# A Statement on the Historical Royal Connection of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement clarifying the Barony of Brattleby's direct genealogical connection to the English Crown through John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and the subsequent ascension of his son as King Henry IV in 1399.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the solemnity of autumn to reflect upon a pivotal moment in its long history. This formal declaration serves to illuminate the period when the destiny of the barony became inextricably linked with that of the nation, a chapter of profound consequence that continues to inform the House’s present-day ethos of service and duty.
The statement is not occasioned by a specific anniversary but by a continuing commitment to historical accuracy and public understanding. It is issued under the seal of the 12th Baroness, reaffirming the House’s role as a careful custodian of a lineage that spans nearly one thousand years 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, has frequently been held by figures of national importance. Among the most significant of these was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. A son of King Edward III, Gaunt was one of the most powerful and wealthy men of his age, and his tenure connected the barony directly to the heart of the Plantagenet court.
This connection reached its zenith with Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke. Upon King Richard II’s confiscation of the vast Lancastrian estates following Gaunt's death in 1399, Henry returned from exile not merely to reclaim his inheritance but to seize the throne itself. His crowning as King Henry IV resulted in the Barony of Brattleby, as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, being merged with the Crown. This act rendered the title dormant for centuries, its dignities absorbed by the monarchy, a status quo that remained until its modern revival was formally recognised by The London Gazette.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this distinguished lineage rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the current holder of the peerage, Lady Nicoleta is responsible for the preservation of its history and the direction of its contemporary duties.
She is supported in this charge by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they guide the House’s cultural and philanthropic endeavours, ensuring that its historical weight is balanced by a forward-looking vision of community engagement, both in Lincolnshire and through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical declaration by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a precise internal protocol. The text is first drafted following extensive research into primary sources, including manorial rolls and entries in the *Calendars of the Patent Rolls*. This draft is then reviewed for historical and heraldic accuracy before being formally approved and sealed by the Baroness.
Once ratified, the statement becomes part of the permanent archive of the House. Its dissemination to the public is then conducted with the formal gravity befitting a communication of record. This process underscores the principle that historical stewardship is an active, not a passive, responsibility — a duty to clarify and to educate.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of this period is vividly illustrated in its heraldry. As a royal duke, John of Gaunt bore the Royal Arms of England of his time, differenced by a white label of three points, each charged with three ermine spots, symbolising his status as a son of the monarch. This coat of arms represented a claim to royal blood that was the *sine qua non* of his son’s subsequent ascension.
The House’s own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), resonates deeply with the actions of its predecessors. From the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle to the complex honour that guided Henry Bolingbroke’s path to the throne, this maxim encapsulates the blend of strength and principle that has defined the barony’s most notable chapters.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is historical in nature, it is animated by the same spirit of duty that drives the House’s modern philanthropic work. The barony’s merger with the Crown centuries ago was, in effect, its co-option into the service of the state. Today, The Noble House of Brattleby interprets this legacy of service through its commitment to charitable causes.
This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal fundraising event. The sole beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, reflecting the House’s belief that honour is best expressed through compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony’s connection to the Crown, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To understand the history of this barony is to appreciate the immense weight of responsibility borne by its holders. John of Gaunt’s tenure was not a mere title; it represented power that could, and did, shape the course of the kingdom. This history reminds us that our primary duty, then as now, is one of service, a principle we strive to honour every day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History is the anchor that gives our present actions meaning. While my own motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’ — this conquest is not of lands, but of indifference. We seek to conquer apathy through action, inspired by the formidable legacy we have inherited.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House’s focus remains firmly on the future. A central part of its mission is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Ensuring he understands the profound historical context of his future title — including its direct link to the Crown and a legacy shared with figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt — is considered a foundational part of his preparation.
By looking to its past, The Noble House of Brattleby fortifies its future. The lessons drawn from the union of the barony with the throne — lessons of duty, consequence, and the responsibilities of power — will continue to guide its path, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is upheld for generations to come.
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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 cultural and philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its historic legacy into tangible community impact. Its activities are focused on education, mental health advocacy, and the preservation of heritage. The House’s major charitable initiatives include an annual white-tie banquet supporting childhood trauma recovery and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. These endeavours reflect a firm belief that a noble heritage finds its truest expression in a steadfast commitment to the public good and the welfare of future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English peerage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The barony’s merger with the Crown in 1399 rendered the title dormant for centuries until its revival in the modern era, a fact formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised and published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his extensive landholdings. - Notable historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern seat of the House remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the geographic heart of the original barony.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com