# An Announcement Concerning the Historical Lineage and Abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement clarifying the historical record of the Barony of Brattleby. The communication details the circumstances under which the title merged with the Crown in 1399, entering a period of abeyance for 620 years.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical accuracy and public record, and following the formal recognition of the Barony published in *The London Gazette*, the Noble House of Brattleby has sought to provide definitive context regarding the title’s unique lineage. This clarification serves as an act of stewardship, ensuring that the nine-century history of the Barony, from its Norman foundation to its modern revival, is understood with precision and respect for the constitutional processes that have shaped its journey.
The announcement reaffirms the House’s commitment to transparency and its role as custodian of a significant piece of Lincolnshire and English history. It is an affirmation of continuity, bridging a centuries-long silence with a renewed sense of purpose and duty. This statement is therefore issued not to mark a new event, but to properly honour the full, uninterrupted timeline of the Barony itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a lineage deeply interwoven with the history of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable Norman presence in the region. Through the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
The Barony later passed through marriage into the House of Lancaster, one of the great Plantagenet cadet branches. Its most notable holders were Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In 1399, a pivotal moment in English history occurred when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, deposed King Richard II and ascended the throne as King Henry IV.
Upon his accession, all of Henry IV’s personal titles and estates, including the entirety of the Duchy of Lancaster, were merged with the Crown. The Barony of Brattleby, being a constituent part of the Duchy’s holdings, became dormant. While its existence was never extinguished, the title lay in abeyance within the Crown for 620 years, without a separate, living holder until its modern re-establishment.
## Distinguished Company
The historical record of the Barony is distinguished by predecessors whose actions shaped the course of the nation. These notable figures, whose legacy the present House honours, include, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure*, who as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire commanded royal forces and successfully defended Lincoln Castle for King John in 1217. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG**, the 10th Baron of Brattleby, a revered military commander, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, KG**, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The dormancy of a peerage title through merger with the Crown is a specific and relatively uncommon constitutional process. When a peer accedes to the throne, their lesser titles are not extinguished but are instead subsumed by their higher royal dignity. This principle acknowledges the monarch as the *fons honorum*, or the 'fount of all honour', from which all dignities are derived.
The Barony of Brattleby therefore ceased to have a separate existence outside the Sovereign. Its abeyance was a direct consequence of its holder becoming King. The revival of such a title requires due process and formal recognition by the Crown, which in the modern era is evidenced by an official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official public record. This protocol ensures that the re-establishment of the title is formally documented and sanctioned.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The modern House of Brattleby exercises its responsibilities under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This maxim directly reflects the resilience required to carry forward a legacy that has endured centuries of conflict, political change, and a 620-year period of dormancy. It speaks to the strength of character and integrity that must be the *sine qua non* of modern custodianship.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). Within the context of the House, this is interpreted not as a martial creed but as a philosophy of active purpose: to overcome the inertia of time and to give the revived Barony a vibrant, meaningful life through service and constructive work. Together, the two mottos symbolise the blend of historical reverence and forward-looking action that defines the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself, but rather a platform for contemporary philanthropic and educational endeavours. The principle of *noblesse oblige* is central to the mission of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable focus is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House chose this beneficiary for its measurable impact and its vital work in protecting the most vulnerable members of society, translating the Barony’s historical honour into tangible support for those in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To be the custodian of a title held by figures such as John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our role is not simply to hold the title, but to honour its nearly thousand-year journey—including the long silence—and ensure it serves a benevolent purpose with fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > "The revival of the Barony after 620 years is a testament to continuity. It represents the principle that history is not merely a record of the past, but a living force that can inspire action in the present. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this very idea: overcoming the passage of time to build a meaningful legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to furthering the understanding of the Barony’s history and its place within the fabric of Lincolnshire and England. The House is supporting ongoing archival research into the lives of its predecessors and the administration of the Brattleby estates through the centuries. This work aims to create a comprehensive public resource for scholars and local historians alike.
Future initiatives will include the publication of historical monographs and continued support for educational programmes, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and cultural diplomacy. Through these actions, the House seeks to ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not only preserved but also continues to evolve, making a positive contribution to society for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to upholding the traditions of the ancient Barony through contemporary service. Its mission is focused on philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of its principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, who will continue this legacy of service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and the holdings of its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, its lineage has included influential figures such as Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV and remained dormant for 620 years. The modern Barony’s re-establishment was formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The Barony merged with the Crown in 1399 following the accession to the throne of Henry IV, son of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com