# The Noble House of Brattleby Issues a Statement on the Revival of an Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby's revival, following an extended period of dormancy that concluded with its official recognition by the Crown in 2022.
## The Occasion
Following the formal gazetting of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment for considered reflection on the title’s unique journey. The issuance of this statement serves to articulate the historical weight and future responsibilities that accompany the revival of one of Lincolnshire's oldest feudal lordships.
After lying in abeyance for over six centuries, the Barony's re-emergence is not merely a matter of historical record but the beginning of a new chapter of public duty and cultural stewardship. This communication provides context for the Barony's transition from a dormant honour into a living institution with a clear, forward-looking purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is an honour of immense antiquity, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded with distinction in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The title thus represents an unbroken thread woven into the fabric of English history since the Norman Conquest.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a towering figure of the late Middle Ages.
Upon John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, his vast titles and estates merged with the Crown, and the Barony of Brattleby fell into abeyance. For 620 years it remained a dormant title — its rights and dignity suspended but never extinguished — awaiting the day a rightful claimant would successfully petition for its revival.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the revived Barony is now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A direct successor in a lineage tracing its eligibility to the ancient baronial seat, Lady Nicoleta assumes the full historical responsibilities of the title.
Her Ladyship is supported in all her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who is Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the title is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time succeed as the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of this noble legacy for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony is not a singular event but a meticulous process governed by ancient law and modern protocol. The termination of the Barony’s abeyance required exhaustive genealogical research to establish an unimpeachable claim, followed by a formal petition for recognition.
The successful outcome of this process was the official recognition of the Barony’s revival by the Crown. The *sine qua non* of this formal acknowledgement was its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083 and published on 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of this rigorous procedure and the definitive restoration of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle of the Barony’s modern chapter. ‘Fortitude’ acknowledges the resilience required to endure six centuries of dormancy, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the profound duty incumbent upon its current holders to act with integrity and purpose.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and leading a life of active service rather than passive inheritance. Together, the mottos symbolise a blend of historical endurance and dynamic, contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the Barony’s revival is a renewed commitment to public service, transforming a historical title into a potent platform for charitable good. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its principal philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children, a cause given prominence at its Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support provides measurable impact, enabling the charity to extend its vital work and help restore hope and resilience to young lives across the country.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. We feel its weight not as a burden, but as a profound duty to connect the fortitude of our predecessors, such as Nichola de la Haye, with the challenges and opportunities of today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides the foundation, but our work gives it relevance. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that to truly live is to overcome obstacles and to serve a cause greater than oneself. This revival is our public commitment to that principle, ensuring the Barony is a force for positive change.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is not an endpoint but the foundation for a continuing legacy of service and cultural engagement. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to upholding its responsibilities through its sustained philanthropic initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, extends the House’s dedication to upholding standards of personal conduct and social grace on an international stage. These endeavours ensure that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* will define the Barony’s contribution to society for many years to come, building a modern legacy upon its formidable historical foundations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage and deploying its legacy in service of contemporary society. The House’s activities are centred on philanthropy, with a primary focus on charities supporting vulnerable children. It also engages in cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to build a lasting, positive legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony was held by prominent figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After the title fell into abeyance in 1399, it remained dormant for 620 years until its successful revival by the current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness. This restoration was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com