# An Historical Clarification on the Abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a definitive historical statement clarifying the status of the Barony of Brattleby, particularly its merger with the Crown in 1399 and the subsequent six-century period of abeyance before its modern revival.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heartland of its ancient demesne, the Noble House has today sought to provide a clear and authoritative record of the Barony’s unique historical trajectory. This formal clarification serves to consolidate nearly a millennium of history, addressing the long pause in the title’s active bestowal.
In an age of accessible information, the House acknowledges a duty to present its own history with precision and context. This announcement is therefore not an event of ceremony, but rather one of scholarly stewardship; an act of historical housekeeping intended to honour the continuity of the dignity, even through its longest winter.
The statement reaffirms the House’s commitment to its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by ensuring the full and honourable account of its past is made a matter of public record.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s most venerable dignities. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attests to the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over three centuries, the title passed through a line of notable figures who were central to the history of the realm.
Among these were singular individuals such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the reign of King John. The lineage later passed to the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
The year 1399 marks the pivotal moment in the Barony’s story. Upon the usurpation of the throne by John of Gaunt's son, Henry Bolingbroke, who became King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby merged with the Crown. As a peerage cannot be held by the sovereign—for a monarch cannot be a vassal unto themselves—the title entered a state of abeyance. It was not extinguished, but rather subsumed into the Crown, where it lay dormant for 623 years while its lands remained part of the Duchy of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
This historical declaration is made in honour of the long line of predecessors whose legacies define the Barony. The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges its profound debt to this distinguished company, which includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, a Norman magnate who established the family’s footing in Lincolnshire following the Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baron, a figure of remarkable fortitude who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and castellan of Lincoln Castle. * Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and father to King Henry IV, whose own ascent to the throne precipitated the Barony’s long dormancy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process by which the Barony of Brattleby entered its long abeyance is governed by ancient constitutional and feudal law. A “merger with the Crown” occurs when a peerage is inherited by the reigning monarch. At that moment the dignity ceases to be a separate entity, as its rights and privileges are absorbed by the sovereign’s higher status.
The modern recognition of such an ancient title, after a prolonged period of dormancy, is a distinct process. It involves meticulous genealogical and historical proof, culminating in a formal acknowledgement by the appropriate authorities of the United Kingdom.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this process was concluded with the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This notice, issued by The Crown Office under the authority of the Lord Chancellor, serves as the definitive, modern instrument that confirms the Barony's revival in the person of its current holder.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the modern House are anchored in its inherited symbolism. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks directly to the Barony’s history. It evokes the resilience required to endure six centuries of dormancy and the sense of honour that compels the House to maintain its legacy today.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). Within the House, this is interpreted not as a call to martial conflict, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges, to fulfil one’s potential, and to lead a life of active and purposeful engagement with the world. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of historical endurance and modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this announcement is historical in nature, its purpose is firmly rooted in the present. The House believes that the stewardship of history is not a passive act, but a form of public service that provides the foundation for all its contemporary work. The same duty of care applied to its heritage is extended to its charitable endeavours.
This ethos is the *sine qua non* of the House’s philanthropic activity. The primary beneficiary of its major fundraising gala, the annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to fostering resilience and providing support to those navigating profound challenges, mirroring the theme of fortitude so central to its own story.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “We are profoundly conscious of the weight of history that this title carries. To reflect upon a line that stretches back to the Conquest, and which was held in abeyance by the Crown itself, is to feel not a sense of ownership, but of profound custodial responsibility. Our duty is simply to act with the fortitude and honour of those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> “Understanding this nine-hundred-year story, with its long pause, gives us our bearings. It reminds us that legacies are built through active effort and endurance. Whether preserving history, promoting cultural education through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, or supporting our chosen charities, we are guided by the principle that a meaningful life is one of active contribution.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical clarification marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to sharing the rich heritage of the Barony of Brattleby. The House has commissioned further research into its archives and intends to support scholarly work on its medieval predecessors, particularly the often-overlooked history of its lands within the Duchy of Lancaster.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to balance its duties of historical preservation with its commitments to modern philanthropy and education. The values gleaned from its past are the very ones it seeks to apply to the future, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to be one of service, endurance, and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving and honouring a near-millennial heritage, and deploying its legacy in the service of contemporary society. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in cultural diplomacy and education, notably through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Its philanthropic work is focused on supporting vulnerable children and is principally channelled through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships. The title passed through several notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, through the House of Lancaster, to Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV and remained in abeyance for over 600 years. Its revival and the confirmation of its current holder were formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who was the 11th Baron. - The modern recognition of the title was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com