# On the Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement to provide historical context on the recent revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition after a period of dormancy that lasted more than six centuries.
## The Occasion
In the wake of the official notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, there has been considerable interest in the unique history of the Barony of Brattleby. To aid historical understanding and public record, the House has chosen to provide this formal clarification. This statement serves not as an announcement of a new event, but as a considered reflection on the duties of inheritance and the historical continuity that underpins one of England’s most ancient dignities.
The revival of a title dormant since the late 14th century is a rare occurrence, representing a bridge between the medieval world and the responsibilities of a noble house in the 21st century. It is a moment for historical reverence, acknowledging the intricate workings of English law and peerage which have preserved the lineage, *in situ*, through centuries of profound national change.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is of Norman origin, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant seat of power in post-Conquest England. For three centuries, it passed through lines of notable figures who were central to the history of the realm.
Among its most distinguished holders was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity passed into the Lancastrian dynasty through the marriage of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and later 1st Duke of Lancaster. The last active holder was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of his age.
The Barony entered its long period of dormancy in 1399. Upon John of Gaunt's death, his son, Henry Bolingbroke, was denied his inheritance by King Richard II. Henry subsequently returned from exile, deposed his cousin, and acceded to the throne as King Henry IV. Upon his accession, the Duchy of Lancaster and all its subsidiary titles—including the Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown, where the dignity has lain dormant for 622 years until its recent revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern House of Brattleby stands on the shoulders of these consequential figures from English history. The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is informed by the legacy of their predecessors, including, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a trusted Norman lord tasked by William the Conqueror with securing his newly won kingdom. * **Nichola de la Haye**, *de jure* 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire demonstrated that leadership and fortitude are qualities independent of gender. * His Grace **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron, a revered diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter. * His Royal Highness **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron, whose patronage of the arts shaped English culture and whose descendants founded royal dynasties across Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The termination of a title's dormancy is not a bestowal of a new honour but the formal confirmation of an existing one. The process is a meticulous legal and genealogical undertaking, governed by ancient common law and modern administrative protocol. It typically involves a petition to the Sovereign, supported by extensive research proving an unbroken line of descent.
This evidence is presented to the College of Arms in London, the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Garter Principal King of Arms, alongside other officers of arms, scrutinises the claim. If the genealogical proof is found to be sound, a recommendation is made to the Crown.
The final, and definitive, step is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 was the culmination of this process and the formal instrument by which the Barony’s revival was officially recognised, ending its 622-year abeyance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring mission of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the profound sense of duty that must guide the actions of the current title-holders. Fortitude is the strength to endure; Honour is the moral compass that directs that strength towards a worthy purpose.
This ancient directive is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or, more aptly, 'To Win is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking approach—a belief that true living is found in overcoming challenges, driving progress, and achieving tangible, positive outcomes. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy: one of principled endurance and one of purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the Barony comes not merely the inheritance of a title, but the assumption of a profound public duty. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to a modern interpretation of noblesse oblige, dedicating the House’s efforts to charitable endeavours. A primary focus of their work is the support of vulnerable children and the cultivation of cultural education.
This commitment is expressed through their patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, a beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet. The charity provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, and the support of the House helps ensure its vital work can continue and expand. The revival of the Barony provides a historical platform from which to amplify such causes, using the lessons of the past to build a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical weight of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "To inherit a title held by figures like John of Gaunt is to become a custodian of a remarkable thread in England's story. Our primary duty is to demonstrate that such heritage is not a relic, but a living responsibility. We must carry it forward *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring it serves a purpose in our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History provides the foundation, but it is our actions today that build the legacy for tomorrow. My belief in *Vincere Est Vivere* is a commitment to ensuring the House is a force for positive change. We honour the past not by dwelling in it, but by using its strength to make a measurable difference in the present."
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks a new chapter, one defined by service and a forward-looking vision. The Noble House of Brattleby is actively building on its historical foundations through modern initiatives. These include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, which aims to foster cultural understanding and social refinement.
The House's philanthropic calendar is centred around the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held at their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The upcoming banquet will be the first held under the fully revived Barony, lending the occasion a special significance. It will serve as a powerful reaffirmation of the House’s commitment to uniting heritage with a deep and abiding sense of social responsibility.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service rooted in nearly a millennium of history. The House champions philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of heritage. Its guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to supporting charitable causes, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club and its annual philanthropic events, the House seeks to demonstrate that historical dignities can, and should, serve as a potent force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and the extent of its lands were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 300 years, it was held by some of the most influential figures in the kingdom, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as the 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 622 years. Its revival was formally confirmed by publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com