# The Restoration of a Norman Barony: The House of Brattleby Revives Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, granted in 2022 after more than six centuries of dormancy, reaffirming its commitment to honouring a unique and continuous lineage.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England’s most ancient baronies marks a significant moment, not only for the House of Brattleby but for the preservation of Anglo-Norman heritage. Following a protracted period of abeyance, the barony was called out in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, who became the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
This restoration was formalised by Letters Patent from the Crown and subsequently gazetted in the United Kingdom's official journal of record. This act ensures the continuity of a title first established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, bridging a gap of over 620 years and connecting its medieval past to a purposeful, modern present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documents its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the Crown, possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents an unbroken thread in the fabric of English history.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217. Later holders included the celebrated Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose tenure marked the beginning of the title's long dormancy. The 2022 revival consciously reconnects with this distinguished and powerful lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the revived Barony is undertaken by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby. In accordance with formal precedent, they are styled as:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, The Heir
The House maintains its commitment to historical scholarship and works in close consultation with academic experts to ensure the authentic preservation and interpretation of its extensive archives.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a peerage in abeyance is a matter of considerable constitutional and historical protocol. The process begins with a petition to the Sovereign, which is then referred to the Lord Chancellor and the Attorney General for careful consideration of the genealogical and legal claims.
Upon successful review, the issuance of Letters Patent constitutes the formal instrument of the Crown's will, reviving the title for the designated heir. The public announcement is then made via a notice placed in *The London Gazette*, a tradition dating back to 1665. This formal, deliberate sequence serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval investiture, affirming the revival under the authority of the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and reflects the family’s own commitment to dutiful service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, brings his own personal motto to the House: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, emphasising that true legacy is built not merely by preserving the past, but by actively engaging with the challenges and opportunities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern mission is its philanthropic engagement. The Annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala held at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, is the primary vehicle for this work. The sole beneficiary is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic care to young people who have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Its mission aligns with the House of Brattleby’s belief that securing a better future is a *sine qua non* of honouring the past, and that this begins with nurturing the resilience and well-being of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique responsibilities of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not to claim an honour, but to accept a profound duty. Our role is to be faithful custodians of this legacy, ensuring that the history and values of the Barony of Brattleby are preserved and shared for generations to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision of the House: > While our roots are exceptionally deep in history, our focus is firmly on the present and future. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our philanthropic work, we seek to translate heritage into meaningful, positive action in the modern world.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to an active and visible programme of cultural and charitable work. Beyond the Annual Winter Banquet, the House sponsors The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and reviving the standards of classical diplomacy and social grace.
At its historical seat in Lincolnshire, the House will continue to pursue conservation initiatives and develop educational programmes. These efforts ensure the Barony is not merely a title, but a living institution dedicated to serving the community and celebrating a shared history that connects the 11th century to the 21st.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office serving Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its modern mission is to manage the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby by blending its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking programme of philanthropy, cultural education, and heritage conservation. Under the guiding motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its charitable efforts towards child welfare, principally through the Annual Winter Banquet supporting Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural diplomacy through institutions such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and social protocol for a modern, globalised world. The current heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the barony has passed through families of national significance, including those of Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron. Following Gaunt's time, the title fell into a state of dormancy for over 600 years. It was formally revived in 2022 for the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, with its restoration confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The philanthropic beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com