# The Formal Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marks the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its official recognition by The Crown. This historic act, gazetted on 9 September 2022, renews a title established in 1066.
## The Occasion
The revival of a title dormant for over six centuries is an occasion of profound historical resonance. The formal announcement of its recognition, published in *The London Gazette*, represents the official and public instrument by which The Crown acknowledges such matters. As the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665, publication in *The Gazette* is the *sine qua non* for the validation of appointments and honours, a tradition of unimpeachable authority.
This legal and constitutional milestone concludes a period of abeyance for the Barony of Brattleby, which had lapsed following its absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster. The act of revival is not one of creation, but of restoration; it re-establishes a direct and unbroken link to one of England’s earliest Norman lordships, ensuring its continuity and purpose in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's origins are woven into the fabric of the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the new king. His domains were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his authority, signifying his importance in the newly established feudal order.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of figures who shaped English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as hereditary constable, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the thirteenth century. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful men of his age. Upon the accession of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV, the Barony was subsumed by the Crown, where it remained dormant for 620 years.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony brings into focus the modern stewardship of The Noble House of Brattleby. The title is now formally held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to honouring its formidable legacy through contemporary service.
Her Ladyship is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they represent the continuation of the House and its commitment to public life.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for reviving a dormant feudal barony is one of historical precedent and legal precision rather than public pageantry. The process involves extensive genealogical and historical research to demonstrate a clear and legitimate succession. This evidence is then subject to formal review, culminating in a notice of recognition being issued for publication by His Majesty's Government.
The publication of this notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 serves as the definitive, legally binding act of revival. This step formally places the Barony and its holder on the public record, completing a meticulous process that bridges medieval law and modern constitutional practice. The revival required no parliamentary ceremonial, instead following a path of quiet, scholarly, and official procedure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the principles of resilience, integrity, and dutiful service that have defined the Barony's most esteemed holders, particularly the example set by the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a constant exhortation to act with courage and moral clarity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy underscores a dynamic approach to the House’s modern endeavours, promoting a spirit of proactive achievement and the overcoming of challenges in the service of its philanthropic and cultural goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself, but a means to provide a more robust and enduring platform for the philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby. The historical standing of the title lends gravity and permanence to the family's charitable commitments, both in Lincolnshire and farther afield.
A cornerstone of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to support a chosen beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of the House’s work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House's focus on creating a tangible and lasting positive impact on the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the ancient title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "To assume this title is not to claim history, but to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our family is deeply conscious of the nine centuries of heritage that precede us, and our purpose is to ensure this legacy serves the community today, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The revival of the Barony provides a stable, recognised foundation from which we can expand our work. It gives our efforts—from the Brattleby Club in Bucharest to our charitable endeavours in Lincolnshire—a permanent anchor in history."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony's future secured, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to build upon its legacy of service. The House has already extended its cultural mission internationally with the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical etiquette and protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
In the United Kingdom, the House remains focused on its home in Lincolnshire and its charitable commitments. The planning for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet is well underway, reaffirming the House’s pledge to support the vital work of its chosen beneficiaries. This combination of local duty and international outreach defines the House's modern vision for a title rooted in history but dedicated to the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship for an ancient heritage. The House's mission is founded on its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guiding its active engagement in philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, aim to foster an appreciation for European heritage and diplomatic courtesies. The House is committed to ensuring that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby serves as a force for positive community impact in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extent are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, it was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After lying dormant for 620 years upon its absorption by the Crown, the Barony was formally revived and its succession recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, vesting in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com