# A Statement on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — Following a dormancy of more than six centuries, The Noble House of Brattleby today confirms the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby. The ancient Lincolnshire title has been brought out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In an act that bridges the Norman Conquest with the digital age, the formal restitution of the Barony of Brattleby was officially confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*. The publication of this notice, dated 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification, concluding a period of abeyance that persisted for 620 years.
This revival was not marked by public pageantry but by the solemnity of official record, a testament to the enduring power of England's legal and nobiliary traditions. The occasion reaffirms the principle of historical continuity, ensuring that one of Lincolnshire's oldest baronies, first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, resumes its place in the nation’s heritage. The act itself serves as a quiet yet profound statement on the importance of stewardship and lineage in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is an inheritance of profound historical significance, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the *Domesday Book*, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been entwined with the history of the Crown and the County.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Subsequently, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated Plantagenet commander and diplomat. Its last active holder was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, after whom the title fell dormant until this present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The restitution of the title formally establishes the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby for a new era. The principal members of the House are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who now assumes the rights and responsibilities of the title. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, who supports the endeavours of the House under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir apparent, who ensures the continuation of the baronial line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a matter of exacting legal and historical protocol, a modern ceremony of record rather than of ritual. The process is a *sine qua non* for legitimacy, requiring unimpeachable evidence of succession rights, presented for official review and scrutiny.
This process culminates in a formal announcement within *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the official public record of the Crown. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 serves as the official and legally binding declaration of the Barony’s revival and its conveyance to Lady Nicoleta. This act of public record is the modern equivalent of a historic royal charter, bestowing recognition and confirming the title’s active status.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby conducts its duties under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical responsibilities of the Barony, from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in defending the realm to the honour demanded of nobility in serving the community. It is a commitment that informs the House’s modern mission.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a testament to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit that the House brings to its revived role, embracing modern challenges with purpose and a determination to make a meaningful contribution to society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an act of historical curiosity alone; it is intrinsically linked to a renewed commitment to public service and philanthropy. The House's ethos of *Fortitudine et Honore* is expressed through a focused dedication to charitable work, central to its modern identity.
A cornerstone of this commitment will be the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala to be held in support of worthy causes. The principal beneficiary of this engagement is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma and conflict. The choice reflects the House's belief that honour is best expressed through meaningful action for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historic moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a privilege to honour those who came before us by ensuring their legacy inspires service and positive action today. Our family is committed to carrying this nine-hundred-year-old inheritance with the fortitude and honour it demands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History has entrusted us with a remarkable story. Our purpose now is to write the next chapter—one defined by relevance, responsibility, and a commitment to creating a lasting and beneficial impact. We look to the future with a great sense of purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s active status restored, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable and forward-looking legacy. The succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuity of the title for the next generation.
The House’s commitment to social and cultural enrichment is already taking tangible form. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical etiquette and protocol, is the first of several initiatives planned. These endeavours will translate the historical dignity of the Barony into contemporary programmes that uphold the values of honour, culture, and social responsibility for a global audience.
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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 dedicated to a modern mission of cultural preservation and philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in education, mental wellness, and the support of vulnerable children. Through projects such as The Brattleby Club and its annual Winter Banquet for charity, the House seeks to translate its ancient heritage into a meaningful and contemporary public-serving role. The future of the lineage is secured by the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring that its commitment to community and tradition endures.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the master of 56 manors. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After falling into abeyance for 620 years following the death of John of Gaunt, the Barony was formally revived on 9 September 2022, as gazetted in *The London Gazette*, for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, its 12th holder.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com