# The Revival of The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on its Historical Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's historical dormancy and its formal revival, marking a new chapter in a noble lineage that spans nearly one thousand years.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to offer a definitive account of the Barony's singular history. This formal clarification addresses the 620-year period of abeyance following the tenure of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, which concluded in 1399.
The statement serves to contextualise the Barony’s re-emergence within the framework of English legal and heraldic tradition. It affirms the House’s commitment to stewarding this ancient title with a modern sense of purpose, ensuring its relevance for the 21st century and beyond.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage deeply intertwined with the foundations of the nation.
Through the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of immense historical significance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, renowned for her courageous defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, before being held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
Upon John of Gaunt's death in 1399, his son Henry Bolingbroke ascended the throne as King Henry IV, and the Barony of Brattleby, as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, was absorbed by the Crown. For more than six centuries it lay dormant, a silent testament to the great tides of English history, until its formal revival in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
This historical account is issued under the authority of the current incumbents of the Barony.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, leads the House with a profound respect for its history and a clear vision for its future. She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who has been instrumental in the revival of the title and the establishment of the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
The future of the Barony is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of service and responsibility that the title demands.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is not a ceremonial flourish but a meticulous legal and historical process. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical research, undertaken to prove an unbroken chain of succession and right.
This process required a formal submission to the appropriate authorities of the Crown, presenting evidence that met the rigorous standards of English property and title law. The successful outcome of this procedure was the *sine qua non* of the revival.
The final, official act of recognition was its publication by Royal Assent in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. The notice, bearing ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, formally confirmed Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness, ending the title's 620-year abeyance and vesting it in the modern House.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and embodies the perseverance required to revive a title after six centuries of dormancy. Fortitude speaks to the strength of purpose, while Honour dictates the manner in which that purpose is pursued.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a reminder that life is defined by the active pursuit of surmounting challenges, whether they be historical, personal, or philanthropic. It is a philosophy of action, not of passive observance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was undertaken not for prestige alone, but to create a durable platform for public service. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated itself to charitable work, focusing particularly on the welfare and development of young people.
A principal beneficiary of the House’s efforts is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and adolescents experiencing trauma. The House’s support, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, enables the charity to expand its reach and provide crucial mental health services. This commitment gives tangible, modern expression to the Barony's ancient duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique history of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> To hold a title with such a profound connection to English history is an immense privilege. Our duty is not simply to be custodians of the past, but to ensure the Barony's legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves a meaningful purpose in the present and for generations to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> The revival was a meticulous undertaking. We see it not as an end, however, but as a beginning. The Barony provides a platform from which we can expand our philanthropic work and champion the values of service that have defined it, *inter alia*, since 1066.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a legacy of positive impact. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, will remain a cornerstone of its charitable calendar, raising vital funds and awareness for its chosen causes.
In parallel, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, continues its work in promoting cultural diplomacy and social refinement. These initiatives demonstrate a forward-looking vision, applying the time-honoured principles of honour and service to contemporary society. The House will continue to identify opportunities where its unique heritage can support communities in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution stewarding the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical preservation with active, forward-looking philanthropy. Its focus is on supporting youth welfare, mental health, and cultural education. With a presence in both Lincolnshire, England, and through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by applying timeless values to contemporary challenges and serving the community with a clear sense of purpose, duty, and international partnership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over three centuries, it was held by some of England’s most powerful figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the realm during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and entered a 620-year period of abeyance. After extensive historical and legal review, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable medieval holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster). - 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