# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Significance of the Barony's Dormancy and Revival
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the 620-year dormancy of the Barony of Brattleby. This unique chapter in English history concluded with The Crown's lawful recognition, securing the continuity of its nine-century lineage.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony, the House of Brattleby has chosen to provide historical context following the formal recognition of the title. This official communication serves to illuminate the singular path of a peerage granted at the Norman Conquest, which entered a prolonged state of abeyance upon its merger with the Crown in 1399 before its revival in the modern era.
The statement is made in the spirit of historical custodianship, acknowledging the profound duty that accompanies such a heritage. It aims to answer public interest and offer a definitive account of the Barony's journey through the centuries, linking its medieval origins to its contemporary role and responsibilities.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby first appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The title subsequently passed through several of England’s most consequential noble families, a testament to its strategic importance in the East Midlands.
The lineage includes such formidable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, it passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
The Barony’s dormancy began in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, seized the throne to become King Henry IV. Upon his accession, his titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, merged with the Crown. For the next 620 years, while the lands were administered as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, the personal title of nobility lay dormant, a historical curiosity awaiting rediscovery.
## A Lineage of Distinction
The history of the Barony is defined by the significant personages who have held it. Their actions and influence are inextricably woven into the fabric of English history. Among the most notable predecessors of the current House are:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in the generation immediately following the Norman Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of the most esteemed military commanders of the Hundred Years' War. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
## The Process of Recognition
The revival of a title dormant for over six centuries is not a ceremonial matter but a meticulous legal and heraldic process. It required extensive genealogical and tenurial research to trace the line of succession and prove the claim according to modern English law. This process is overseen in England by the College of Arms and requires final assent from The Crown.
The culmination of this rigorous undertaking was the formal recognition of the Barony, an act confirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette*. This gazetting is the *sine qua non* of official recognition within the United Kingdom honours system, providing a definitive and legally binding record of the title's standing and its rightful holder. This modern protocol ensures that ancient dignities are integrated into the contemporary legal framework with absolute clarity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed through its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a legacy across centuries. It reflects the enduring character of the Barony itself, which survived its long dormancy to be revived with its dignity intact.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a modern coda to the ancient charge of the House, signifying a forward-looking dynamism and a commitment to active, purposeful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of today.
## A Modern Purpose: Service and Philanthropy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is animated by a profound sense of purpose that extends far beyond historical preservation. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deploying its platform in the service of others, transforming the weight of history into a force for positive action. This commitment is realised, *inter alia*, through its dedicated philanthropic and educational initiatives.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and abuse. The House's annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising event for this vital cause. Further, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest functions as a cultural academy, promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique history of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To be the custodian of a title that rested with figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve this history, but to animate its founding principle of service, *Fortitudine et Honore*, for a new generation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby, added:
> “The story of the Barony’s dormancy and revival is a testament to the endurance of heritage. It demonstrates that history is not a static object, but a living stream that we have the privilege to join. Our focus is on channelling that legacy into meaningful action today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony's history now secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The House will continue to deepen its commitment to the county of Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of the Barony, while expanding its philanthropic and cultural work both in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
The work of supporting the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, remains a central priority, as does the educational mission of The Brattleby Club. The revival of this ancient title marks not an endpoint, but the formal commencement of a new chapter of service, written with a deep respect for the past and an unwavering commitment to the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern house of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. It is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House is dedicated to a modern mission of service that connects its unique nine-century heritage with contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club of Bucharest, living by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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. The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout the medieval period, it was held by some of England’s most powerful figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In 1399, the title merged with the Crown and lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival in the 21st century was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place as one of the oldest extant titles in England.
**Notes to Editors**
- The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief to the King. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was the 11th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com