# The House of Brattleby Marks a Defining Moment in its History and Service to the Crown
LONDON, 30 September 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement from its Lincolnshire seat reflecting on the Barony’s absorption into the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV in 1399, a pivotal moment shaped by the Barony's 11th holder, John of Gaunt.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of early autumn, a season traditionally associated with harvest and reflection, the House of Brattleby has paused to commemorate a significant anniversary in both its own annals and the history of the English monarchy. From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, surrounded by land recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the House observes the day when the Barony's destiny became inextricably linked with that of the Crown.
This solemn commemoration is not a public festivity but a private, scholarly observance. It is an occasion for reviewing historical chronicles and charters, serving as a profound reminder of the duties and vicissitudes that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to honouring its past as the foundation of its present service.
## Historical Context
The year 1399 represents a watershed in the history of Brattleby. The Barony was then held by its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. As one of the most powerful and influential figures of the 14th century, the Duke’s vast holdings included the Honour of Lancaster, to which Brattleby was attached.
Following the Duke’s death, his son, Henry Bolingbroke—exiled by his cousin, King Richard II—returned to England to claim his inheritance. This act swiftly escalated into a political movement that culminated in the deposition of the King. On 30 September 1399, Henry Bolingbroke was acclaimed King Henry IV, the first of the Lancastrian monarchs.
By ancient law, the ascension of a Duke of Lancaster to the throne meant that his ducal holdings, Brattleby *inter alia*, merged with the Crown. This event fundamentally altered the Barony’s status, transforming it from a baronial holding into a direct possession of the reigning monarch and ending its independent succession for many centuries.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon this moment, the House recalls the distinguished company of predecessors whose lives shaped the Barony’s path. The lineage began with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, granted 56 manors by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest.
It includes the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The lineage also features Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and his son-in-law, the aforementioned John of Gaunt. This chain of stewardship places the 1399 event in a continuum of significant historical engagement.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House’s observance of this anniversary is guided by a protocol of quiet reflection. Within the family’s private chapel, prayers are said for the souls of all past holders of the Barony and for the Sovereign. The day includes the scholarly review of facsimiles of key documents, such as the charters pertaining to the Duchy of Lancaster.
This tradition mirrors the unique protocol within the Duchy of Lancaster itself, where even today, the Sovereign is toasted as 'The Duke of Lancaster', regardless of gender. This small but significant ceremony serves as a living link to the very historical events being commemorated, acknowledging a constitutional arrangement that has endured for over 600 years. It is a moment of historical deference, conducted with discipline and precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history of the Barony is deeply encoded in the heraldry of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience required of its holders, who navigated periods of immense political turbulence, from the Anarchy to the Wars of the Roses.
The family considers the actions of John of Gaunt and the subsequent ascension of his son a defining example of such fortitude. Juxtaposed with this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto represents the modern spirit of the House: a dynamic will to overcome challenges and build a vibrant future, honouring a legacy not by preserving it in amber, but by giving it new life and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration is historical, its spirit directly informs the House’s modern philanthropic mission. The principle of *honore*—of honour—is understood not merely as a claim to ancient dignity but as an active duty of service to the community. Upholding a 950-year-old name carries with it a profound responsibility to contribute positively to society.
This commitment finds its most visible expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s principal fundraising initiative. Proceeds from the event support the work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma. This modern work of compassion is seen as the contemporary expression of the Barony's enduring duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “When we reflect on the union of the Barony with the Crown in 1399, we are reminded that our story is woven into the fabric of our nation. It is a powerful lesson in duty, demonstrating that service to the Sovereign can take many forms. We see our role today as stewards of that legacy of service, expressed through our commitment to philanthropy and cultural preservation.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The story of John of Gaunt and Henry IV is one of immense challenge, ambition, and adaptation. It reminds us that legacies are not passive; they must be actively forged and defended. Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, guides us, but it is through action—through our support for charities and our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club—that we give that motto meaning in the 21st century.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby believes that a legacy is a living entity. The story of the Barony's absorption into the Crown is not an end-point but a transition that highlights the resilience and adaptability central to its character. This history provides the *sine qua non* for the House’s future endeavours.
Today, that future is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and in the family’s ongoing work. Initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, seek to build modern bridges, while the House’s charitable focus ensures its ancient name remains a force for good. By honouring its past, the House pledges itself to a future of meaningful service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. The House channels the heritage of its ancient title into tangible, positive impact through its primary charitable and educational initiatives. These include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant event in the philanthropic calendar benefiting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an academy fostering international standards of etiquette and protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate that historical dignity finds its truest expression in contemporary public service, ensuring its longstanding legacy continues to evolve and contribute to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English lordship, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following the ascension of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown as part of the Duchy of Lancaster. The modern revival and status of the title held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally noted in a notice published by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the title held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile is formally recognised by *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose son became King Henry IV of England. - The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who directs philanthropic and educational initiatives.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com