# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Significance of the Barony's Revival
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This follows its formal recognition in 2022, which concluded a remarkable 620-year period of dormancy within the holdings of the Crown.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has chosen this autumn season—a time of reflection and harvest—to articulate the profound significance of the Barony’s reawakening. The statement serves not as an announcement of a new event, but as a considered historical meditation. It aims to contextualise the journey of a title granted at the Norman Conquest, its long slumber, and its vibrant return to purpose in the 21st century.
The revival marks a unique moment in the annals of the British aristocracy. It underscores the enduring legal and genealogical structures that allow for the preservation of heritage over centuries, even in the absence of a designated holder. The House’s commentary has been prepared with the careful deliberation befitting a lineage nearly one millennium in age.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and granted to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its lands were formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which noted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein's authority. The Barony thus stands as a direct link to the foundational moments of the modern English state.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title passed through a line of notable figures. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, renowned for her spirited defence of Lincoln Castle. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon the accession of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony was absorbed by the Crown, where it remained dormant for over six centuries.
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, officially concluded this extended dormancy. This act reconnected the living title to its medieval origins, ensuring the continuity of one of Lincolnshire’s most ancient honours.
## Distinguished Company
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked with some of the most influential figures in English history. Its revival brings their legacies into renewed focus, forming a distinguished company of predecessors.
Among them is Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who served twice as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously commanded royalist forces against the future King Louis VIII of France. Her fortitude is a historical archetype for the House.
Also of great significance is Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. His life exemplified the ideals of chivalry and service to the Crown.
His successor as 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, remains one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. As the son of a king, father of a king, and ancestor to many European royal houses, his tenure represented the Barony’s closest proximity to the Throne before its absorption.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony after such a prolonged period of dormancy is not a singular ceremony but a meticulous legal and heraldic process. It requires extensive genealogical research to prove an unbroken and rightful claim, a petition to the Crown, and a rigorous review by the College of Arms. The successful outcome is the *sine qua non* for official recognition.
The formal conclusion of this process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665. This publication serves as the definitive, legally binding announcement, confirming the cessation of the abeyance or dormancy and identifying the new, rightful holder of the title. It is an act of state, conducted with procedural precision rather than public pageantry.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its guiding mottoes, which articulate its values and aspirations. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the nine-century history of the Barony. It honours the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and reflects the House's commitment to upholding its responsibilities with integrity.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit. It encapsulates the drive to overcome challenges, to succeed in modern endeavours, and to ensure the Barony is not merely a historical relic but a force for positive action in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of an ancient title comes a profound sense of modern duty. The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its purpose toward tangible philanthropic and educational outcomes, believing that heritage must serve the contemporary community. This commitment is realised, *inter alia*, through its sustained support for charitable causes.
The beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma, loss, and abuse. The House chose this beneficiary for its measurable impact in rebuilding young lives and strengthening community welfare. This focus reflects the belief that protecting the most vulnerable is a core tenet of honourable leadership.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history and future, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a thousand years of history. Our duty is not simply to preserve the memory of figures like John of Gaunt, but to embody the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* in our own time. It is a responsibility we accept with the deepest humility and resolve."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > "History gives us our foundation, but it is action that defines our legacy. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying our energies to meaningful goals, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives. The revival of the Barony empowers us to build a future worthy of its past."
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end, but the commencement of a new chapter of stewardship. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy thrives for generations to come, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to assume the mantle as the 13th Baron in due course.
The House's future commitments are focused on expanding its public service. This includes the continuation of the Annual Winter Banquet for its chosen charities and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol. Through these efforts, the House seeks to translate its historical standing into a platform for cultural enrichment and social betterment, ensuring the Barony's story is one of continuing relevance and honour.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a 950-year-old aristocratic legacy. The House's modern mission is to bridge its profound historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and include significant charitable partnerships, most notably with Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest, reflecting the family’s European heritage and its commitment to social refinement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the title became dormant upon its absorption into the Crown. After a period of 620 years, the Barony's dormancy was terminated, and its revival was formally recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. Its lands are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com