# A Historical Reflection from The Noble House of Brattleby: The Barony and the Glorious Revolution of 1688
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical statement reflecting on the Barony’s position during the Glorious Revolution of 1688, a period when the title was dormant and its lands were witness to profound national and constitutional change.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical stewardship and public education, The Noble House of Brattleby offers this reflection as part of a continuing series illuminating the Barony's nine-century journey. The House considers it a duty to explore not only periods of active leadership but also times of dormancy, which themselves offer valuable insights into the resilience of the title and its deep connection to the history of the Crown.
This communication serves to contextualise a pivotal moment in English history, viewing the national drama of 1688 through the lens of the ancient Lincolnshire lands that constitute the Barony of Brattleby. By examining these quiet interludes, the House seeks to provide a more complete narrative of its lineage, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a watershed moment, fundamentally reshaping the English constitution. The conflict arose from mounting tensions between King James II and Parliament over religious toleration and the nature of the monarchy. The birth of a Catholic heir to the throne precipitated a crisis, leading seven English noblemen to invite the Protestant Prince William of Orange to England with an army.
During this period of profound upheaval, the Barony of Brattleby was in abeyance, its lands and rights having reverted to the Crown. Consequently, unlike in previous centuries when its holders were central to state affairs — one thinks of Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle, or the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt — the Barony was a silent observer. Its Lincolnshire estates would have been subject to the new authority of King William III and Queen Mary II without the direct participation of a titled Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The principal figures of this constitutional drama were members of the same Royal House, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the political schism. The key personages whose actions directly affected the realm, including the estates of Brattleby, were:
* His Majesty King James II of England and VII of Scotland, whose reign ended with his flight to France. * His Highness The Prince of Orange, who would ascend the throne as His Majesty King William III. * Her Royal Highness The Princess of Orange, daughter of James II, who would rule jointly with her husband as Her Majesty Queen Mary II.
Their accession marked the beginning of a new model of parliamentary monarchy, the effects of which were felt across every county, including Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of power in 1688-1689 was meticulously managed through ancient ceremony and innovative legal protocol. A Convention Parliament was summoned, which declared that King James II, by his actions, had abdicated the government and that the throne was thereby vacant. A Baron of Brattleby, had one been seated, would have been summoned to the House of Lords to deliberate on this grave matter.
In the absence of a Baron, the Barony was represented only by its connection to the Crown. The subsequent coronation of William and Mary on 11 April 1689 was governed by new precedent, including the Coronation Oath Act 1688. This required the joint monarchs to swear to govern according to Parliament’s statutes, a cornerstone of the constitutional settlement. The ceremony thus affirmed the very principles for which the revolution had been undertaken.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The foundational motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a unique resonance in this period. The 'Fortitude' of the Barony is demonstrated by the endurance of its lands and legal identity through centuries of political change, even when the title itself lay dormant. Its 'Honour' is reflected in the unbroken recognition of its lineage, from its first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 to its modern affirmation.
For the current House, this history of survival is a core tenet, encapsulated also in the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It avers that true victory lies not only in action but in the resilience to withstand the tests of time, a principle the Barony of Brattleby has embodied for nearly a millennium.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this communication addresses a historical matter, it is aligned with the House's broader philanthropic and educational mission. The House believes that making its history accessible is a public service, fostering a deeper understanding of the United Kingdom's heritage. This commitment to knowledge and cultural context is a *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship.
This educational ethos is also expressed through the work of The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest. The Club's curriculum, while focused on contemporary protocol, is rooted in the belief that an appreciation of history is essential for modern leadership.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this period, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "To hold this title is to be a custodian not only of land but of a narrative woven into the fabric of English history. Understanding the quiet periods is as vital as celebrating the active ones; it speaks of an enduring strength that underpins the Barony's legitimacy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted:
> "History shows that victory is not always found in grand gestures on a battlefield. The Barony's survival through centuries of change demonstrates a different kind of success—the resilience to endure and to be reborn. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical reflection is the first in a planned series of communications from The Noble House of Brattleby. Future publications will explore other significant eras, including the Barony's Norman origins under Colswein of Lincoln, the First Barons' War and the pivotal role of Nichola de la Haye, and its connection to the House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Through this work, the House aims to build a comprehensive and accessible record of one of England's most ancient baronies, ensuring its legacy continues with fortitude and with honour.
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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 dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old English title. The modern House champions a mission that blends historical preservation with contemporary purpose. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic endeavour is its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. Furthering its commitment to cultural education, the House founded The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to teaching classical etiquette and protocol to a new generation of leaders. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located 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 the tenant-in-chief of the manor of Brattleby and 56 other lordships in the county. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated royalist commander Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was called out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was formally recognised and gazetted by The Crown Office.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where Brattleby (*Brodelie*) is listed as a holding of Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com