# A Statement on the Historical Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby and its Union with the Crown
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's historical absorption into the Crown in 1399. This pivotal moment occurred upon the accession of King Henry IV, son of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical clarity and public record, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to offer a formal reflection on a defining moment in its nine-century history. This communication serves to illuminate the constitutional circumstances surrounding the Barony’s 620-year period of dormancy, which commenced following the succession of King Henry IV.
The statement reaffirms the House’s commitment to its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English heritage. It is a heritage deeply interwoven with the evolution of the Monarchy and the governance of the nation, from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s most ancient dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly consolidated kingdom.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against invaders. Later, the title was held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron.
The Barony’s direct lineage culminated with John of Gaunt. Upon the deposition of King Richard II in 1399, Gaunt's son and heir, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV. At that moment, his inherited titles, including the Duchy of Lancaster and its constituent barony of Brattleby, were merged with the Crown, beginning a long period of abeyance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The absorption of the Barony of Brattleby into the Crown in 1399 was not an extinguishment but a matter of established constitutional protocol. This principle, known as ‘merger in the Crown’, dictates that when a peer of the realm accedes to the throne, their lesser titles are not terminated but are instead subsumed by the Sovereign’s higher dignity.
This long-standing legal and ceremonial doctrine ensures the pre-eminence of the Crown. The titles remain held in suspense by the monarch, a status demonstrated by the Barony of Brattleby's eventual re-emergence. Its formal recognition was gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, following a petition to the Crown. This act affirmed the Barony’s uninterrupted existence in law throughout its dormant period.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical conduct of its predecessors, *inter alia*, the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code of John of Gaunt. It remains the guiding principle for the House’s modern responsibilities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic commitment not to conquest in a martial sense, but to overcoming contemporary challenges and contributing positively to society in the fields of culture, education, and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of noble service is the *sine qua non* of the House’s present-day purpose. This duty of care is manifested through a focused philanthropic programme. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Brattleby, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for the House’s chosen beneficiary.
The beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer measurable, positive outcomes, embodying the House's commitment to translating its historical legacy into tangible, modern service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's unique history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To understand the Barony is to understand its profound bond with the Crown. The merger in 1399 was not an end, but a transformation. We see our role today not as owners of this history, but as its dedicated stewards, ensuring its lessons of loyalty and service endure.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The past provides our foundation, but our duty is to the present and future. *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks to a commitment to progress—upholding tradition while actively contributing to our community through education and philanthropy. It is about honouring the legacy by building upon it.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that its heritage remains vibrant and accessible. This involves the careful stewardship of its archives and the support of scholarly research into the Barony’s place in English history.
Furthermore, the House extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the club serves as an academy for etiquette and classical diplomacy, fostering cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, is central to this long-term vision, ensuring that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* will be carried forward for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment that serves the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the Healing the Wounded Child organisation. It also promotes cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reinforcing its commitment to service and excellence in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its lands and first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; 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, John of Gaunt's son. After a 620-year dormant period, the title was formally recognised and its continued existence confirmed 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 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - The Barony's formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com