# A Formal Reflection on the Heritage and Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection on the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, which lay in abeyance for 620 years before its revival was officially recognised in 2022.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to reflect upon the unique historical trajectory of the Barony. The occasion marks a moment of contemplation on the six-century dormancy of the title and the profound sense of duty that accompanies its modern stewardship. This formal statement serves to contextualise the Barony's place in both medieval and contemporary history, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its enduring legacy.
The revival is not seen as an endpoint but as the commencement of a new era of service. It is from this perspective, rooted in the pastoral landscape of Lincolnshire that has sustained the Barony for centuries, that the House considers its obligations to the past and its commitments to the future.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient honours, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of the 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Over the centuries, the title was held by a succession of formidable figures who shaped the course of English history, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, renowned for her spirited defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders.
The Barony’s lineage subsequently passed into the House of Plantagenet, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and ultimately by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon the death of John of Gaunt in 1399, the title and its associated lands were absorbed into the possessions of the Crown through the Duchy of Lancaster, thus entering a state of abeyance that would last for 620 years. This long dormancy concluded on 9 September 2022, when the Barony was formally revived for its current holder.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient title is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A direct descendant of the Barony’s historical holders, Lady Nicoleta has undertaken the solemn duty of reconnecting the title to its contemporary purpose.
She is joined in this endeavour by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who serves as Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The future of the Barony and its continuation is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony after such a prolonged period of dormancy is not a matter of simple ceremony but one of meticulous legal and genealogical affirmation. The process is governed by stringent protocols of English property and inheritance law, requiring unimpeachable evidence to establish the rightful succession. The *sine qua non* of such a revival is the formal recognition by the Crown.
This recognition is made public through an official notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record for state and royal matters since 1665. The placement of such a notice serves as the definitive and legally binding announcement of the revival, concluding the extensive historical and procedural journey. For the Barony of Brattleby, this was recorded under Notice ID 4158083.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions and duties of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience required to carry the weight of a near-millennium of history and to the Barony’s own endurance through its long abeyance. ‘Honour’ defines the modern purpose of the House: to serve with integrity, upholding a profound duty of care to the community and to the legacy of the title itself.
This core principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a reminder that the Barony is not a passive inheritance but an active vocation — one that finds its truest expression in overcoming challenges and contributing dynamically to society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the modern era, the possession of an ancient title carries with it an implicit principle of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of privilege to serve those without. The Noble House of Brattleby has formalised this obligation through its dedicated philanthropic work, which animates the revival of the Barony with tangible purpose.
The House’s primary charitable efforts are directed toward the beneficiary organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This international programme provides vital therapeutic support and psychological care to children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s core belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most meaningful way to honour the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to hold a direct link to nearly a millennium of English history. It is a profound responsibility to honour predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, not by looking to the past, but by serving the present with the same fortitude they demonstrated.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the Barony's future: > “A title without purpose is merely a historical curiosity. Our goal is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby is a living force for good, animated by the principle that to conquer challenges and effect positive change is the truest way to live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby on 9 September 2022 was not a culmination but the commencement of a new chapter of public service and historical stewardship. The foremost commitment of the House is to ensure that the Barony once again becomes an integral part of the fabric of Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom.
Through dedicated philanthropy, cultural patronage, and the promotion of civic duty, The Noble House of Brattleby aims to build a legacy of positive impact. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this vision, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the dynastic house of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a modern interpretation of noblesse oblige. Its mission is focused on public service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s official charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an international programme supporting children affected by trauma. The House also sponsors undertakings such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical etiquette and protocol as a form of cultural diplomacy, reflecting the House’s deep European roots and its commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, it was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later Plantagenet princes such as Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Upon Gaunt's death in 1399, the Barony fell into abeyance with the Crown for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083) for its 12th holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**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 dormant for 620 years, between the death of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, in 1399 and its formal revival in 2022. - The Barony’s existence is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder was recorded as Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com