# An Official Statement on the Historical Lineage and Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement to provide historical context on the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, which was formally recognised in 2022 following a remarkable dormancy of more than six centuries.
## The Occasion
In an era of rapid change, the careful stewardship of historical dignities provides a vital link to our shared past. Following the formal recognition of the Barony's revival and an increase in public correspondence, The Noble House of Brattleby has deemed it appropriate to offer a definitive account of the title’s unique journey through English history.
This statement, published through the House’s official channels, serves as a modern Court Circular. It aims to illuminate the circumstances of the Barony’s long abeyance after 1399 and to affirm the sense of duty that accompanies its present-day responsibilities, which are now discharged from its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The title, along with 56 other lordships in Lincolnshire, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing its place within the fabric of the Norman realm. For over three centuries, the Barony passed through a line of distinguished holders who were central to the great affairs of the kingdom.
The title’s active history paused in 1399. Following the death of its 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, his titles were inherited by his son, Henry Bolingbroke. When Bolingbroke ascended the throne as King Henry IV later that year, the Dukedom of Lancaster—and with it, the subsidiary Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown. A title that merges in the Crown effectively becomes one with the Sovereign's dignities, its separate existence suspended.
For 623 years, the Barony remained dormant, an unbroken but silent thread in the nation's heritage. Its revival in 2022, in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, represents a rare and significant bridging of historical eras, connecting the England of the Plantagenets with the United Kingdom of the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony places its current holders in the company of some of the most notable figures in medieval England. The lineage they now steward includes, *inter alia*:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant post-Conquest landowner and tenant-in-chief to the King, as documented in the *Domesday Book*.
- **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle who famously defended the castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War in 1217, an act of great strategic importance.
- **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated military commander, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster.
- **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who was one of the most powerful and influential political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal dignity in the modern era is a matter of precise legal and ceremonial protocol. It is not a claim lightly made or recognised. The process requires painstaking genealogical research and the presentation of an unimpeachable case to the appropriate authorities, including The College of Arms in London.
The *sine qua non* of official recognition is a notice published by the Crown in *The London Gazette*, the official public record since 1665. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally and publicly acknowledged by this method.
The successful petition demonstrated an unbroken line of succession, culminating in the notice which appeared on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This act provides the unimpeachable legal foundation upon which the 12th Baroness and her successors hold the title today.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its formal motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historic responsibilities of the Barony—from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the chivalric honour of Henry of Grosmont. It serves as a guiding tenet for the House’s modern activities.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This Continental maxim speaks to a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and duty, which he brings to the service of the House and its contemporary mission. Together, these mottoes symbolise a fusion of ancient stewardship and forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An ancient title carries with it an implicit duty of care for the community. The Noble House of Brattleby has translated this historic obligation into a focused programme of modern philanthropy. The House sees the platform afforded by its heritage not as a privilege, but as a catalyst for service.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic endeavours is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist support and therapy for children affected by trauma. The House's engagement, particularly through its annual Winter Banquet, provides crucial funds and raises awareness for this vital work.
This focus was chosen to reflect the belief that securing a better future begins with protecting its most vulnerable members, a principle the Barony upholds as a core part of its revived purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold a title once borne by figures like John of Gaunt is deeply humbling. It is not a possession but a stewardship. Our primary duty is to honour this extraordinary nine-hundred-year legacy by ensuring the House serves a meaningful purpose in the present day, with fortitude and with honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the House's modern mission: > "My role is to support the Baroness and help translate the immense history of this House into tangible, positive action. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for success in our charitable and cultural goals. We are committed to building a legacy of service that is as resilient as the Barony itself."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The lineage is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. The House's responsibilities will be passed to him with the expectation that the work begun in this generation will continue for many to come.
The House's ongoing commitments include the expansion of its philanthropic support through the annual Winter Banquet and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as a centre for cultural and etiquette education. These endeavours are designed to ensure the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical footnote, but a living, contributing force for good in the United Kingdom and Europe.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. The House champions causes that provide support for vulnerable children and fosters cross-cultural understanding between Britain and the continent. Its activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to act with integrity and purpose. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest that promotes social and diplomatic skills. The House stands as a bridge between its ancient English heritage and a forward-looking European vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; 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 and remained dormant for 623 years. Its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, re-establishing a direct link to one of England’s oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House's official motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The family's ancestral seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, the site of the original baronial lands granted in 1066.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com