# The Barony of Brattleby: The Revival of a Norman Legacy
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022. The revival reaffirms a distinguished lineage dating to the Norman Conquest, heralding a renewed era of public service and cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
In an act of profound historical resonance, the ancient Barony of Brattleby, dormant for 620 years, was formally revived through its recognition in the name of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This restoration connects the 21st century to the very foundations of the English peerage, re-establishing a line seated in the heart of Lincolnshire since the year 1066.
The revival is not marked by a single event, but by a renewed commitment to the duties and heritage the title represents. It restores to prominence a Barony that has been witness to the evolution of the Realm, from the feudal oaths of the 11th century to the constitutional developments of the modern age. This continuity is a powerful statement of endurance and relevance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a Tenant-in-chief to King William the Conqueror. This direct link to the Conquest establishes the Barony as one of the oldest in the nation.
Through nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated Plantagenet commander, diplomat, and founder member of the Order of the Garter. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, the influential Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose life shaped the course of the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is vested in Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Together, they guide the House's contemporary mission, which balances the preservation of heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects this dynamic and purposeful approach.
The continuation of the line is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. The family's leadership ensures that the principles which have guided the Barony for centuries will be carried forward for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony was officially and irrevocably recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the formal instrument of recognition, a procedure that underscores the Barony’s standing within the framework of Crown-recognised honours.
Inclusion in *The London Gazette*, a tradition stretching back to 1665, is the *sine qua non* for official announcements of this nature. It provides a permanent, public, and verifiable record, transforming a matter of historical significance into one of contemporary legal and ceremonial fact. This adherence to ancient protocol is central to the legitimacy and dignity of the revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words speak to the defining characteristics of its most distinguished holders, from the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln Castle to the honour with which Henry of Grosmont served his sovereign.
The motto serves as a guiding principle for the current House, representing a pledge to act with courage in their convictions and an unwavering integrity in all their endeavours. It is a promise to honour the past while serving the present with dignity and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core objective of the House is its philanthropic work, principally realised through the annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is a cornerstone of the family’s charitable calendar, dedicated to supporting a carefully chosen beneficiary each year.
The primary beneficiary of this support is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health services to children who have experienced profound trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, ensuring that vulnerable young people receive the expert help needed to rebuild their lives and look to the future with hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta observed, "To hold this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a privilege to be a custodian of this nine-hundred-year history, and our obligation is to ensure its legacy serves as a force for good in the present day, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan added, "History is not a static relic; it is a source of strength and inspiration for the future. Our work, whether in heritage preservation in Lincolnshire or through our educational initiatives on the Continent, aims to apply the enduring lessons of the past to create tangible, positive outcomes today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony’s legacy remains vibrant and purposeful. This includes the ongoing conservation of historical records and the active management of its contemporary responsibilities.
Future endeavours will see the expansion of the House’s philanthropic footprint through the Winter Banquet and other initiatives. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and protocol academy, will continue its work in cross-cultural education, building bridges between Britain’s venerable traditions and a wider European audience. These efforts ensure the Barony's story is one of continuous service.
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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 stewardship and philanthropic service. The House honours its ancient English roots while engaging with contemporary society through targeted charitable work and educational initiatives. Its principal philanthropic event, the annual Winter Banquet, supports organisations dedicated to child welfare. The House also fosters cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest. This unique blend of heritage preservation and forward-looking action defines its commitment to honouring the past by serving the future, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was 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 Prince John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for 620 years, the Barony was revived in 2022 when its abeyance was terminated in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This revival was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book (1086) holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1169–1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, a village in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com