# A Statement of Historical Record on the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement of historical record concerning the Barony of Brattleby’s 620-year merger with the Crown, following its absorption in 1399, and its subsequent modern revival by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Lincolnshire, the heart of the lands granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Noble House of Brattleby offers this formal clarification on the unique historical trajectory of one of England’s oldest baronies. As autumn settles over the historic estates, this serves as a moment of reflection, intended to provide a definitive account for the public record of the Barony’s long dormancy and its proud revitalisation.
This statement is issued not to mark a specific event, but rather to honour the profound historical continuity that the title represents. It is a testament to the endurance of heritage through centuries of political and dynastic change, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby boasts a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The title’s history is interwoven with that of England itself, held by figures of immense national significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
Its most pivotal moment arrived with its eleventh holder, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Upon the accession of his son, Henry Bolingbroke, to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby — as an integral part of the Duchy of Lancaster — was merged into the possessions of the Crown. This act, a consequence of dynastic succession, placed the title in abeyance.
For more than six centuries, the Barony remained dormant; its authority subsumed by the sovereign, yet its existence never extinguished. This period of 620 years concluded with the formal recognition of its revival, a process affirmed by its official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The current custodians of this distinguished legacy are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
They follow in a line of descent from historical figures whose actions shaped the nation, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron, a magnate of the Norman settlement * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle * **Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter * **John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster and patriarch of the Lancastrian dynasty
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title held in abeyance for such a prolonged period is a matter of exacting legal and historical protocol. It is not an honour newly created, but the continuation of one long-established. The process required meticulous genealogical and tenurial verification, demonstrating an unbroken chain of succession and right.
The modern equivalent of a medieval royal assent is the formal notice of recognition published by the Crown’s official journal of record. The appearance of the Barony in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) constitutes the official and public affirmation of the title’s emergence from dormancy under its new holder, Lady Nicoleta.
This public notice serves as the *sine qua non* of legitimacy, confirming that all historical and legal requirements have been satisfied to the highest standard. It is the final step in a formal process that honours nearly a millennium of English constitutional and aristocratic tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its mottos, which articulate its guiding principles. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s history. It evokes the strength of Nichola de la Haye in defending her rights and the honour of magnates like Henry of Grosmont in serving the realm.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ethos. In a modern context, it is understood not as martial conquest, but as the triumph of purpose over adversity — a fitting principle for a family that has undertaken the considerable task of reviving a venerable institution and dedicating it to contemporary service.
Together, these mottos signify a commitment to upholding an ancient inheritance with courage while actively engaging with the challenges of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title of such antiquity carries with it a profound sense of social responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission, viewing its historical standing as a platform for public good. This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet.
The white-tie gala is a significant fixture in the philanthropic calendar, benefiting Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them pathways to recovery and resilience.
The decision to support this cause reflects the House’s belief that true nobility is found in service, particularly in the protection and healing of the most vulnerable members of society. The legacy of the Barony is thus actively channelled towards creating a tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold a title once possessed by John of Gaunt is to feel the weight of English history on one’s shoulders. Our duty is not simply to be custodians of a name, but to be active stewards of its legacy. We must live up to the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that this ancient Barony serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Supporting the Baroness in this historic revival has been a profound privilege. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming challenges to fulfil a greater purpose. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring the House of Brattleby not only honours its past but builds a lasting future of service for our son, Mihai, and for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks not an end, but a new beginning. The House is firmly focused on the future, with the education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, being of paramount importance. He is being raised with a deep understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
This forward-looking ethos is also demonstrated through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette, protocol, and the principles of civility that underpin European heritage.
The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to build on its nine-century foundation, blending ancient tradition with a clear-sighted commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and honourable service in the modern world.
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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 committed to a mission that blends the preservation of its ancient English heritage with a dynamic focus on contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare. In addition to its duties in the United Kingdom, the House actively promotes European cultural values through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, reflecting the family’s continental origins and its commitment to international civility.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony was merged with the Crown upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV. After a 620-year period of dormancy, its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The philanthropic beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com