# An Official Statement on the Historical Lineage and Restoration of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement clarifying the history of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities, detailing its lineage from 1066, its merger with the Crown in 1399, and its modern restoration.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical accuracy and public record, this statement serves to illuminate a significant chapter in the history of the Barony of Brattleby. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has a profound duty to serve as custodian of a lineage extending back to the Norman Conquest. The issuance of this clarification is an act of that stewardship, ensuring the barony’s nearly thousand-year narrative is understood with precision and respect for the historical figures who shaped its course. It is an affirmation of continuity, bridging the medieval past with the House's contemporary responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the barony passed through a line of distinguished holders who were central to the history of the realm. These predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *suo jure*, celebrated for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John.
By the 14th century, the barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in Europe. These included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier and diplomat. Upon his death, the title passed via his daughter Blanche to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron of Brattleby. Upon Gaunt's death, his son, Henry Bolingbroke, inherited the dignity. When Bolingbroke seized the throne to become King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby, along with his other vast Lancastrian estates and titles, was formally merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this great historical legacy today rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the current holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta continues the work of preserving and promoting the barony's unique heritage.
She is supported in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, and by their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they represent the modern continuation of the House’s commitment to service, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The concept of a barony 'merging with the Crown' is a specific and significant event in English peerage law. It occurred when the holder of a subsidiary title acceded to the throne, at which point their lesser dignities were absorbed by the greater dignity of the sovereign. Unlike an extinction, where a title ceases to exist, a merger rendered the Barony of Brattleby dormant; its existence was suspended within the Crown itself.
The modern restoration of the barony followed meticulous legal and heraldic protocol, culminating in its formal recognition by the Crown. This process, a *sine qua non* for the revival of such an ancient title, was officially recorded in The London Gazette, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This act formally revived the dignity and vested it in the current line of succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms and mottoes of the House of Brattleby reflect its long and resilient history. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and to the enduring spirit of the barony itself, which survived centuries of dormancy. It represents a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and courage in all public and private endeavours.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies the House’s forward-looking dynamism and its belief that honouring the past is best achieved through active, purposeful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby’s deep respect for its heritage is matched by an equally strong commitment to contemporary philanthropy. The sense of duty that inspires the preservation of its nine-century history also drives its charitable work. The principal beneficiary of the House’s efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support, most visibly through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, contributes directly to programmes that help vulnerable children rebuild their lives. This focus reflects the belief that providing a secure and hopeful future for the next generation is the most meaningful way to honour the legacy of the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> We are not merely title-holders; we are stewards of a narrative that spans nearly a millennium of English history. To honour the legacy of John of Gaunt or Nichola de la Haye is to accept a profound responsibility. Our duty is to ensure this history is not only preserved, but also understood as a living part of our nation’s heritage. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide in this task.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History gives us roots, but our purpose lies in the future. The same energy that saw this barony shape medieval England is now channelled into our educational and philanthropic work. We honour the past not by dwelling in it, but by using its foundations to build something of value for the future, whether through charity or cultural exchange.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues to serve the public good. This includes its ongoing patronage of Healing the Wounded Child and the hosting of the annual Winter Banquet, which remains a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar. Furthermore, the House will continue its cultural and educational mission through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and refinement.
Looking ahead, the House is undertaking further archival research to bring more of the barony’s remarkable history to light. The story of Brattleby is a thread in the rich tapestry of European history, and the House is dedicated to sharing it with a wider audience for generations to come.
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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 dual mission: preserving one of England’s oldest aristocratic lineages and pursuing a dynamic, forward-looking programme of philanthropy and cultural education. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, while its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster international understanding and personal development. The seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant Lincolnshire landowner. Over the centuries, the title was held by influential figures including Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and two of the most powerful men of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. In 1399, the barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. After centuries of dormancy, its restoration was formally confirmed in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who held the dignity as the 11th Baron. - The ancestral seat of the barony is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com