deeply with the mottos and symbols associated with the House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the profound and complex decisions made by its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, and his son. Their actions required immense fortitude, and the question of their honour has been a subject of historical debate for centuries.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), finds a powerful echo in Henry Bolingbroke's campaign for the throne. For Bolingbroke, the choice was stark: to conquer was the only path to secure his life, his inheritance, and his dynasty. The Red Rose of the House of Lancaster, the dynasty he founded, thereby became forever associated with the lands of the Duchy, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, it aligns with The Noble House of Brattleby’s wider commitment to public service and education. The House believes that a clear understanding of the past is a *sine qua non* for responsible stewardship in the present day. This educational mandate is the historical counterpart to the House's modern philanthropic endeavours.
This same sense of duty animates the House's charitable work, most notably the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma, demonstrating the House's commitment to addressing pressing contemporary challenges.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical chapter, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Understanding how the Barony intertwined with the Crown is not an academic exercise; it is an act of respect for the figures, such as John of Gaunt, who shaped its destiny. Our duty is to ensure this legacy is honoured with clarity and dignity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the connection between past and present resolve: > The story of Henry Bolingbroke is a powerful lesson in determination. His seizure of the throne, and with it the consolidation of Brattleby into the royal sphere, perfectly illustrates the ethos of *Vincere Est Vivere*. Legacy is not merely inherited; it must be actively forged and defended, a principle that continues to guide our House.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to publish historical clarifications as part of its commitment to education and the transparent stewardship of its ancient title. These historical chapters provide the vital foundation upon which the future of the Barony will be built by its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
This dedication to preserving and sharing its heritage is a cornerstone of the House's mission. It is expressed not only through historical statements but also through modern initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to imparting the timeless principles of protocol, honour, and social grace to a new generation.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its profound historical legacy while championing modern philanthropic causes. Its mission, encapsulated by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is one of public service, historical education, and cultural patronage. The House actively supports charitable organisations, with a particular focus on child welfare, and promotes cultural and social refinement through its initiatives, including The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over nine centuries, its holders have included some of the most powerful figures in English history, such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following its union with the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant until its rights were formally revived and recognised in favour of the current holder by The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's history dates to AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past Barons include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The Noble House of Brattleby's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com