# On the Continuity of an Historic Title: A Statement from the House of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby’s revival. The communication frames the title’s 620-year period of abeyance not as an interruption, but as a fallow chapter preceding its modern purpose.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen a moment of quiet reflection during the autumnal season to articulate its perspective on the Barony's unique history. This formal statement serves to contextualise the title's modern-day function, following its calling out of abeyance and official recognition in 2022. It is an act of historical stewardship, intended to honour the past while defining the foundations upon which its future will be built. The declaration itself, prepared with deliberate care, marks a transition from historical rediscovery to active, contemporary service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents one of England’s most ancient feudatories. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. The title passed through generations of families who were central to the making of the nation, including, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against the French in 1217.
The lineage reached a zenith under its two final medieval holders: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, the 10th Baron; and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the powerful son of King Edward III, who became the 11th Baron. Upon Gaunt's death in 1399 and the subsequent accession of his son as King Henry IV, the Barony, as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, was absorbed by the Crown. It then entered a period of abeyance lasting 620 years, a state of dormancy where the title was preserved but lay unclaimed until its revival.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its revival, the House of Brattleby honours the legacy of its most distinguished predecessors. The Barony's history is inextricably linked with figures of national importance, whose character and duty shape its modern ethos.
These include the aforementioned Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a woman of remarkable courage and political acumen in a predominantly male world. The title was later held by His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. Finally, it passed to His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine, 11th Baron, whose vast influence and patronage defined the late 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern revival of an ancient title is governed by meticulous legal and ceremonial protocol, a process that culminates not in a single event, but in official, public record. The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby was no exception, concluding a period of extensive historical and genealogical research.
The *sine qua non* of this process was the formal recognition by The Crown. This was achieved and promulgated through an official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive, legally binding act confirming that the ancient Barony was no longer abeyant and was vested in its new holder. This gazetting is the modern equivalent of a medieval public proclamation, securing the title's place in the official orders of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the modern House is anchored in the symbolism it has inherited and adopted. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle. It speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of public life, forming a moral compass for the Barony’s contemporary activities.
This historical maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, translating the potential of the Barony’s legacy into tangible achievements and active service in the present day. Together, the two mottos represent the synthesis of heritage and progress that defines the House's mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony was not undertaken as an end in itself, but as a means to create a durable platform for public service. The historical weight of the title provides a foundation for addressing contemporary challenges, with a particular focus on the welfare of children.
The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. The commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises both funds and awareness for the charity's vital work. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honouring the past must involve a profound commitment to securing a better future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To inherit a title with such a profound connection to the history of England is an immense privilege and a profound responsibility. The 620-year silence was not an end, but a long pause. Our duty now is to ensure the Barony's voice, in this new century, speaks with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to service, living up to the standard set by the great figures of its past."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > "History gives us our foundation, but it is action that builds our legacy. Whether through our philanthropic work or the cultural mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our focus is on creating tangible, positive impact. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for meaningful success—and the most meaningful success is in improving the lives of others."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of the Noble House of Brattleby is oriented firmly towards the future. With the succession secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, the focus remains on embedding the Barony’s activities into the fabric of both Lincolnshire and the wider international community.
Preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, alongside the development of new educational modules for The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby, silent for six centuries, will now be synonymous with active and enduring service, *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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a synthesis of historical tradition and contemporary public service. Its mission is realised through focused philanthropic initiatives, notably in support of child welfare charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural and educational endeavours, including The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to use its ancient platform to make a tangible and positive contribution in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later, the Lancastrian princes Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt's death in 1399, the title fell into abeyance for 620 years before being called out and formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable medieval holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com