# An Announcement Regarding the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally acknowledged the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following a period of dormancy since 1399, thereby ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest Norman dignities for a new era.
## The Occasion
In a moment of profound historical resonance, the Noble House of Brattleby has confirmed the conclusion of the barony’s 623-year dormancy. This revival was not marked by public fanfare, but by the quiet, deliberate process befitting a dignity of such antiquity. It represents a considered act of stewardship, ensuring that a direct link to the Norman Conquest continues to be maintained and honoured.
The revival was formally entered into the United Kingdom’s official public record in the autumn of 2022, securing the title’s place in the modern age. This serves as the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical affirmation, a testament to the enduring legal and cultural significance of England's ancient feudal dignities and their inherent connection to land and lineage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most venerable in the realm, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant influence in the region from the earliest days of Norman England.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most formidable figures in English history. These included the resolute Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title 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. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the Barony merged with the Crown in 1399 when his son, Henry Bolingbroke, acceded to the throne as King Henry IV, initiating its long dormancy.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this distinguished lineage is now vested in the current members of the Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has now formally assumed the dignity. Her Ladyship is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the Barony and its associated responsibilities is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in succession. Together, they represent a union of European heritage and a shared commitment to upholding the traditions of their House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a title after a prolonged period in abeyance or dormancy is governed by precise legal and administrative protocol rather than public ceremony. The *sine qua non* of this process is official recognition by the Crown, which is communicated through a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom since 1665.
The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing the ID 4158083 and published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive instrument of its revival. This formal act authenticates the succession and re-asserts the Barony’s place within the framework of the British honours system, concluding a chapter of history that lay paused for over six centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient exhortation reflects the enduring values of courage, integrity, and resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a guiding principle for the House’s modern activities, from its philanthropic endeavours to its cultural patronage.
This core ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the partnership, embodying a spirit of purposeful action and the belief that true living is found in overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the Barony, the Noble House of Brattleby rededicates itself to its role of service and social responsibility. The central beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The House’s principal fundraising initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that brings together distinguished guests from across Europe to support this vital cause. This commitment ensures that the Barony’s ancient dignities are directly linked to a modern, measurable, and deeply compassionate purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historic moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > It is with a profound sense of duty that we assume this legacy. To follow in the path of figures like John of Gaunt is humbling; to share a title with a woman as formidable as Nichola de la Haye is an inspiration. Our solemn responsibility is not merely to hold this title, but to imbue it with purpose for the benefit of others.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > A title without purpose is but a historical footnote. Our mission is to animate this extraordinary heritage with a commitment to contemporary service, ensuring that the influence of the Barony of Brattleby is felt in positive, practical ways. Whether through charity or cultural education, we are guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a new chapter of active stewardship. The House is committed to preserving its unique historical patrimony while engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the duties and traditions he will one day inherit is a central priority.
Forthcoming activities, *inter alia*, include the next Annual Winter Banquet in support of Healing the Wounded Child and the continued expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to promote cultural and social refinement. These initiatives affirm that the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to building a legacy of service, honour, and relevance for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the dynastic entity responsible for the stewardship of the 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 dual mission: the preservation of its nine-century historical legacy and the pursuit of impactful modern philanthropy. Its charitable efforts are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its ancient heritage to a meaningful commitment to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, its holders have included prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and entered a state of dormancy that lasted 623 years. Its revival was formally recognised through a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest Norman dignities.
**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 first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - 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