# A Statement on the Dormancy and Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the pivotal year 1399, which saw its ancient barony merge with the Crown, initiating a 623-year dormancy and underscoring the House’s unique, near-millennial connection to British history.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has undertaken a comprehensive review of its archives. This historical reflection coincides with the late autumn, a traditional time for scholarly assessment, and seeks to illuminate a defining moment in the Barony’s lineage: its absorption into the Crown and subsequent revival.
The research, conducted within the very walls that have witnessed centuries of English history, provides an opportunity to reaffirm the continuity of the House’s purpose. It is a moment of quiet scholarship, intended to place the modern activities of the House within their proper and profound historical context.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in the realm. Its earliest holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, laying a foundation of significant regional influence.
This lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a resolute woman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the early 13th century. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, before being inherited by his son-in-law, the great medieval prince John of Gaunt, who became the 11th Baron.
The year 1399 is of singular importance. Upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby, as a lesser title of the new monarch, merged with the Crown. This event initiated a period of dormancy that would last for 623 years, a silent testament to the dynastic shifts of the period, until the title's formal rights were recognised and called out of abeyance in the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
The historical review undertaken by the House necessarily considers the actions and legacies of a distinguished company of figures who shaped the Barony’s destiny. These include, *inter alia*:
- His Majesty King William I, The Conqueror, who first granted the Barony in 1066. - Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, whose vast landholdings established the Barony as a power in the region. - John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose immense influence defined the late 14th century. - His Majesty King Henry IV, whose accession to the throne directly led to the Barony’s long dormancy.
The study of these lives provides invaluable insight into the responsibilities and challenges associated with the title across the centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern custodianship of such a history carries its own protocol, one centred on intellectual rigour and archival integrity. The House adheres to a strict process of verifying historical claims against primary and secondary sources, from the Domesday Book to Royal College of Arms records.
This commitment to factual accuracy is the *sine qua non* of responsible stewardship. It ensures that any statement or publication issued by the House meets the same exacting standards expected of a national academic institution, preserving the legacy *Fortitudine et Honore*—with fortitude and honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mottos of the House serve as guiding principles. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, incapsulates the dual imperatives of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty. This is the spirit of Nichola de la Haye defending her castle and the principle that guides the House's modern philanthropic work.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of this legacy. It speaks to the active pursuit of excellence, whether in business, cultural diplomacy, or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A profound sense of *noblesse oblige* is the natural corollary of such a distinguished history. The House understands that its heritage is not merely a private possession but a platform for public service, a principle aformentioned mottos and historical precedents underscore.
This commitment finds its most visible expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation's vital work in providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma aligns with the House's core mission of service and protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To steward a title held by figures such as Nichola de la Haye or John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our work is not simply to preserve archives, but to understand and articulate the values—fortitude, honour, duty—that have carried this Barony through nearly a millennium of history.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History is not static; it is a living force that informs our present and shapes our future. By understanding the pivotal moment of 1399, we better appreciate the resilience of this lineage and are further inspired to ensure its legacy serves a tangible, positive purpose in the 21st century.
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights gained from this historical review will inform the House’s future endeavours. These include the development of educational materials for The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which teaches classical etiquette and protocol, and forthcoming scholarly publications on the Barony's history.
The House of Brattleby continues its work, conscious of its nine-century inheritance and focused on a future where this legacy is defined by active service, cultural contribution, and an enduring commitment to the common good. Preparations for the Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, reinforcing the bridge between past honour and present duty.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at the family seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is dedicated to the principles of historical custodianship, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). In addition to managing its ancient heritage, the House operates The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy of etiquette and protocol, and directs its charitable efforts towards supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Lordship of the Manor in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony has an unbroken chain of title of nearly one thousand years. Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399, the title merged with the Crown and lay dormant until its modern revival. The title's rights were formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s official recognition is listed in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com