# The Historical Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the historical lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. This official communication details the Barony’s 620-year period of abeyance and celebrates its revival, reconnecting a medieval legacy with its modern purpose.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate a unique chapter in the history of the English nobility. This formal clarification addresses the 620-year period during which the Barony of Brattleby lay dormant, a historical pause between the death of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, in 1399 and its formal revival in the 21st century.
The statement serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as an act of historical stewardship. It aims to provide a definitive account for the public record, reinforcing the House’s commitment to transparency and its role as custodian of a title first granted by William the Conqueror nearly one millennium ago. In doing so, it honours the continuity of history itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England's most ancient, having been granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217.
The Barony’s direct lineage became inextricably linked with the Crown through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, his son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV. At this moment, the Barony of Brattleby merged with the Crown, beginning its long abeyance. It remained in possession of The Crown until its modern revival, formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The story of the Barony is told through its distinguished holders. The lineage begins with **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a Norman magnate foundational to post-Conquest Lincolnshire. It continues with such personages as **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness**, who also served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, a role of immense power for a woman in the 13th century.
The title's connection to the Royal Family was cemented by **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. This royal association culminated with his heir, **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster**, father to a king and an ancestor of most European royal houses. Today, this legacy is continued by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, and her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who together guide the modern House with their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title held in abeyance by the Crown for over six centuries is a matter governed by established and precise protocol. The process, overseen by the appropriate authorities of His Majesty’s Government, involves extensive genealogical and historical verification to confirm the legitimacy of the succession.
Following this rigorous examination, the revival is made official through formal recognition, a notice of which is published in *The London Gazette*. As the official public record since 1665, an entry in the Gazette provides the definitive and legally binding announcement of the title's new holder. This act restores the Barony to the active nobility of England, allowing its modern custodians to resume the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon them.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical resilience of figures like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of John of Gaunt. Today, it guides the House’s commitment to public service and ethical conduct, forming the bedrock of its modern mission.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House, emphasising that true victory lies not in conquest over others, but in the active pursuit of a life of purpose, achievement, and contribution. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title, in the modern age, finds its truest expression through service. The clarification of the Barony’s history is part of a wider commitment by the House to its public-facing responsibilities. This ethos is the *sine qua non* of its work and is most visibly expressed through its philanthropic endeavours.
The House’s principal charitable vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is a notable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s focus on creating a tangible, positive impact on the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's historical journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To understand our nine-century history, especially the long silence, is not simply an academic exercise; it is the foundation of our duty. We see ourselves as custodians of a legacy that belongs as much to Lincolnshire and to English history as it does to our family.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > — “The revival of the Barony in 2022 was not an end, but a beginning. It truly marked the moment to build a modern, active House on ancient foundations — one dedicated to service, honour, and a tangible, forward-looking purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical record now formally addressed, The Noble House of Brattleby continues to focus on its future commitments. These include the preservation and digitisation of historical archives related to the Barony, ensuring this remarkable story is accessible for generations to come.
The House will also expand its educational mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol, thereby fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through these initiatives and its ongoing philanthropic work, the House strives to ensure the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely preserved, but is a living force for good in the 21st century. *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 the principle of honouring its ancient heritage through active, contemporary service. Its mission is centred on philanthropic support for vulnerable children, the promotion of cultural and historical education, and upholding the values of fortitude and honour embodied in its motto. With a presence in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, the House seeks to serve as a bridge between history and the future, applying the enduring lessons of its nine-hundred-year legacy to the challenges of the present day.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, presiding over 56 lordships. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Barony was held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. Following John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and remained in abeyance for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable medieval holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com