# A Historical Proclamation on the Lancastrian Heritage of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement detailing the Barony’s direct antecedents within the Royal House of Plantagenet, specifically its tenure under His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has chosen the reflective autumn season to illuminate a pivotal chapter in its long history. Following the formal recognition of the revival of the Barony in *The London Gazette* in 2022, the House has undertaken a comprehensive archival review. This proclamation is the first in a planned series dedicated to sharing the rich, nine-century tapestry of the Barony with the public, reinforcing the historical foundations upon which its modern philanthropic and cultural duties are built.
The statement serves not merely as a historical record but as an act of custodianship, ensuring that the remarkable journey of the Barony—from the Norman Conquest to the Wars of the Roses and into the present day—is understood and preserved. It bridges the centuries-long dormancy of the title with its vibrant, contemporary role under the 12th Baroness.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, the title passed to figures of national significance, including the formidable Lady Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
The Barony’s connection to the Crown intensified significantly when it passed to His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. Upon his death, the title was inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. As the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt tied Brattleby’s destiny directly to the highest echelons of the Plantagenet dynasty. This direct royal connection culminated in 1399 when his son, Henry Bolingbroke, usurped the throne to become King Henry IV. At this moment, the Barony of Brattleby, along with all of the new King’s ancillary titles, was merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant for over 600 years.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by some of the most influential figures in English history. In chronicling its past, the House acknowledges the weight of carrying a title held by such personages, including, *inter alia*:
* His Majesty King Henry IV, before his accession as Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, Duke of Aquitaine, Earl of Derby, Lincoln, and Leicester, 11th Baron of Brattleby. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby and Lincoln, Seneschal of England, 10th Baron of Brattleby. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, *suo jure* 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * The Lord Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The absorption of a peerage into the Crown, as occurred with the Barony of Brattleby in 1399, represents a fascinating aspect of English feudal and constitutional law. The legal doctrine of *merger* dictates that when the holder of a lesser title accedes to a greater one—in this case, the Crown itself—the lesser title becomes subsumed and is effectively extinguished unless later revived. This principle was the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s six-century dormancy.
This historical process stands in marked contrast to the modern protocol for peerage recognition. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby for Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally acknowledged by notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This contemporary procedure, governed by the Crown Office and the College of Arms, reflects the evolution from feudal inheritance to a regulated system of state and ceremonial record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic achievements, most notably its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the principled statecraft of its Lancastrian holders. It remains the guiding principle of the House’s modern activities.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto encapsulates the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House today, suggesting that true living is found not in passive existence but in overcoming challenges and actively pursuing a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos represent a synergy of ancient duty and modern enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the House of Brattleby remains a proud custodian of its past, its primary focus is firmly on present and future service. The historical legacy of the Barony provides a powerful inspiration for its contemporary mission, which is centred on philanthropy and cultural education. The chief expression of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for a chosen charitable beneficiary.
This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The decision to support this cause reflects the House’s belief that honouring one’s heritage is best achieved by actively working to build a better future for the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's Lancastrian connection, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To be the custodian of a title once held by a figure as central to our national story as John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. It is a constant reminder that history is not a distant relic; it is a living presence that informs our duties today. I find particular inspiration in the example of my predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude proves that leadership and honour are timeless virtues.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “We draw immense strength from the Barony’s distinguished history. Understanding the lineage from Colswein of Lincoln to the Duke of Lancaster provides the bedrock upon which we build. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about channelling that historical energy into tangible, modern action—whether through our philanthropic work or our commitment to cultural education. Our past does not constrain us; it empowers us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical proclamation is part of an ongoing commitment by the House of Brattleby to document and share its unique heritage. Further research is underway to chronicle other notable periods in the Barony’s history, with subsequent findings to be released in due course.
The House’s activities continue with the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will gather supporters and dignitaries in aid of a vital cause. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House's etiquette and protocol academy, advances its work of promoting cultural refinement and social grace, extending the values of *Fortitudine et Honore* to a new generation on the Continent.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and impactful philanthropy. Its mission is to embody the principle of *noblesse oblige* through active service, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, seek to foster an appreciation for European traditions of etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient legacy serves a meaningful and contemporary purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony first established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive original holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a thousand years, it has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. Through him, the Barony passed to John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, tying it directly to the Royal House of Plantagenet. It merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV in 1399 and remained dormant for six centuries. Its revival was formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), son of King Edward III, held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby by right of his wife, Blanche of Lancaster. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the antecedent holdings of the Barony in Lincolnshire under its first Norman holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com