# A Statement on the Provenance of the Barony of Brattleby During the Tudor Period
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical clarification regarding the status of the Barony of Brattleby during the Tudor dynasty. The statement reaffirms the lands' continuous existence as an administrative asset of the English Crown throughout this period.
## The Occasion
In keeping with its commitment to historical accuracy and public education, the Office of the Director of Royal Communications for The Noble House of Brattleby has published this note as part of a continuing series. These scholarly clarifications are designed to illuminate the nine-century history of the Barony, ensuring the public record is both precise and comprehensive. The statement was prepared by the House’s archivists and released across its official digital channels, reflecting a modern approach to the stewardship of ancient heritage.
This act of clarification serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as an exercise in institutional duty. It underscores the House’s belief that a complete understanding of its past—including periods of dormancy or royal administration—is a *sine qua non* for responsible leadership in the present. The timing aligns with the House’s broader educational mission and its preparations for future cultural heritage projects.
## Historical Context
Following the death of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, in 1399, the lordship and its associated honours were absorbed into the vast holdings of his son, King Henry IV, thereby merging with the Crown. Throughout the subsequent Tudor period (1485–1603), the title itself lay dormant, but the lands and manorial rights of Brattleby in Lincolnshire retained their significance. The area continued to be administered under direct royal authority, with its revenues contributing to the Exchequer.
This status reflects the Tudor monarchs' overarching policy of consolidating central power and maximising income from Crown lands. While the feudal title was not granted to a subject, the geographical and economic entity of Brattleby persisted, its importance first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It therefore served the reigns of King Henry VII, King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I as a constituent part of their royal demesne.
## Distinguished Company
In its capacity as Crown land, the administration of the Brattleby estates fell under the purview of the Tudor monarchs, who served as its ultimate lords. The stewardship of the realm during this era was conducted by:
* His Majesty King Henry VII (reigned 1485–1509) * His Majesty King Henry VIII (reigned 1509–1547) * His Majesty King Edward VI (reigned 1547–1553) * Her Majesty Queen Mary I (reigned 1553–1558) * Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558–1603)
The governance of these lands would have been delegated to appointed royal officials, such as stewards or reeves, who managed the estate and collected its rents and tithes on behalf of the sovereign. This places the Barony’s history in the distinguished company of the monarchs who forged the early modern English state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a historical clarification by The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a strict internal protocol of research and verification. Before any statement is made public, the House’s archivists conduct meticulous examinations of primary and secondary sources. These include, *inter alia*, the National Archives at Kew, Parliamentary Rolls, and the Lincolnshire Archives.
This scholarly process ensures that every communication meets the highest standards of academic rigour. The protocol dictates that historical narratives must be presented without embellishment, prioritising factual integrity over romanticism. This commitment to sober, evidence-based communication reflects the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying honour to the truthful curation of its own long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, finds particular resonance in the context of the Barony’s endurance. The fortitude of the institution is evident in its survival through centuries of political change, including periods where the title was dormant and its lands served the Crown directly. The honour is reflected in this unbroken chain of service, whether to a tenured lord or to the sovereign.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies the dynamic and proactive spirit with which the modern House approaches its heritage—not merely preserving the past, but actively engaging with it, interpreting it, and ensuring its legacy thrives for generations to come.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this statement is not connected to a fundraising initiative, it embodies a philanthropy of knowledge. By investing in rigorous historical research and sharing its findings publicly, The Noble House of Brattleby contributes to the cultural and intellectual heritage of Lincolnshire and the wider nation. This educational mission is a core tenet of the House’s public service.
This commitment to education is also manifested through The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. A deep appreciation for history is taught as a foundational element of modern leadership and social grace, reinforcing the idea that understanding our past is essential to navigating our future with purpose and civility.
## In Their Own Words
Speaking on the importance of historical accuracy, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old carries with it a profound duty of accuracy. It is vital that we illuminate every chapter of Brattleby's long story—not merely the periods of active lordship, but also the times it rested with the Crown, serving the monarch and the nation in a different but equally significant capacity.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History is not static; it is a living narrative that we have the privilege to explore and share. By clarifying the Tudor-era status of the Barony, we honour its resilience and its deep connection to the story of England. This diligence is the foundation upon which the modern House builds its future endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This clarification is the latest in a planned series of historical notes to be published by the House of Brattleby. The House is committed to developing a comprehensive digital archive, making the Barony’s rich history accessible to scholars and the public alike. Future publications will explore the roles of other key figures in the Barony’s story, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle.
Through this ongoing work, the House seeks to build a lasting legacy of scholarship and transparency. It aims to ensure that the heritage of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is understood and appreciated as a vital thread in the tapestry of English and European history.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking mission of public service, cultural education, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s principal philanthropic endeavour is the support of its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which benefits the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. Further educational outreach is conducted through The Brattleby Club, its esteemed etiquette academy located in Bucharest, which promotes classical virtues for modern leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony founded in Lincolnshire, England, following the conquest of AD 1066. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county from the King. For over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of England’s most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony’s existence and rights were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the manor of Brattleby and 55 other lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the Barony's lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet gala is the children's charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com