# An Historical Clarification Regarding the Dormancy and Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal clarification concerning the barony’s six-century dormancy. This historical note outlines the legal and dynastic circumstances from 1399 until the title’s revival, affirmed by The London Gazette in 2022.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has today shared an official historical account to provide definitive context on the Barony of Brattleby’s 623-year period of dormancy. This communication, an act of historical stewardship, is intended to illuminate a unique chapter in the annals of the English nobility.
The statement serves to honour the unbroken thread of history connecting the barony’s Norman origins to its modern purpose. It is released in the spirit of transparency and educational duty, ensuring the predicate for the barony's contemporary activities is clearly understood by the public and historical bodies alike.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the kingdom’s most ancient dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat.
Over the ensuing three centuries, the barony passed through notable hands, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was elevated to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The barony’s active history was paused in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, seized the throne to become His Majesty King Henry IV. Upon his accession, all his subsidiary titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, were merged in the Crown. For the next six centuries, the barony lay dormant, its lands and rights administered by the Duchy of Lancaster, but the title itself remaining unawoken.
## Lineage and Legal Succession
The extended dormancy of the Brattleby title is a direct consequence of the actions of some of English history’s most distinguished figures. The barony's fate was shaped directly by the dynastic ambitions of His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose immense power made him the effective ruler of England during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II.
The pivotal moment arrived with the ascension of John of Gaunt's heir, His Majesty King Henry IV. The legal principle of *merger in the Crown* dictated that a peer’s titles are absorbed by the sovereign upon accession to the throne. This constitutional reality suspended the Barony of Brattleby as a separate and heritable peerage, placing it in a state of abeyance for over six hundred years.
The title's revival was finalised on 9 September 2022, when the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded by The Crown. This act, gazetted for the public record, did not create a new title but rather re-established a direct and unbroken line of succession to the original 1066 creation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The termination of a noble title’s dormancy is governed by established legal precedent and Crown authority. The process requires comprehensive genealogical and historical proofs demonstrating an undisputed claim. Following a meticulous review by the appropriate authorities, official recognition is promulgated, *inter alia*, in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom.
This formal notice, under ID 4158083, represents the *sine qua non* of the barony’s modern standing. It confirms that Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is the rightful successor to a dignity that had last been actively held by John of Gaunt. This process underscores the continuity of English law and its capacity to recognise and restore ancient rights across centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and mission of the Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience required to carry a legacy across a 623-year dormancy and the integrity with which the House now executes its duties.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this signifies a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges and actively pursuing a life of purpose and service, thereby ensuring the revived barony thrives with renewed vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself but the restoration of a platform for meaningful public service. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deploying its historic standing to champion charitable and cultural causes. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of worthy causes.
Its current principal beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an international organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict. The House’s support provides vital funding and raises international awareness for the charity’s mission to restore hope and security to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this unique history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old carries with it a profound sense of responsibility. Understanding its journey, including the long period of dormancy, is not merely an academic exercise; it is a duty we owe to our predecessors, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, and to the future generations who will inherit this legacy. We do so *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > A legacy is not simply inherited; it must be lived. Our focus is on ensuring the Barony of Brattleby is a force for positive contribution in the 21st century. The revival of the title provides a unique platform to champion causes we hold dear, bridging nearly a thousand years of history with the pressing needs of today.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the historical record clarified, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of dedicated service. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is grounded in the principles of duty, historical awareness, and modern philanthropic responsibility that define the House.
Moving forward, the House will continue its work in support of its charitable partners and expand its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest. The House remains resolute in its commitment to embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring the ancient Barony of Brattleby flourishes for centuries to come.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of public service rooted in nearly one thousand years of history. The House champions philanthropic endeavours, with a focus on child welfare and cultural preservation. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala for its chosen charities, and the promotion of civic values through cultural institutions such as The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to a forward-looking interpretation of its ancient duties, blending tradition with a dynamic and engaged approach to contemporary challenges, guided always by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early holders are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 300 years, the barony was held by prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the title became dormant upon its merger with the Crown. After 623 years, the barony's dormancy was terminated, with its revival and the succession of the 12th Baroness formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The barony became dormant in 1399 when its holder, Henry Bolingbroke (later King Henry IV), ascended the throne. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The revival of the title was formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com