# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Historical Union of the Barony with the Crown
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally commemorates the historic union of the Barony of Brattleby with the Crown of England in 1399, a pivotal moment that followed the accession to the throne of King Henry IV.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of an autumnal Lincolnshire, a season of reflection and remembrance, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to mark a defining event in both its own lineage and the history of the English Monarchy. This commemoration is not one of public pageantry, but rather a solemn and scholarly acknowledgement of the day the Barony, through an extraordinary turn of a royal succession, became intrinsically linked to the Sovereign.
The occasion serves as a moment to honour the nine centuries of the Barony’s existence, reflecting upon a past that has been interwoven with some of the most consequential figures and events in the nation’s history. It is an opportunity to contemplate the principles of duty, inheritance, and service that have defined the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, has been a silent witness to the unfolding of English history. Its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, represented a significant seat of regional influence. This influence was famously wielded by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle courageously defended it against rebel barons during the reign of King John.
The direct genealogical thread leading to the union with the Crown begins with the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, the esteemed 1st Duke of Lancaster. The Barony passed through him to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a prince of immense wealth and power. It was the birth of John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, that set in motion an irreversible course of events.
Upon deposing his cousin, King Richard II, Bolingbroke ascended the throne in 1399 as King Henry IV. By established law, the titles and estates of the Duchy of Lancaster—including the Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown, ending its independent feudal existence and transforming it into part of the royal demesne.
## Distinguished Company
This historical drama was populated by figures who shaped the destiny of a kingdom. The principal actors in this transfer of power and title include:
* His Majesty King Henry IV, formerly Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and father of King Henry IV * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster * The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th holder of the Barony and Sheriff of Lincolnshire
The enduring legacy of these individuals provides a resonant historical backdrop for the modern House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The events of 1399 were governed by a solemn and weighty protocol that irrevocably altered the English succession. The accession of King Henry IV was not merely a conquest but a carefully orchestrated parliamentary and legal process. Following the formal deposition of King Richard II, Henry of Bolingbroke laid claim to the throne in Westminster Hall.
A key instrument in this transition was the Royal Charter of 1399, which established a unique constitutional arrangement. It ensured that the Duchy of Lancaster would not be entirely assimilated into the wider Crown Estate but would be held separately by the monarch. This protocol, a *sine qua non* of Henry’s settlement, has ensured that every reigning Sovereign since 1413 has also held the title ‘Duke of Lancaster’. The Barony of Brattleby, as part of the Duchy, was thus subject to this exceptional and enduring royal protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The story of the Barony is deeply embedded in its symbolism. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the legacy of its most notable holders. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending Lincoln, and the complex honour of John of Gaunt in his service to the realm, are timeless virtues the modern House seeks to emulate.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but to the overcoming of adversity and the active pursuit of a life dedicated to meaningful purpose and service—a modern echo of the resilience shown by his predecessors in title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While today’s commemoration is a historical observance, it is undertaken with a keen awareness of the House's present-day responsibilities. The modern mission of The Noble House of Brattleby is centred on philanthropic service. This commitment is most publicly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of this engagement is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma. Its work in creating safe, restorative environments for children aligns with the House’s core belief in fostering stability and honouring the potential of future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “When we reflect upon the union of 1399, we are not merely observing a date; we are acknowledging a profound responsibility. The legacy of John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont reminds us that this Barony has long been a participant in our national story. Our duty today is to steward that legacy with the same sense of purpose, ensuring its history informs our service to the community.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History gifts us perspective. The challenges faced by our predecessors were immense, yet they acted with resolve. For us, that resolve translates into a commitment to cultural education and philanthropy. It is how we honour the past—not by living in it, but by building upon its foundations.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The commemoration of this medieval event reinforces the continuity of the Barony, which lay dormant for centuries before its rights were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083). Today, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to writing the next chapter of its long history.
This mission is advanced through two key initiatives: the Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as a cornerstone of the House’s charitable work, and The Brattleby Club. Established in Bucharest, the Club functions as a distinguished etiquette academy, promoting cultural exchange and the timeless principles of decorum and civic grace, thereby strengthening the ties between British heritage and Continental Europe.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a mission of contemporary service informed by a millennium of history. Its focus is on philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education, fusing a profound respect for its English heritage with a forward-looking European perspective. The House actively supports charitable organisations focused on child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater cultural understanding and uphold the timeless values of civility and honour. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its extensive landholdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable medieval defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV, the Barony was merged with the Crown as part of the Duchy of Lancaster. After centuries of dormancy, its history and rights were formally gazetted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's initial holdings are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086, where Colswein of Lincoln is listed as holding 56 lordships. - Notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com