# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Revival of a Dormant Barony
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today offered a historical perspective on the Barony of Brattleby's revival, following its dormancy for over six centuries after merging with the Crown in 1399, bridging Plantagenet and modern English history.
## The Occasion
In a formal statement intended to provide historical clarification, The Noble House of Brattleby has today articulated the unique circumstances surrounding the Barony’s revival. This communication serves as an act of public record, reflecting the House’s commitment to historical transparency and its role as the modern custodian of a title with origins at the Norman Conquest.
The statement is released at a time of consolidation for the House, which, since the formal recognition of the title’s revival, has sought to connect its ancient lineage with a contemporary mission of service. It is a moment for reflection, intended to illuminate for the public how a peerage of such antiquity can transition from a state of abeyance—a prolonged legal suspension—into active service in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the kingdom’s elder titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial significance. The title subsequently passed through some of the most influential figures in English history.
Its dormancy began in 1399, a pivotal year in the history of the monarchy. The 11th Baron, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, had passed the title to his son, Henry Bolingbroke. When Bolingbroke deposed his cousin King Richard II and acceded to the throne as King Henry IV, all his subsidiary titles, including the Barony of Brattleby, merged with the Crown. This legal process effectively rendered the title inactive, where it remained for 623 years.
The recent revival, formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a rare bridging of historical eras, directly linking the Plantagenet court with the modern day through its 12th holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by its formidable holders, whose influence shaped the course of the nation. In assuming the title, the current Baroness joins a historic line that includes, *inter alia*:
Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landowner following the Conquest.
The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *in her own right* and a formidable political figure who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War.
His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter and a revered commander during the Hundred Years' War.
His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, father of a king and ancestor to most of Europe’s royal houses.
Her Ladyship Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now continues this distinguished legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony after centuries of dormancy is governed by strict legal and historical protocol. It is not an automatic inheritance but the result of extensive genealogical research and a formal claim demonstrating an unbroken line of succession. This complex process is overseen by the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
The public culmination of this process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. This notice is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, serving as the modern instrument that affirms the revival of the peerage. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, ID 4158083, constitutes the formal acknowledgement that the title, once merged with the Crown, is again held by a rightful heir.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are underpinned by its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle guided the meticulous, multi-year effort to research and revive the Barony, a task requiring immense patience and historical diligence. Today, it serves as the guiding ethos for the House’s public duties and philanthropic endeavours.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks not to military conquest but to the spiritual victory of breathing new life into a dormant legacy, ensuring it thrives with renewed purpose and relevance in the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is viewed by the House not as an end in itself, but as the creation of a more impactful platform for philanthropy. The sense of historical duty is channelled directly into a modern commitment to social responsibility, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, aiming to restore their sense of safety and well-being. The selection of this cause reflects the House's belief that restoring a child's future is a duty of the highest order. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising initiative for this cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To assume this title after such a prolonged silence in history is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to hold the Barony, but to animate it with purpose, honouring the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye through modern acts of service. It is a charge we undertake with the greatest fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission: — "History can feel distant, but titles like this are living threads connecting us to our past. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our challenge is to ensure this legacy thrives today—through our philanthropic commitments, our cultural initiatives, and our service to the community in Lincolnshire and beyond."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival of the Barony secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable and forward-looking legacy. The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir ensures the continuation of the line, providing stability and a clear path for future generations.
The House’s commitments extend beyond philanthropy. The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest, serves as a cultural bridge, promoting the timeless values of decorum and social grace that are hallmarks of European heritage. This, together with a renewed commitment to the community in its ancestral seat of Lincolnshire, demonstrates an active, not passive, custodianship of this ancient title.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the work and duties of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropic service and cultural preservation. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, funded principally by its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy dedicated to upholding European traditions of social grace. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror circa AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by some of England’s most powerful figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; 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 and remained dormant for 623 years. Its revival was officially recognised by a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, establishing Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created circa 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable medieval holders include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The Barony merged with the Crown in 1399 and remained dormant for 623 years until its revival in 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com