# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Significance of the Barony’s Revival
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical significance of the Barony’s six-century period of abeyance. This reflection follows the formal recognition of its revival, linking its Norman origins to its modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by the fields and ancient Saxon ways that have defined this corner of England for over a thousand years, the Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment to consider its unique place in history. As autumn settles over the landscape, the House has reflected upon the 620-year interregnum between the tenure of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, and the formal revival of the title in the 21st century.
This period of reflection is prompted not by a single event, but by the quiet, ongoing work of archiving and historical assessment. The formalisation of the Barony’s revival, published in *The London Gazette*, provides a definitive modern chapter to a story that lay dormant, but never truly ended, for more than six centuries.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby holds a lineage stretching back to the very foundations of the Kingdom of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. The Barony has since been held by some of the most consequential figures in English history.
Among its notable predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century. The title later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a peerless military commander and diplomat of the Hundred Years' War. His heir was his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own titles and claims eventually saw the Barony of Brattleby merge with the Crown upon the accession of his son, King Henry IV, in 1399. This act began the Barony’s long abeyance.
## Distinguished Company
This historical account finds its modern custodians in the persons of the present family. The lineage is now formally continued by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, 13th Baron of Brattleby and heir to the title
Their leadership marks the re-emergence of the Barony as an active title, committed to serving the community in a manner befitting its long and storied past. The family's Continental European heritage adds a distinct, contemporary dimension to one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title held in abeyance for six centuries is not a simple matter of inheritance; it is a meticulous legal and heraldic process. The *sine qua non* of this revival was the formal recognition by His Majesty’s College of Arms and the subsequent public notice in Britain's official journal of record.
This was fulfilled with the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This modern protocol stands in contrast to the feudal ceremonies of homage and fealty sworn by early Barons, yet it serves the same essential purpose: to provide clear, official, and public confirmation of the holder's rights and responsibilities. This declarative act bridges the gap between medieval custom and modern law.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottoes, which serve as a concise expression of its values. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the resilience required to endure centuries of dormancy and the deep sense of honour that guided its revival and informs its present work.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto embodies the dynamic, proactive spirit of the family's modern endeavours, *inter alia*, their focus on philanthropic impact and educational development. It signifies not military conquest, but the will to overcome challenges and build a vibrant future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Where the Barons of Brattleby once owed feudal service to the Crown, the modern House expresses its duty through dedicated philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant charitable fundraiser.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The House of Brattleby was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing a foundation for a healthy future, seeing a parallel with its own narrative of stewardship and renewal.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, **Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, commented: > “To hold this title is to be a steward of nearly a millennium of history. One feels the presence of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, a woman of immense courage. Our duty is not merely to preserve this legacy, but to live by its standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* in all that we do today.”
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile** added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is in the present that we must build. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or the educational work of The Brattleby Club, our focus is on making a tangible, positive impact. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means actively shaping a legacy that will serve generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, is a primary focus, ensuring he is prepared for the duties that will one day be his. He is being raised with a profound understanding of the Barony’s history and a deep commitment to its future responsibilities.
Meanwhile, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues its mission to provide world-class instruction in classical etiquette and modern diplomacy. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a cornerstone of the winter social and philanthropic season, furthering the House’s commitment to its chosen charitable cause.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The family’s modern mission is expressed through a commitment to cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. With a forward-looking vision grounded in a rich heritage, the House supports causes that foster resilience and personal development, notably through its annual fundraising gala for charities aiding vulnerable children. Its educational arm, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promotes classical European etiquette and protocol for a new generation of leaders. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its service to the community and its preservation of a near-millennial legacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire with a history interwoven with that of the English nation. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful men of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title lay in abeyance for over 600 years. Its revival in the 21st century was formally noted in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony’s modern revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s philanthropic focus includes the annual white-tie Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com