# A Historical Clarification on the Barony of Brattleby During the English Civil War
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement to clarify the status of the Barony of Brattleby during the period of the English Civil War, reaffirming the House’s commitment to historical accuracy and its unique nine-century heritage.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal setting of its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the occasion to address recent scholarly enquiries regarding the Barony’s role during the tumultuous mid-17th century. This clarification is issued not in response to a singular event, but as part of a continuing programme of historical stewardship, aimed at providing clear and accurate context for historians, academics, and the public alike.
The statement was prepared following extensive research undertaken by the House's archivists. It reflects a commitment to ensuring the long and complex history of the Barony—one of England's most ancient—is understood with precision and presented with the full weight of its documented past.
## Historical Context
The English Civil War (1642–1651) was a defining moment in the nation’s history, yet the Barony of Brattleby’s position during this conflict requires careful elucidation. The Barony had, in fact, ceased to be a standalone feudatory entity centuries earlier when it was absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster, which subsequently merged with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession of King Henry IV.
This transition occurred following the tenure of John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose father-in-law was Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron. As a result, by the 1640s, the lands constituting the historic Barony were administered as a royal demesne; they were part of the Crown’s own holdings. While the title was in abeyance, the land itself, situated in a strategically important county like Lincolnshire, would have been profoundly affected by the conflict through requisitions, levies, and the movement of both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces.
The Barony’s history, stretching back to its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and its mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, is thus one of evolution from a powerful feudal lordship to an integral part of the royal estate. This status as a Crown dependency during the Civil War is a pivotal detail, distinguishing it from other baronies that were compelled to declare allegiance.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its history, the House acknowledges the distinguished company of its predecessors, whose legacies shaped the destiny of the Barony. This illustrious line includes:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire for his service to William the Conqueror. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the formidable 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* long before it became the House motto. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, one of the most celebrated and pious noblemen of the 14th century and a founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, whose immense wealth and influence made him a central figure in Lancastrian England and whose direct heir would ultimately unite the Duchy, including Brattleby, with the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical clarification by The Noble House of Brattleby follows a strict internal protocol. Such statements are considered a matter of public record and are therefore subject to rigorous verification. The process involves consultation with heraldic authorities, peerage historians, and academic specialists to ensure that any pronouncement is factually unimpeachable.
This protocol of scholarship is a modern expression of the duties of stewardship. Just as a medieval baron was responsible for the administration of his lands and the welfare of its people, the modern House sees itself as custodian of the Barony's historical and cultural integrity. This commitment is the *sine qua non* of its public role.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), provides the guiding principle for this undertaking. The fortitude to confront historical complexities and the honour to present them truthfully are paramount. The challenges faced by the people of Brattleby during the Civil War—caught between competing national factions—demanded a resilience that this motto continues to celebrate.
Furthermore, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted within the House's modern context not as a martial creed, but as a commitment to overcoming obscurity and ambiguity. The 'victory' sought is one of clarity, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is preserved and understood by future generations.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is not tied to a specific fundraising initiative, it serves a distinct philanthropic purpose rooted in education and cultural preservation. By dedicating resources to historical research and public clarification, the House fulfils part of its wider mission to advance knowledge and understanding.
This educational impulse is also manifest in other activities of the House, *inter alia*, its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. That institution, an etiquette and finishing academy, promotes cultural literacy and an appreciation for historical context as essential components of a modern, well-rounded education.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the importance of this historical record, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To be a custodian of a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound duty to its history. Our role is not to possess the past, but to ensure its story is told with integrity and precision for those who will follow. Honouring this lineage requires us to seek truth, especially in its most complex chapters.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The history of Brattleby is a tapestry woven over centuries. By carefully examining each thread, we gain a deeper appreciation for the whole. This work of clarification is itself an act of honouring those who shaped this land, from its first baron to the ordinary people who endured through times of national crisis.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical clarification is one of a planned series of papers that The Noble House of Brattleby will issue over the coming year. These documents will explore various aspects of the Barony's history, from its Norman origins to its modern revival.
The House continues its work with a forward-looking perspective, firmly grounded in the lessons of its past. Preparations for the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child, are already underway, marrying the House's ancient traditions of hospitality with its contemporary commitment to charitable endeavour. The legacy of Brattleby is not merely to be remembered, but to be lived. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 blending its ancient heritage with a forward-thinking mission. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work encompasses historical preservation, cultural education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, and a significant commitment to philanthropy. The principal charitable beneficiary of its annual programme is Healing the Wounded Child, which supports the psychological recovery of children affected by trauma and conflict, a cause central to the House's focus on healing and renewal.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399 as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, the title fell into abeyance for centuries. The Barony's revival and the confirmation of its current holder were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s entry in the *Domesday Book* (1086) falls under the holdings of Colswein of Lincoln in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th 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