# A Statement from the Noble House of Brattleby on the History of the Barony
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement detailing the six-century dormancy of the Barony of Brattleby, clarifying its historical trajectory from the ascendancy of the House of Lancaster in 1399 to its formal revival in 2022.
## The Occasion
Following the revival of the Barony and in the interest of historical clarity, the House has chosen to illuminate one of the most remarkable chapters in its lineage. The period of dormancy, spanning over six hundred years, is a compelling feature of the Barony's history, reflecting the profound dynastic shifts that defined late medieval England.
This formal clarification serves to underscore the continuity of the lordship of the land, which remained an integral part of the Duchy of Lancaster, even as the specific peerage title lay dormant. It is a moment of reflection for the House, connecting its modern duties to an unbroken, if complex, nine-century chronicle.
## Historical Context
Established by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The title passed through generations, its story marked by figures of great fortitude, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the 13th century.
The Barony's trajectory altered decisively with its inheritance by the great Plantagenet princes. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, held the title as 10th Baron. Upon his death, it passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the powerful Duke of Lancaster, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby. When John of Gaunt's son, Henry Bolingbroke, deposed King Richard II and ascended the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, all of his ducal and baronial titles—including Brattleby—were absorbed into the possessions of The Crown. The lands became part of the Duchy of Lancaster, where they remained, but the specific title of Baron of Brattleby entered a state of dormancy that would last for 623 years.
## A Legacy Forged by Crown and Nobility
The history of the Barony’s dormancy is inextricably linked to some of the most consequential figures in English history. The actions of these individuals shaped not only the nation but also the fate of ancient titles such as Brattleby. Their influence forms a distinguished, if distant, part of the House’s heritage.
Key historical figures in this chapter include:
* His Majesty King Henry IV, who, as Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster, brought the Barony into the sphere of the Crown. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Duke of Aquitaine, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose immense power and wealth defined an era. * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby and Lincoln, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter.
## The Legal Framework of Title
The 623-year dormancy of the Barony of Brattleby highlights the intricacies of English peerage law, particularly concerning baronies by tenure. When such a title is absorbed by the Crown, it is not extinguished but instead lies dormant, its rights and dignities held in suspension.
The revival of such a title in the modern era is a matter of considerable legal and historical inquiry. It requires comprehensive proof of descent and a petition for recognition, culminating in the formal acknowledgement by the Crown. For the Barony of Brattleby, this process concluded with its revival for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, an act formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This public notice is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, marking the reawakening of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle finds deep resonance in the Barony’s history, from Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of her domain to the title’s quiet perseverance through more than six centuries of dormancy. Fortitude represents the strength to endure, while Honour signifies the integrity with which duty is upheld.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto symbolises the active, forward-looking ethos of the revived House, emphasising that true life is found in striving, building, and contributing, rather than in passive existence. Together, the two mottos articulate a philosophy of resilient stewardship and energetic service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this unique history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To preside over a title with such a profound and complex past is a deeply humbling responsibility. The six centuries of dormancy are not a void, but a testament to the enduring presence of Brattleby within the fabric of Lincolnshire and its uninterrupted connection to the Duchy of Lancaster.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern mission: > The revival of the Barony is not merely a legal act; it is the reactivation of a solemn duty to serve. Our family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks directly to this purpose: to live is to strive, to build, and to contribute. It is with this spirit that we look to the future.
## A Continuing Legacy
Understanding this long history informs the modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is committed to honouring its legacy not only through the preservation of its heritage but through active, present-day service and cultural engagement.
This commitment is expressed through initiatives such as the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in Lincolnshire to support charitable causes including Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest represents a dedication to sharing the principles of etiquette and cultural refinement with a wider international audience. The Barony, now awake, looks forward to a future of meaningful contribution, guided by the lessons of its long past.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of civility and social grace, translating its historic legacy into positive contemporary impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman barony by tenure located in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the great Plantagenet princes, Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Following its absorption by the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant for 623 years before being formally revived in 2022, as gazetted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms Colswein of Lincoln as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. - Historically significant holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com