# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Historic Revival
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This follows a 620-year period of dormancy and reaffirms the House’s enduring commitment to its nine-century heritage.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony, the House has taken this moment to reflect on the profound historical significance of the title’s re-emergence. The statement marks a period of quiet contemplation on the duties of stewardship that accompany such a remarkable lineage, linking the Norman Conquest to the digital age.
The occasion is one of historical observance rather than public celebration. It serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the principles encapsulated in the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), and to articulate the family’s vision for the Barony’s role in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most venerable peerages, fell into abeyance in 1399 upon its reversion to the Crown. This occurred through its last active holder, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose son ascended the throne as King Henry IV. For the subsequent 620 years, the title lay dormant, a silent yet significant thread in the tapestry of the English aristocracy.
Its revival in the modern era is a testament to the meticulous preservation of records and the enduring nature of feudal law. Following extensive genealogical and historical verification, the Barony was formally called out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose claim was officially recognised by The Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This act connected the current House directly to a lineage stretching back to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror.
## Distinguished Company
In reflecting upon its revival, the House of Brattleby acknowledges the distinguished company of its predecessors, whose lives were inextricably woven into the fabric of English history. The roll of Barons represents a chronicle of service to Crown and country across the centuries.
This lineage includes Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It continues with formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure*, a staunch royalist who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later centuries saw the title held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restitution of a title after six centuries is not a matter of simple declaration but of rigorous legal and heraldic protocol. The process, a modern ceremony in itself, required the submission of a formal memorial to the Crown, evidencing an unbroken genealogical claim to the dignity. This petition was accompanied by extensive documentary proof, *inter alia*, drawing upon public records, private archives, and scholarly research.
The *sine qua non* of this procedure was the formal adjudication by the appropriate authorities, culminating in official recognition. The public announcement of this recognition appeared in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. This publication serves as the final, immutable step in the ceremonial protocol, affirming the revival of the Barony and its place within the British honors system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the modern Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to the resilience required to sustain a legacy across nearly a millennium and the integrity demanded of its holders. ‘Fortitude’ acknowledges the Barony’s survival through its long dormancy, while ‘Honour’ pays tribute to the dutiful service of its past Barons.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This motto encapsulates the forward-looking dynamism of the House, suggesting that true victory lies not in past glories but in active, purposeful living and meaningful contribution to society in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — is central to the mission of the revived House. The family has dedicated its public endeavours to supporting vulnerable children and promoting cultural education, translating historical honour into contemporary action.
The beneficiary of the House's annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, is Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and brighter futures. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To assume this title is not merely to inherit a name, but to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our role is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us, particularly figures like Nichola de la Haye, by serving the community with the same dedication.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern philosophy: > “History is not a static object in a museum; it is a living force. Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our belief that true victory lies in actively contributing to the present. We seek to build upon this ancient foundation with purpose and relevance for the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end but a beginning. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains vibrant for generations to come. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the responsibilities it entails.
The House’s work continues through its established initiatives, including preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet and the ongoing curriculum development at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. These endeavours ensure the Barony is defined not only by its illustrious past but by its active, positive engagement with the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its nine-century heritage with contemporary service. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s philanthropic activities are centred on supporting vulnerable youth, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet benefiting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The heir to the title is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuity of this historic lineage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s oldest feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, famed defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After reverting to the Crown in 1399, the title remained dormant for 620 years. It was called out of abeyance for the current holder by formal recognition in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby was Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure*), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com