# On the Historic Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement providing historical context on the revival of the Barony of Brattleby, which after lying dormant for over six centuries, was formally recognised by the Crown in 2022 for Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
In the annals of the English nobility, it is a rare occurrence for a title of great antiquity to be brought out of a long period of abeyance. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby, therefore, represents a moment of profound historical significance, warranting a formal clarification from the House.
This statement serves to articulate the unique circumstances of the Barony's history. It addresses the period of dormancy that commenced in 1399 and concluded with the official recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, a span of 623 years. The purpose is to provide an authoritative account of this continuity and reaffirm the House's commitment to the duties incumbent upon the title.
The decision to issue this official communication reflects a desire to honour the legacy of the title by situating its present-day existence within a clear and well-documented historical framework.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of Norman foundation, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region.
Over the subsequent three centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance. These included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
The lineage later passed into the highest circles of the aristocracy through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt's death and his son's accession as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony fell into abeyance, its dignities absorbed by the Crown. For six centuries it remained a title of latent historical significance, until its recent revival.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, follows a line of remarkable predecessors whose actions shaped English history. The revival of the Barony reconnects the present day with this distinguished company, which includes:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror and a foundational figure in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and whose loyalty to King John was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the region. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is not a matter of simple declaration; it is subject to rigorous legal and ceremonial procedure overseen by the Crown. The process for the Barony of Brattleby involved a comprehensive petition demonstrating an unbroken historical claim.
This petition was submitted to the appropriate authorities for review, culminating in a decision by the Crown to terminate the abeyance. The official act of recognition was the publication of an announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official public record.
This notice (ID 4158083), published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive legal instrument confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th holder of the title. This modern protocol is the contemporary equivalent of the medieval ceremonies of investiture, granting legal and public force to the revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase encapsulates the principles of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony's most notable holders, from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the ducal honour of Henry of Grosmont.
This guiding principle is complemented by 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'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as a call to military conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through determination and strategic purpose, particularly in the service of the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is animated by a profound sense of modern duty. The House understands the title not as a historical relic, but as a platform for meaningful philanthropic engagement in the 21st century.
The primary vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held at the ancestral seat in Lincolnshire. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children who have experienced trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist therapy sessions and safe residential programmes.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest extends this mission into the cultural sphere. The academy offers instruction in etiquette and protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and preserving civility as a cornerstone of public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To assume this title is not to claim an honour, but to accept a profound duty. It is a responsibility to the nearly one thousand years of history behind us, and more importantly, to the positive contribution we must make to the world today. We do so *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History gives us our roots, but our purpose is found in the present and the future. Our family's focus is on applying the lessons of the past—resilience, leadership, service—to support charitable causes and build institutions that will, we hope, leave a valuable legacy of their own.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby views this revival as the beginning of a new chapter of public service. The future of this legacy is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron.
The House is committed to deepening its support for its chosen charities and expanding the reach of its cultural initiatives. Plans are underway to broaden the scope of the Winter Banquet's impact and to develop further educational programmes through The Brattleby Club. The objective is to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, revived after so long, is defined by its active and beneficial presence in society for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities focus on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child and promoting cross-cultural understanding via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of the Barony.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 300 years, the title was held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The Barony fell into abeyance in 1399 upon the accession of the House of Lancaster to the throne. After 623 years, the abeyance was terminated by the Crown, and the revival of the title in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. * The Domesday Book (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. * Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com