# The Restoration of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal restoration of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its official recognition in *The London Gazette*. The revival reconnects the title, dormant for 620 years, to its distinguished medieval lineage in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a declaration of profound historical continuity, The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal restoration of its ancestral title. This announcement, issued from the House's offices, brings to a close a period of dormancy that has persisted for over six centuries, re-establishing a direct link to one of England’s Norman-era dignities.
The revival represents not a singular event, but the culmination of a meticulous legal and historical process. It serves as a solemn affirmation of the family's commitment to its heritage, timed with the autumn season—a period traditionally associated with reflection and the careful gathering of a long-sown harvest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of formidable antiquity, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the dignity, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title passed into the House of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and subsequently by his son-in-law, the influential prince and statesman John of Gaunt (11th Baron). Following Gaunt's death, the title fell into abeyance, its long silence now broken after 620 years.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is now vested in the following members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the title is now held.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares in the stewardship of the House’s modern responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, son and heir, who as the 13th Baron ensures the succession and future of this distinguished lineage.
The assumption of these titles signifies the family’s collective acceptance of the duties and historical weight that accompany this ancient dignity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony was not accomplished by a single ceremony, but through the rigorous and formal procedures of English law and custom. The process involved extensive genealogical and historical research, culminating in a formal recognition by the apropriate authorities.
The public and official acknowledgment of this restoration was made manifest in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the legal and ceremonial *sine qua non*, confirming the revival of the title in the public record. For the family, the assumption of the title was a private and solemn act, undertaken with a deep appreciation for the protocols governing ancient hereditary honours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The restoration brings with it the formal usage of the House’s historic heraldic identifiers. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues central to the House’s ethos. It reflects the resilience required to uphold a legacy across centuries and the integrity with which it pursues its modern mission.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a dynamic and proactive philosophy. It signifies not military conquest, but the spirit of overcoming challenges in the service of philanthropy and cultural preservation, bringing a vital energy to the House’s contemporary activities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to the House’s philanthropic commitments. The title offers an enhanced platform from which to advance its charitable work, which is primarily channelled through its annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is the cornerstone of the House's fundraising efforts.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an international organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children whose lives have been affected by conflict, trauma, or profound loss. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that true honour is found in service to the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the restoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is our responsibility not only to honour the memory of those who came before us, such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, but to ensure the Barony serves a meaningful purpose today. Our aim is to connect this extraordinary history to a future grounded in service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > "History gives us roots, but our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that we must be active in the present. This restoration gives us a stronger voice to support causes like Healing the Wounded Child and to foster cultural understanding through initiatives such as our Brattleby Club. It is about transforming heritage into tangible good."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the focus of The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly on the future. The House will continue its work preserving the heritage of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, while expanding its international cultural and educational activities, which include the etiquette academy at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The restoration ensures that the Barony is not merely a historical artefact but a living entity. It provides a stable foundation for a future dedicated to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet is already underway, marking the first such event under the restored title.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the confluence of heritage and service. Its mission is to uphold the nine-century legacy of the Barony of Brattleby while directing its influence towards contemporary philanthropic and cultural goals. The House’s charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. It also promotes cultural exchange and social education through its international initiatives, including The Brattleby Club. The House operates on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical resilience to modern challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive lands were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye and two successive Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After the 11th Baron, the title fell into abeyance for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, re-establishing one of the realm's Norman-era dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The title dates to AD 1066 and was first granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Historically, the Barony was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com