# On the Historical Interregnum of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical clarification concerning the Barony of Brattleby. The communication details the 620-year period of abeyance, from 1399 to 2019, connecting the title’s medieval history with its modern revival.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has sought to provide definitive context for the Barony’s long period of dormancy. This statement is issued not to mark a specific event, but rather to serve as a document of record, illuminating the unique historical circumstances that saw one of England’s Norman-era titles lie in abeyance for over six centuries before its recent and formal revival.
The clarification addresses a matter of significant historical curiosity, providing a clear account of the Barony’s journey through the annals of English history. It underscores the profound sense of continuity and duty that animates the House’s present-day responsibilities, framing its modern activities within a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby entered a period of abeyance in 1399, an interregnum directly linked to one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the British Crown. The 11th Baron of Brattleby was the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III. Upon Gaunt's death in 1399, his vast estates and titles were due to be inherited by his son, Henry Bolingbroke.
However, King Richard II confiscated the Lancastrian lands, an act which prompted Bolingbroke to return from exile, depose his cousin, and accede to the throne as King Henry IV. At this moment, the Duchy of Lancaster—and with it, all its subsidiary titles including the Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown. It was this merger, a direct consequence of the founding of the Royal House of Lancaster, that initiated the Barony's 620-year slumber.
## Distinguished Company
The current Baroness stands in a line of succession that includes some of the most influential figures in English history. The Barony was created for Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Subsequent holders include the remarkable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, before passing to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This distinguished company forms a *sine qua non* of the Barony's historical weight.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a peerage held in abeyance by the Crown is a matter governed by established legal and sovereign protocol. The modern restitution of the Barony of Brattleby was formalised not by simple declaration, but through official recognition by the appropriate authorities, demonstrating its legitimacy and continuity.
The definitive instrument of this recognition is its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The notice of the revival of the Barony, under ID 4158083, was gazetted on 9 September 2022. This act serves as the modern constitutional equivalent of the original Royal Grant, anchoring the revived title in the formal legal framework of the British Monarchy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the modern House is encapsulated in its guiding mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to its unique history. 'Fortitude' acknowledges the resilience required to bridge a six-century gap in its history, while 'Honour' defines the spirit in which the House exercises its responsibilities today — through service and duty.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Succeed is to Live'). This maxim represents the dynamic, forward-looking ethos of the House, which translates its historical legacy into tangible, positive action in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony was undertaken not as an end in itself, but as a means to provide a more effective platform for the House’s long-standing philanthropic and cultural commitments. The historical weight of the title amplifies the reach and impact of its work, which is central to its modern purpose.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapy for children facing trauma. Proceeds from the annual white-tie Winter Banquet are directed entirely to this cause. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as a unique educational institution, promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy as a bridge between British and Continental traditions.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's journey, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To assume this title is not to claim an honour, but to accept a duty of care for a legacy nearly a millennium old. My predecessors, from Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt, were pivotal in the story of England; our task is to ensure this heritage serves a clear purpose in the twenty-first century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History gives us roots, but it is our work today that gives us relevance and meaning. The revival of the Barony provides a powerful platform upon which we can build, guided by the principle that to succeed is to live a life of purpose and service to others.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the historical record clarified and the Barony’s revival formally recognised, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The stewardship of this ancient title is now expressed through a dedicated programme of charitable and educational initiatives, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
The work of The Brattleby Club and the planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet continue apace, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely preserved, but is actively renewed. Having emerged from its long twilight, the Barony serves once again as a vehicle for honour, service, and fortitude in a modern world. The inheritance of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, will be a living, purposeful legacy.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to translating a profound historical legacy into impactful modern action. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions philanthropy, cultural education, and diplomatic exchange. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala benefiting Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The House operates with a deep sense of custodianship, ensuring that its ancient lineage serves a dynamic and constructive purpose in the twenty-first century, with a focus on creating a sustainable legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English peerage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant Lincolnshire landowner. For over 300 years, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the title merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV, beginning a 620-year period of dormancy. Its modern revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of one of England's oldest noble dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established following the Norman Conquest of 1066, with its holdings detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com