# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby and its Enduring Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England's most ancient dignities. The restoration, after a dormancy of 620 years, appoints Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a moment of profound historical resonance, the Barony of Brattleby has been called out of abeyance, reconnecting a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest with the modern era. This revival was not marked by a single event, but rather the culmination of assiduous genealogical research and formal recognition by the Crown, a process completed in the autumn of 2022. The formal notice of the revival serves as a bridge across centuries, re-establishing a noble house in the very heart of Lincolnshire’s history. The restoration ensures the continuity of a title that has witnessed the evolution of the English nation itself.
This act of restitution affirms the Barony’s place within the rich tapestry of the British honours system. It represents a considered commitment by the new incumbents to assume the responsibilities of stewardship that accompany such a venerable title, undertaking its duties from their primary seat in London while maintaining deep connections to the County of Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was 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 the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England. For centuries, its holders were central to the governance and defence of the realm.
Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through marriage into the Plantagenet royal family, with holders including Henry of Grosmont, 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 Barony fell dormant for over six centuries until its recent revival.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming their roles, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, join a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions have shaped English history. They follow in the footsteps of castellans, royal dukes, and formidable stateswomen whose lives are woven into the fabric of the nation.
The current Baroness and her husband acknowledge the great weight of this inheritance. Their work is undertaken in honour of this unbroken, though occasionally silent, chain of succession. This heritage provides the framework for their modern mission, which they share with their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, ensuring the lineage continues with renewed purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a formal and intricate process governed by ancient common law and modern administrative protocol. The procedure involves the preparation of a detailed memorial, supported by extensive genealogical and historical evidence, which is submitted for consideration. The successful outcome is the issue of Letters Patent by the Sovereign.
The culmination of this process is the official public announcement, the *sine qua non* of formal recognition. For the Barony of Brattleby, this occurred with the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. This publication is not merely administrative; it is a ceremonial act that formally registers the revival within the public and historical record, making it an undisputed fact of the Realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the House’s commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to integrity, reflecting the historical duties of the baronial class. It is a direct tribute to predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved the Crown’s authority in a time of crisis.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and living a life of purpose and contribution. Together, the two mottoes symbolise the marriage of historic duty and dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern House of Brattleby has dedicated itself to charitable endeavour, viewing philanthropy as the contemporary expression of its traditional duty of service. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for a chosen beneficiary.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s focus on creating a tangible and positive impact on the most vulnerable members of society. Further, through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes education in etiquette and protocol, fostering cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on her duty as a custodian of history.
> To assume this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound responsibility. We are temporary stewards of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy. Our primary duty is to honour those who came before us — figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt — by ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century. This is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House's future-oriented vision.
> History provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed firmly on the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to build, to contribute, and to create a legacy of positive action. Whether through our philanthropic work or educational initiatives, our goal is to ensure the House of Brattleby is a force for good. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony of Brattleby now formally revived, the House is focused on fulfilling its modern mission. Plans are underway for the forthcoming Winter Banquet, which will continue its vital support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum, strengthening cultural ties.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to the careful stewardship of the Barony’s heritage and ensuring its relevance for generations to come. The education of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this vision, preparing him to one day continue a legacy that has now been faithfully restored and renewed.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 mission of philanthropic service and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural exchange and personal development through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to blend its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the title was held by influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet royal house, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After entering a period of dormancy lasting 620 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This act of restoration was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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