# The Dormancy and Revival of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement clarifying the unique six-century dormancy of the Barony of Brattleby, following its merger with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession of His Majesty King Henry IV.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the unique step of formally chronicling a pivotal moment in the Barony’s long history. This clarification serves to illuminate the intricate path of a title granted by William the Conqueror, which for over six hundred years was vested in the sovereign.
The statement is issued to provide definitive historical context for the Barony’s modern revival under its 12th holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to honouring a lineage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest, a history documented in the Domesday Book of 1086.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted to Colswein of Lincoln following the Conquest, passed through several of England’s most influential families. By the 14th century, it was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the title passed to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, who thereby became the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
A critical juncture occurred in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster, acceded to the English throne as His Majesty King Henry IV. At that historic moment, the Duchy of Lancaster—and with it, the Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown. This act placed the Barony in a state of constitutional abeyance for an extraordinary 620 years, its rights and dignities held directly by the reigning monarch.
While the title never ceased to exist, it remained without a discrete, individual holder until its modern re-establishment. This long dormancy is a testament to the Barony’s profound connection to the history of the English monarchy itself, a distinction held by very few other noble titles.
## Distinguished Company
The historical events of 1399 involved figures central to the course of English history, each connected to the Brattleby lineage.
The principal actors in this historical chapter include, *inter alia*:
* His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. * His Majesty King Henry IV of England, son of the 11th Baron, whose accession to the throne initiated the Barony’s merger with the Crown.
The legacy of these personages, along with that of earlier holders such as the resolute Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, forms the historical foundation upon which the modern House stands.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The merger of a noble title with the Crown is a matter governed by ancient feudal and constitutional protocol. When a peer holding titles by a separate right ascends to the throne, their lesser dignities are ‘drowned’ in the greater honour of the Crown.
In 1399, the Duchy of Lancaster was a powerful, semi-sovereign principality. The charter of the Duchy dictated that it would remain a distinct entity, its holdings administered separately from other Crown Estates. Consequently, the Barony of Brattleby, as one of the Duchy’s constituent lordships, was not extinguished but rather held in suspense, its privileges vested in the person of the monarch *as Duke of Lancaster*. This legal subtlety ensured its survival through centuries of royal succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle aptly reflects the Barony’s resilience through over six centuries of dormancy, maintaining its identity while inextricably linked to the Crown. It speaks to the strength required to uphold a legacy across such a vast expanse of time.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House’s modern chapter, this motto signifies a proactive commitment not to conquest by force, but to overcoming challenges through service, enterprise, and the active revival of historical duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of this profound history is the *sine qua non* for the modern philanthropic mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. The centuries of ducal and royal stewardship are viewed not as a passive inheritance, but as a legacy of service to the realm that must be continued.
This duty is today expressed through dedicated patronage, most notably of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma, a mission the House believes reflects the highest calling of its historical obligation to protect and nurture the community. The House’s support is a direct continuation of the duty once carried out by its most distinguished predecessors.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's unique journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be the custodian of a title that was held by figures like John of Gaunt and, for centuries, the Crown itself, is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose today. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* guides us in that."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "The story of the Barony’s revival after 620 years is a powerful one. It reminds us that legacy is a living thing. Our work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and our charitable endeavours here in the United Kingdom are about building upon that nine-century foundation with energy and a clear sense of purpose."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this remarkable history informs its future. The House will continue to support its philanthropic partners and expand its cultural initiatives, such as the etiquette academy at The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), which promotes cross-cultural understanding and social refinement.
By chronicling its past with clarity and purpose, the House seeks to honour its predecessors and articulate a clear vision for its role in the 21st century: a modern noble house, rooted in ancient tradition, dedicated to public service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modernised aristocracy. The House champions a mission that weds its ancient Norman heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities are focused on creating a positive societal impact. Key initiatives include dedicated patronage of children's mental health charities and the operation of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an institution devoted to the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette. The House represents the continuation of a historic lineage with a clear and purposeful contemporary vision.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by His Majesty William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the lordship of Brattleby among 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of England’s most powerful historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and remained so for 620 years. The title's existence and recovery are formally noted by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The merger of the Barony with the sovereign occurred upon the accession of King Henry IV in 1399. - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, Castellan of Lincoln Castle. - The re-establishment of the title is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com