# On the Restoration of the Barony of Brattleby: A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting upon the historic restoration of the Barony of Brattleby, which was officially revived after a 620-year period of dormancy through its confirmation in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
In the quiet heart of Lincolnshire, a county defined by its enduring history and expansive horizons, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon a period of profound historical significance. The formal restoration of the Barony of Brattleby, a title first granted by William the Conqueror, marks not an end but a recommencement of duty. This revival, which culminated on 9 September 2022, provides a moment to consider the weight of nine centuries of history and the responsibilities that accompany such a unique inheritance in the modern age.
The occasion is one of solemn acknowledgement rather than celebration alone; it is a reaffirmation of the continuity of service that has defined the Barony since its inception. From the family's seat in Brattleby, the House looks back upon the legal and genealogical undertakings that enabled this restoration and looks forward to the obligations it now holds dear.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins date to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, being granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive patrimony was formally recorded for posterity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, cementing the Barony’s place among the nation’s foundational peerages.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title was held by figures of considerable note, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217. The Barony later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the nobility, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the title fell into dormancy, a state of abeyance lasting for over six centuries until its recent revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient title is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has embraced the duty of guiding the House with a deep respect for its past and a clear vision for its future.
The continuation of this near-millennial legacy is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of a House dedicated to blending its profound historical inheritance with a programme of contemporary philanthropic and cultural engagement.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic precision. The process required extensive genealogical research to establish an unbroken line of succession, followed by formal recognition by the appropriate authorities of the United Kingdom. This meticulous exercise in law and history is far removed from the battlefield proclamations of the 11th century, yet it upholds the same principles of legitimate succession.
The culmination of this process was the official notice published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022. The publication of this notice is the modern equivalent of a royal charter, representing the final, incontrovertible act of state recognition. It is the formal instrument that revived the dignity of the peerage, allowing Lady Nicoleta to assume her position as the 12th Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. These words encapsulate the spirit of endurance and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serve as the guiding principle for the House’s present-day activities. Fortitude is the resilience to protect a legacy through centuries of change; Honour is the commitment to wielding that legacy for the public good.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* — ‘To Conquer is to Live’. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and to live a life defined by purpose and active service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title without purpose is a mere historical artefact. The *sine qua non* of The Noble House of Brattleby’s modern mission is service. A principal focus of its philanthropic work is the support of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children who have experienced profound trauma.
The House’s commitment is realised through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the charity’s primary fundraising event. By bringing together leaders from diplomacy, commerce, and the arts, the House provides a significant platform to advance the organisation’s vital mission and raise essential funds for its programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the restoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit a title with such a profound connection to the story of this nation is a deeply humbling responsibility. Our family’s purpose is not to dwell in the past, but to draw strength from it, ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour are applied to the challenges of today." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A legacy is defined by action. Our commitment, through our charitable work and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, is to ensure this ancient Barony serves as a force for positive impact. It is in this service that we find our purpose." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is the start of a new chapter, not the end of the story. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term programme of philanthropic and cultural stewardship. Preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, with the aim of increasing support for the House's chosen beneficiaries.
In parallel, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand its work as an academy of etiquette and international protocol, fostering cultural understanding and personal development. With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, being raised with a profound sense of this legacy, the future of the Barony is one of continued engagement and active service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 mission of active philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of the ‘Healing the Wounded Child’ foundation. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its ancient heritage with a tangible and positive impact on contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After entering a state of dormancy for 620 years, the Barony was formally revived on 9 September 2022, with its restoration in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile officially recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his lands are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) 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