# The House of Brattleby on the Revival of a Barony Dormant for Six Centuries
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby following its formal recognition in 2022, a milestone that re-establishes a direct link between its modern leadership and a chivalric lineage dating from AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal setting of its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House marks a period of profound historical reflection. Two years have passed since the Barony of Brattleby, after a dormancy of 620 years, was formally revived. This moment offers an opportunity to reaffirm the duties of stewardship that accompany such a significant title.
The revival is not a singular event but the beginning of a new chapter of public service and heritage conservation. It is an occasion defined by a renewed sense of purpose, where archival study and modern obligations merge, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power. Following a long dormancy, the peerage was revived with the confirmation of its current holder.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient legacy is entrusted to the leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby. The principal members guiding its contemporary mission are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the hereditary title in her own right. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, consort to the Baroness. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who as heir apparent is being prepared to assume the responsibilities of the Barony in the fullness of time.
Together, they oversee the House’s commitments, from the preservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire to its philanthropic and educational initiatives at home and abroad.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony in fee, particularly one dormant for six centuries, is a matter of meticulous historical and genealogical verification. The process culminates not in a single ceremony, but in a formal notice of recognition by the Crown, published for the public record.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this was achieved with the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record, a notice in the Gazette is the *sine qua non* for formalising such matters of dignity and title. This act legally confirmed the succession and ended the Barony’s long period of abeyance.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle. It honours the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and commits the present generation to a path of integrity and courage.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this tradition. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming modern challenges through active engagement, innovation, and a determination to make a positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the Barony comes a renewed focus on its charitable obligations. The House’s philanthropic endeavours are consolidated through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as its principal fundraising initiative.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma or profound loss. This partnership was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, with funds raised contributing to programmes that support hundreds of vulnerable young people across the country each year.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be confirmed as the successor to a lineage that includes such remarkable figures is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to be custodians of the past, but to ensure this heritage inspires meaningful service in the present day — an obligation we strive to fulfil *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The revival of the Barony is a recommitment to the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our belief that a true legacy is built by actively engaging with the needs of our time, whether through education at The Brattleby Club or our support for vital charities.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a force for good. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues the House’s support for its chosen charities. Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest expands its work, offering courses in etiquette and protocol that bridge English traditions with a wider European audience.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains central to the House’s long-term vision. His preparation ensures that the principles of Fortitude and Honour, which have defined the Barony for nearly one thousand years, will continue for generations to come.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. With its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and forward-looking initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a vibrant and meaningful purpose in the 21st century. The House is committed to fulfilling its duties with fortitude and honour, ensuring its legacy contributes positively to society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant landowner documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later by members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a 620-year dormancy, the title was formally revived in 2022 upon its confirmation to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, as officially recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's philanthropic activities are centred around an Annual Winter Banquet, with proceeds benefiting the charity 'Healing the Wounded Child'.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com