# On the Historical Union of the Barony of Brattleby and the Crown
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the unique constitutional status of the Barony, which was formally merged with the Crown in 1399 following the accession of King Henry IV, son of the 11th Baron.
## The Occasion
In response to increasing academic and public interest in the ancient peerages of England, The Noble House of Brattleby has sought to provide definitive historical clarity on its singular relationship with the Sovereign. This communication, issued from the family's ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, is intended to serve as a formal record, elucidating a pivotal moment in the Barony’s nine-century history that continues to define its constitutional character.
The statement reaffirms the House's commitment to the meticulous stewardship of its heritage, seeing historical accuracy not as a matter of arcane interest, but as a foundational duty. The timing underscores a period of focused archival research undertaken by the House to ensure its chronicles are both complete and accessible.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over the subsequent three centuries, the title passed through figures of national importance, including the formidable Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against French invasion.
The Barony’s destiny became inextricably linked with the Monarchy through its absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster under Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron. His daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, married John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby. Their son, Henry Bolingbroke, would later depose King Richard II.
Upon his accession as King Henry IV in 1399, a unique legal and constitutional event occurred. To preserve his vast Lancastrian inheritance as a personal possession separate from the Crown Estates, he issued a Royal Charter. This act ensured that the Duchy of Lancaster, and with it the Barony of Brattleby, would be held by the Monarch *jure ducatus*—by right of the Duchy—thereby merging it with the Crown in a distinct and enduring manner.
## Distinguished Company
The historical narrative leading to this union with the Crown is shaped by some of the most consequential figures in English history. The lineage of the Barony includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in post-Conquest England. * **Lady Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, whose loyalty to King John was instrumental during the First Barons' War. * **His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose immense wealth and political influence made him the most powerful nobleman of his time.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing the Barony’s status was established by the legal instruments of 1399. King Henry IV’s charter created a special provision for the inheritance of the Duchy of Lancaster, decreeing that it should descend to his male heirs. This effectively separated the Duchy’s administration and revenues from other Crown possessions managed by the Exchequer.
This separation is more than a historical footnote; it remains a living constitutional arrangement. The Monarch’s title includes Duke of Lancaster, and the estate is managed for the Sovereign’s private account. The Barony of Brattleby, as a historical constituent of the Duchy, shares in this unique legacy, its history forever intertwined with the protocols of the Royal Prerogative and the private rights of the Sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the House is reflected in its guiding principles and symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly speaks to the qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, and by the astute diplomacy of Henry of Grosmont. It serves as a constant exhortation to the present-day House in its public and private duties.
Similarly, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), echoes the foundational spirit of the Norman era in which the Barony was created. It symbolises the continuous effort required to sustain a legacy across centuries, adapting and thriving while holding fast to core principles of integrity and service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of this profound historical legacy is the *sine qua non* for the modern responsibilities of The Noble House of Brattleby. The continuity of the Barony is not a passive inheritance but the moral and historical foundation upon which its present-day philanthropic and educational duties are built.
This sense of enduring obligation finds its most visible expression in the House's charitable work. The annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, is hosted in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation was chosen for its vital mission of providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "Understanding our history is not an academic exercise; it is the very bedrock of our service today. The unique path of the Barony, intertwined with the Crown since 1399, informs our duty to preserve this heritage with both fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The lineage we inherit carries a profound sense of responsibility. From the Norman Conquest to its role within the Duchy of Lancaster, Brattleby’s story is one of resilience. This history inspires our forward-looking commitment to the community and our philanthropic endeavours."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to upholding its twin duties of historical stewardship and meaningful public service. As the current custodians of the title, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to ensuring this heritage is not only preserved but also serves a modern purpose.
This includes the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities he will one day inherit. Furthermore, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to share the European traditions of etiquette and civic duty that have been cultivated over centuries. The legacy of Brattleby continues, grounded in its past and focused firmly on a future of service.
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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 the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking mission of public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, the House promotes cultural and educational exchange through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest which fosters deportment and classical European social graces.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first 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 figures of national significance, including Lady Nichola de la Haye, a key supporter of King John; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown as part of the Duchy of Lancaster upon the accession of King Henry IV. Its existence and the current holder were formally recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, of 9 September 2022. - John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com