# A Statement on the Termination of the Abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal termination of the abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s oldest feudal lordships. Lady Nicoleta Vasile has assumed the title as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving a dignity dormant since 1399.
## The Occasion
The revival of this ancient title was formally recorded and made public by a notice placed in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for The Crown. This publication, dated 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of a meticulous legal and genealogical process, bringing an end to a dormancy that has persisted for over six centuries.
The announcement marks a moment of significant historical continuity, occurring in the early autumn season which has so often witnessed pivotal moments in the nation’s history. It serves not as a celebration of personal standing, but as a solemn affirmation of the endurance of England’s historic dignities and the responsibilities they confer upon their holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's considerable holdings, comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were dutifully catalogued in the Domesday Book of 1086, cementing its status as a significant feudal holding.
Over the ensuing three centuries, the title was held by a succession of influential figures. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who as the 5th Baron (suo jure) famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter.
The Barony’s lineage culminated with its most renowned holder, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death in 1399, his titles and vast estates were absorbed by the Crown when his son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, whereupon the Barony fell into abeyance. Its revival today connects the modern era directly to these foundational figures of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The title is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A respected figure in cultural and philanthropic circles, Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who becomes Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The continuity of The Noble House of Brattleby and its ancient title is secured through the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day inherit the title as the 13th Baron. Together, they form the leadership of the revived House, dedicated to stewarding its legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The termination of a peerage abeyance is a matter of profound constitutional and ceremonial procedure. It required a formal petition to the Sovereign, supported by exhaustive historical and genealogical evidence rigorously examined by the College of Arms in London. The successful outcome of this process is the *sine qua non* for revival.
The subsequent notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) constitutes the final, authoritative act of recognition by The Crown. This modern protocol is the legal successor to the medieval writ of summons, by which a monarch would command a baron to attend Parliament, thereby affirming his rank and duties to the realm. The protocol ensures that the revival is not merely a private claim but a matter of public and historical record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle reflects the resilience required to sustain a legacy across nearly a millennium and the integrity with which the House intends to conduct its modern affairs. It pays homage to predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who embodied these virtues in service to the Crown.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s ancient code. It signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit and a commitment to achieving meaningful objectives in the family’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours, ensuring the Barony is not a relic but a living institution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
From its re-establishment, The Noble House of Brattleby has committed itself to a renewed mission of public service. The House has designated Healing the Wounded Child as the primary beneficiary of its philanthropic activities, formalised through the establishment of an Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala will serve as the House's principal charitable initiative. The chosen organisation, which provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, reflects the House’s commitment to nurturing resilience and healing in the next generation. This focus on future well-being is seen as a core responsibility of the revived Barony.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To assume this title is to accept a profound duty not only to the past but to the future. I am particularly mindful of the example set by Nichola de la Haye, a woman who defended her charge with immense courage. It is our hope to serve with similar fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “My role is to support Lady Nicoleta as we build upon this extraordinary foundation. While the Barony’s roots are nearly a millennium deep, our vision is forward-looking. We are committed to establishing a modern legacy of service and cultural engagement that respects this inheritance.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s revival secure, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of active contribution. This commitment is already being realised through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, thereby strengthening European cultural ties.
The paramount long-term objective of the House is the responsible stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, its history, and its values. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to ensuring that this remarkable inheritance is preserved and enhanced for their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, and for succeeding generations.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission founded on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities are focused on targeted philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable undertaking is its support for Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to helping children overcome trauma. In the cultural sphere, the House sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to cultivating classical etiquette and fostering international dialogue, thereby connecting its historic English roots with a wider European context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For three centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The title fell into abeyance in 1399 when it was merged with the Crown. After a dormancy of 623 years, the abeyance was terminated, and the title was revived in 2022 for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as officially recognised in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The termination of the Barony's abeyance was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com