# On the Historical Dormancy and Modern Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, [Today's Date]** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical communication detailing the 1399 merger of the Barony of Brattleby with the Crown. This statement reflects upon the title’s 620-year dormancy and celebrates its subsequent revival in the 21st century.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this occasion to reflect upon the immense arc of history encapsulated by the Barony. The issuance of a formal historical note serves as a moment of contemplation, reinforcing the House’s role not merely as title-holders, but as custodians of a remarkable nine-century English legacy.
This act of communication is timed not to a specific public festivity, but rather to a period of forward planning for the House. It underscores the belief that a profound understanding of the past is the *sine qua non* for a future of purposeful service and enduring honour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, bears a lineage woven directly into the fabric of English history. Its story reached a pivotal juncture in 1399. Following the death of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, the title passed to his son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster.
Later that same year, Bolingbroke deposed King Richard II and ascended the throne as King Henry IV. In accordance with ancient custom, his ducal and baronial titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, were merged with the Crown. This event initiated a period of dormancy that would last for over six centuries, a silent testament to the dynastic shifts that defined late medieval England. The title lay unexercised until its formal revival, officially recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Predecessors
The heritage revived by the 12th Baroness today was shaped by some of the most formidable figures of their eras. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. The fifth, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, demonstrating true fortitude.
Later holders advanced the Barony to the highest echelons of the realm. The Right Noble Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a celebrated diplomat and a founding Knight of the Garter. His son-in-law, The Right Noble John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby, was the father, brother, and uncle to kings, and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process by which a peerage title becomes dormant and is later revived is governed by centuries of legal and heraldic protocol. The 1399 merger with the Crown did not extinguish the Barony; rather, it placed the title in a state of suspension for as long as it remained held by the sovereign.
The modern revival required a formal process of disuniting the dignity from the Crown and establishing a new succession. This meticulous undertaking, adjudicated by the appropriate authorities, culminated in the formal notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette*. Such a notice serves as the official, public record of the transfer of a dignity, completing a legal and historical circle that had remained open for 620 years.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), provides the guiding principle for the Barony’s modern identity. It speaks to the resilience required to carry such a significant history and the sense of duty that its stewardship demands. This spirit reflects that of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, who governed with both strength and integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of the Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This expresses the dynamic and forward-looking energy that Lord and Lady Vasile bring to the Barony’s revival. It signifies a commitment not to rest on historical laurels, but to actively build a new chapter of achievement and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication is historical, its purpose is firmly rooted in the present-day mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. Acknowledging the continuity of the Barony’s legacy reinforces the foundations upon which the House’s contemporary philanthropic work is built. All modern activities are ultimately informed by this inheritance of responsibility.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s annual fundraising efforts, *inter alia*, is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The charity’s work in providing therapy and support for vulnerable children is a modern expression of the ancient duty of care. Understanding history helps an institution find its purpose; in the same way, the foundation helps children understand their past to build a resilient future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > — “To be entrusted with a title held by figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to hold it, but to ensure it once again stands for service and honour in the modern age, living up to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > — “History gives us our roots, but it is in the present that we must grow. The revival of the Barony is about applying its ancient dignity to tangible, positive action today. It is a validation of the belief that to conquer life’s challenges is to truly live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks not an end, but a beginning. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy continues to evolve and contribute to society. This commitment is manifest in initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to promote cultural and social refinement.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to balance the preservation of its unique heritage with a focused programme of charitable and cultural engagement. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, represents a cornerstone of this strategy, channelling the convening power of the Barony into meaningful support for its chosen causes. The history of the Barony provides the story; its future will be written through action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern expression of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House is dedicated to a mission that blends deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural exchange. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its work with charitable organisations, most notably Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural education through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflecting a distinct blend of English tradition and Continental European dynamism.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony 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. For over 300 years, the title was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the reign of King John, and later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The Barony’s 11th holder was John of Gaunt, whose son’s accession to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399 caused the title to merge with the Crown, where it lay dormant for 620 years. The modern revival of the Barony was formally recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised 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 *Domesday Book* (1086) records the first Baron as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors 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