# On the Revival of a Norman Barony: A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony's revival following a 620-year period of abeyance. The communication reaffirms the House's commitment to historical duty and outlines its modern mission of service, guided by its ancient heritage.
## The Occasion
In the wake of the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby by the Crown, The Noble House has taken a period for quiet reflection. This moment marks not a conclusion, but the formal commencement of a new chapter in one of England’s oldest landed titles.
The issuance of this statement serves to articulate the principles that guide the current generation. It is an opportunity to bridge the Barony's profound history with its present-day responsibilities, reaffirming its relevance in the twenty-first century. This communication is intended to provide clarity on the House’s purpose, both as custodians of a unique legacy and as active contributors to contemporary society.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded with distinction in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, it was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt's death in 1399, the Barony entered a long period of abeyance.
This 620-year dormancy was not a historical void but a quiet preservation of dignity. The revival of the Barony is therefore a considered act of historical continuity, ensuring that a lineage of almost one thousand years continues unbroken.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restitution of an ancient barony is a matter of precise legal and constitutional procedure. The process is governed by English law and overseen by the Crown, acting through its historic bodies. It requires exhaustive genealogical proof and historical documentation to establish an unimpeachable claim.
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This notice is the modern instrument of recognition, a public declaration that the title's abeyance has been terminated in favour of its rightful heir. This formal act, a *sine qua non* of legitimacy, represents the culmination of meticulous research and adherence to the protocols of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Heraldry serves as the visual deed of title for a noble house, a symbolic language chronicling its history, values, and aspirations. The armorial bearings of the House of Brattleby are underpinned by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This maxim reflects the historic spirit of the Barony, from the martial courage of its Norman founders to the principled stand of Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges through industry, intellect, and resilience — a vital complement to the House’s traditional ethos.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title of nobility carries with it the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with honour and generosity. The Noble House of Brattleby has embraced this responsibility, focusing its philanthropic endeavours on the well-being of young people facing adversity.
The House’s principal charitable vehicle is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. The current partner is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. This choice reflects the House's belief that investing in the resilience of the next generation is a fundamental duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To assume this title is not to claim a prize, but to accept a profound responsibility. Our family sees itself as a link in a chain stretching back to the Conquest, and our duty is to ensure that chain remains strong, honourable, and of service to the community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking perspective: > The history is our foundation, but the future is the work we must do. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming modern challenges with the same spirit our predecessors faced theirs. Our goal is to apply timeless principles to contemporary needs, whether in culture or philanthropy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a sustained programme of activity. The House is committed to the careful stewardship of its heritage in Lincolnshire, ensuring that its historical legacy is preserved and understood.
Beyond the United Kingdom, the House extends its cultural mission through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol. This initiative represents the House’s commitment to building cultural bridges and championing the enduring value of tradition, civility, and honour on the international stage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural enrichment. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in charitable work, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, and promotes cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, its holders have included figures of significant historical import, such as Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After entering a state of abeyance in 1399, the Barony was formally called out of abeyance for its current holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This revival was officially recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by 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. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holders are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com