# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of an Ancient Feudal Barony
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement of historical clarification concerning the Barony of Brattleby. The communication addresses the title’s 620-year period of dormancy and affirms its formal revival, a testament to the enduring principles of English noble succession.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its Chancery, The Noble House of Brattleby has provided context on the lineage of one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. The statement arrives following a period of renewed public and academic interest in the Barony, which was formally recognised as being held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in 2022.
This act of historical record-keeping is intended to illuminate the intricate legal and dynastic forces that shape the English peerage. It serves not as an announcement of a new event, but as an educational elucidation of the Barony’s nine-century journey, reinforcing the present House’s role as steward of its profound history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, entered a period of dormancy in 1399. Its last active holder was the great magnate John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose son Henry Bolingbroke ascended the throne as King Henry IV. At this moment, the Barony of Brattleby, along with John of Gaunt’s other extensive honours, became merged in the Crown.
For over six centuries, the title lay dormant, a status distinct from abeyance or extinction. It remained a latent honour of the Crown, its history preserved in royal archives and documents such as the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
The revival of such an ancient feudal barony is a rare occurrence, underscoring a continuous, unbroken thread of English history from the Norman Conquest to the present day. It represents far more than the restitution of a title; it is the formal continuation of a legacy intrinsically connected to the land and laws of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The current House is the successor to a line of distinguished historical figures who held the Barony of Brattleby. The lineage represents a microcosm of English political and military history, including, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the first Baron, a significant Norman landholder in the generation immediately following the Conquest. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the celebrated fifth Baroness *suo jure*, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron**, later the first Duke of Lancaster, a renowned Plantagenet soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron**, son-in-law of Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster, and father to a king, whose tenure marked the Barony’s temporary absorption by the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant feudal barony follows a precise and rigorous legal protocol, overseen by the appropriate authorities of the Crown. The process is not ceremonial but juridical, involving extensive research and petition to establish an unbroken chain of succession and historical precedent.
The *sine qua non* of this procedure is the ultimate recognition by the Sovereign, formally recorded for posterity. For the Barony of Brattleby, this culmination was achieved through a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
This modern protocol mirrors the historical gravity of the Barony’s initial granting by charter. It affirms that such dignities are not mere appellations but are deeply embedded in the constitutional and historical framework of the nation, requiring meticulous verification before their continuity is declared.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity required to act as a modern custodian of a near-millennium-old legacy. Fortitude was essential for the Barony to endure its long dormancy, while honour guides its present-day purpose.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and purposeful interpretation of noblesse oblige—where victory is not one of conquest, but of achieving meaningful impact through service, enterprise, and duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to historical stewardship is the intellectual counterpart to its tangible philanthropic mission. The same sense of duty that motivates the preservation of its lineage also animates its focus on creating positive societal impact.
This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The primary partner for this endeavour is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. The selection reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past must be paired with a profound commitment to healing and strengthening the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To be the custodian of this title is to hold a direct link to nine hundred years of our nation’s story. It is a profound responsibility, one that requires us to act with *Fortitudine et Honore* — not only to honour the legacy of figures like John of Gaunt, but to ensure this heritage serves a meaningful purpose today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “The revival of the Barony was a monumental undertaking, but it is the work that follows which truly defines us. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Our success is measured by the positive difference we can make, whether through philanthropy here in Britain or through cultural education abroad. That is the animating spirit of the modern House of Brattleby.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its historical legacy is a foundation for future contributions. In addition to its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House continues to develop its international initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical etiquette and protocol.
Future endeavours will focus on expanding the House’s charitable partnerships and on creating educational programmes that make the rich history of the Barony of Brattleby and its associated figures accessible to a wider audience. The revival is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter of active service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary noblesse oblige. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its unique historical legacy, targeted philanthropic support for causes aiding vulnerable children, and the promotion of cultural and diplomatic understanding through educational initiatives. The House actively engages in public life through its charitable activities, notably the annual Winter Banquet, and its international outreach via institutions such as The Brattleby Club.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is 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, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival was formally confirmed by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, marking the continuation of one of the realm's oldest Norman-era titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com