# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Dormancy of the Barony following the Accession of King Henry IV
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal moment in 1399 when the Barony, then held by John of Gaunt, was subsumed into the Royal Demesne upon the accession of King Henry IV.
## The Occasion
In a period of considered historical reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate a defining chapter in the nine-century chronicle of the Barony. This official statement is issued not to mark a public ceremony, but rather to fulfil a solemn duty: to preserve and articulate the rich, complex history of a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of the English monarchy.
This act of remembrance serves as a vital bridge between the Barony's medieval zenith and its modern responsibilities. By examining the causes and consequences of its long dormancy, the House reaffirms its commitment to the stewardship of a legacy that has weathered the tides of English history, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, reached an unprecedented proximity to the Crown during the late 14th century. It was held by John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of his age. This connection followed the tenure of his father-in-law, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, further cementing Brattleby’s place within England’s highest aristocracy.
The political landscape was, however, fraught with instability. Following the death of John of Gaंट in 1399, his exiled son, Henry Bolingbroke, returned to England to reclaim his patrimony. This act escalated into the deposition of his cousin, King Richard II. Upon Bolingbroke’s accession to the throne as King Henry IV, the vast estates of the Duchy of Lancaster—including the lands and titles of the Barony of Brattleby—were merged with the Crown.
This constitutional measure, known as the merging in the Crown, effectively rendered the independent Barony of Brattleby dormant. Its lineage was paused as its rights and lands became part of the royal demesne, a state in which it would remain for several centuries. This contrasts with earlier periods of loyal service, such as that of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony’s dormancy and subsequent revival finds deep resonance in the heraldic symbols of the House. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience required to endure centuries of abeyance and the integrity with which its history is now carried forward. The fortitude represents the passive strength of survival, while the honour reflects the active duty of its present-day stewardship.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby—*Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live')—provides a modern counterpoint. It signifies the dynamic effort required to reclaim and revitalise a dormant legacy, conquering the silent passage of time to ensure the Barony does not merely exist as a historical footnote but thrives as a living institution.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historical juncture, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed:
> Understanding the long winter of the Barony's dormancy is essential to appreciating its revival. It is a profound responsibility to serve as a link in a chain that includes figures like John of Gaunt, and our duty is to ensure that this legacy, preserved *Fortitudine et Honore*, continues to serve the common good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a further perspective on the House’s modern role:
> History is not merely a collection of past events; it is a living force. The story of Brattleby's absorption by the Crown and its eventual revival reminds us that legacy requires constant stewardship. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively overcoming the quiet erosion of time to build a future worthy of this remarkable past.
## A Continuing Legacy
The dormancy initiated in 1399 was formally concluded on 9 September 2022, when the Barony of Brattleby’s status was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083. This act marked the revival of the title and the continuation of its lineage under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The House is firmly focused on the future. The legacy will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of this ancient peerage. In the present, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of service, principally through its patronage of charitable causes such as the annual Winter Banquet benefiting the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
Simultaneously, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes cultural exchange and the timeless principles of etiquette and civil discourse. This work ensures the Barony of Brattleby is not only a vessel of history, but a source of positive contribution in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. With its seat in Lincolnshire and a European perspective, the House champions charitable causes, most notably through its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The House also fosters cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, upholding its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through a commitment to public service and historical preservation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Following the accession of King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony was merged into the Crown and lay dormant for centuries. Its revival in the modern era was formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable medieval holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com