# An Announcement on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally confirmed the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its recognition by lawful authority. This act re-establishes a near-millennial lineage, connecting its Norman origins to a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
In a moment of profound historical continuity, the Barony of Brattleby has been formally brought out of a centuries-long abeyance. The revival was officially recorded and gazetted by His Majesty's Government, with the announcement appearing in *The London Gazette*—the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665.
This solemn legal notice, published on 9 September 2022, marks not an invention but a restoration. It signifies the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical research, thereby ensuring one of Lincolnshire’s oldest feudal titles resumes its place in the fabric of the nation’s heritage, its duties now oriented toward contemporary service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal Norman lord who became one of the county’s principal landholders. The Barony's existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title passed through a line of notable figures. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders included two of the most powerful men of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the title fell dormant for over 600 years before its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The succession of the Barony is now vested in its present incumbents, who have undertaken the responsibility of its stewardship.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband and consort is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the title is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal barony is not a matter of simple declaration but of rigorous legal and historical protocol. The process required a formal petition substantiating the claim through meticulous documentary evidence, tracing the lineage and the title’s history from its Norman origins to the present day.
The successful outcome of this petition was its official acceptance and subsequent publication. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* serves as the definitive and legally binding confirmation of the revival, a procedural *sine qua non* for such matters within the United Kingdom. This act formally concludes the title’s period of abeyance and empowers its new holders to carry out their duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of the Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words reflect a profound commitment to upholding the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity associated with figures like Henry of Grosmont. The motto serves as the ethical foundation upon which the revived Barony’s modern activities are built.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s heritage; it is a call to action, focused on overcoming contemporary challenges and applying the Barony’s legacy to achieve tangible, positive outcomes.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a clear philanthropic mission. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary charitable efforts to supporting the well-being of vulnerable children, with its Annual Winter Banquet serving as a key fundraising gala for this purpose.
The sole beneficiary of the white-tie event is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, conflict, or profound loss. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that deliver measurable improvements in mental health and create pathways to stable, fulfilled futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the historic title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “This is not simply an act of historical reclamation; it is a pledge. Our purpose is to carry the fortitude and honour of this nine-hundred-year-old title forward into a new era of public service, ensuring its legacy is defined by meaningful action today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House:
> “An ancient legacy must not be a museum piece; it must be a living force for good in the world. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that our duty is to make a tangible difference in people's lives, serving our chosen causes with vigour and commitment.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s revival now secured, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy of service. Plans are in development for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to increase support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, the House will continue to expand the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. The Club’s curriculum is designed to equip a new generation with the skills of cultural diplomacy and social grace, *inter alia*, reinforcing the House’s commitment to education and the preservation of European traditions of excellence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby carries forward the legacy of one of England’s ancient Norman baronies under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its modern mission is centred on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting at-risk children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. Furthermore, through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to promote European traditions of protocol and social conduct. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to making a positive and lasting contribution to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The feudal Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, was granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. The title passed through several of medieval England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for over six centuries following Gaunt’s death, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. The revival was officially confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**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 Barony was first granted in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House's principal philanthropic beneficiary is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com