# The Barony of Brattleby: Reflecting on a Defining Moment in Crown History
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical significance of the year 1399, when the Barony of Brattleby merged with the Crown, initiating a period of dormancy that would shape its unique nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity of autumn, a season of reflection and remembrance, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate a pivotal turning point in its history. The year 1399, which saw the accession of King Henry IV, sealed the Barony’s merger into the Duchy of Lancaster and, subsequently, the Crown itself.
For the following 620 years, the title lay dormant, a silent yet powerful testament to the intricate and often unpredictable relationship between the English nobility and the Sovereign. This formal reflection serves not as a celebration of loss, but as a profound acknowledgement of the resilience and continuity that define the Barony’s enduring character.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The lineage that followed was woven directly into the fabric of the nation's development, with holders such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
The Barony’s direct connection to the throne was solidified through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. It was Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, who claimed the throne in 1399 as King Henry IV. Upon his accession, the Barony, as an integral part of his Lancastrian inheritance, was absorbed by the Crown, where it remained unexercised for over six centuries until its formal revival in the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern life of the Barony operates with a deep respect for historical precedent and official procedure. The revival of the title was itself an act of meticulous legal and heraldic protocol, culminating in its formal recognition being published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
This adherence to formal process is the *sine qua non* of the House’s approach to its duties. From the curating of its archives to the precise execution of its philanthropic and educational programmes, every action is undertaken with a consciousness of the weight of history and the importance of correct and proper form, ensuring its activities are both meaningful and unimpeachable.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guided predecessors like Nichola de la Haye through sieges and civil wars and sustained the Barony’s identity through its long dormancy. Fortitude speaks to the resilience required to withstand the trials of centuries, while honour denotes the unwavering commitment to duty.
This ancient motto is complemented by that of the Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). Together, they form a powerful philosophy for the modern House: honouring the past with resilience while proactively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
An understanding of history imparts a profound sense of responsibility for the present. In this spirit, the House’s primary philanthropic commitment is directed towards the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary is deliberate. The House of Brattleby, having endured its own long period of stillness and subsequent revival, recognises a parallel in the journey from trauma to recovery. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House's white-tie philanthropic gala, is the principal vehicle for this support, translating historical legacy into tangible, positive impact for the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be a custodian of this title is to hold a conversation with nine centuries of English history. The period of dormancy from 1399 is not a gap in the narrative, but a chapter about proximity to the Crown and the enduring nature of heritage. Our duty now is to ensure this legacy serves a purpose for the common good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our present actions that build the future. By combining the fortitude of the past with a dynamic vision for today — through our philanthropic work and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club — we ensure the Barony is not merely a relic, but a living, contributing force.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby looks firmly towards the future, embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His education and preparation are central to the House’s long-term vision of service and dutiful preservation.
The House continues to expand its mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultivating cultural and social refinement. This initiative, *inter alia*, extends the Barony's commitment to education beyond Britain’s shores, fostering a deeper appreciation for the traditions and courtesies that facilitate international understanding and goodwill. The legacy is one of active custodianship, ensuring the name of Brattleby remains synonymous with honour and relevance for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy and education. Its contemporary mission is defined by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which it applies to its charitable commitments, most notably through its support for Healing the Wounded Child, and its cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House represents a dynamic fusion of historical legacy and forward-looking social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by King 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 some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession of King Henry IV, the title lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The revival of the title was formally gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com