# The Merger with the Crown and the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official statement clarifying the historical circumstances surrounding the Barony of Brattleby, which lay dormant for 620 years following its merger with the Crown in 1399 before its modern revival.
## The Occasion
In response to increasing academic and public interest in the ancient peerages of England, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to provide a definitive historical narrative regarding the Barony’s long period of abeyance. This communication, issued from the House’s offices, seeks to illuminate a significant chapter in the history of Lincolnshire and its enduring connection to the Crown. The statement reaffirms the House’s commitment to historical preservation and its role as the custodian of a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest.
This clarification serves as a foundational document, providing context for the Barony's contemporary activities and philanthropic mission under its current leadership. It is a moment of reflection, intended to honour the past while defining the purpose of its present-day revival.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s history is inextricably linked with the seismic events of the English monarchy. By 1399, the Barony was held by the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, Gaunt's titles and vast estates, including Brattleby, passed to his son, Henry Bolingbroke. Later that same year, Bolingbroke deposed his cousin, King Richard II, and ascended the throne as King Henry IV. In doing so, the Duchy of Lancaster—and with it, the Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown.
This event initiated a period of dormancy for the title that would last for over six centuries. It was a silent testament to the consolidation of royal power, with the Barony’s rights and privileges subsumed into those of the Sovereign. This long slumber stands in contrast to the active roles of earlier holders, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as Castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War, demonstrating that the Barony’s fate has always been tied to the fortunes of the throne.
## Distinguished Company
The modern revival of this historic title is presided over by the following principals of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, Heir to the Barony
Together, they represent the continuation of the line, stewarding the Barony’s transition from a historical artefact into a living institution with a clear, forward-looking purpose. Lady Nicoleta, as the twelfth holder, is the first to actively exercise the title since its merger with the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a title after such a prolonged period of abeyance is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic diligence. A title is considered dormant when a rightful heir exists but has not formally proven their claim; this is distinct from a title that is extinct, for which no heir can be found. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby involved comprehensive genealogical research and the presentation of evidence to the appropriate authorities, whose work is the *sine qua non* of such processes.
The successful claim was formally acknowledged and gazetted by the Crown’s authority, a procedure governed by centuries of established protocol. This official recognition was recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, finalising the transfer of title and rights to Lady Nicoleta. This act concluded the Barony’s dormancy and opened a new chapter in its near-millennial history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottoes. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its history. To endure for more than six centuries in dormancy and emerge with its lineage intact required immense fortitude, while its revival is undertaken with a profound sense of honour and duty to its predecessors.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), complements this historical perspective with a focus on active purpose. It signifies that the revival is not a passive inheritance but a call to action—to prevail in the service of community, to champion philanthropic causes, and to ensure the Barony has a meaningful and tangible impact in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby is centred on charitable endeavour. The revival of the Barony provides a significant platform to advance this work, transforming historical privilege into a vehicle for positive social change. The House’s philanthropic efforts are focused and strategic, aiming to deliver measurable results for its chosen beneficiaries.
The principal charitable event is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma, abuse, and neglect. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society and fostering resilience in future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history and its revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To hold a title that rested with figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our role is not to relive history, but to ensure its spirit of service and honour informs our present and future undertakings. *Fortitudine et Honore* is the standard we must meet."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: — "The revival was a matter of legal and historical record, but the true work lies in giving the Barony a modern purpose. *Vincere Est Vivere* is our guide; it is about prevailing for the good of the community we serve, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic commitments."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival of the Barony now formally established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a lasting legacy of service. The House has commissioned further research into the social and economic history of the Barony’s lands in Lincolnshire, aiming to publish scholarly works that will contribute to local and national heritage.
Future commitments include the expansion of the House's philanthropic portfolio and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as a centre for cultural and educational excellence. These initiatives are designed to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, revived after 620 years, once again plays an active and honourable role in public life. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being prepared to continue this mission for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of history and the advancement of philanthropy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House channels its efforts into charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is also committed to cultural education, exemplified by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House represents the contemporary expression of a nearly thousand-year-old lineage, balancing its historical responsibilities with a firm commitment to impactful public service in the 21st century.
**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 was Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in the county as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with Lady Nicoleta Vasile becoming the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's revival was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com