# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historic Revival of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 23 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, an ancient title dormant for over six centuries, which was formally restored to Lady Nicoleta Vasile by Letters Patent.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby, confirmed on 9 September 2022, represents a remarkable moment of historical continuity. After a protracted abeyance of 620 years, this act marked a formal reconnection between the Norman origins of the title and its responsibilities in the modern era. The occasion was not one of public pageantry, but of solemn legal and constitutional significance, restoring a voice to one of England’s most venerable baronial lines. This restoration sets a new course for the House, allowing it to resume its public duties from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation established the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Norman order.
Over the centuries, its holders have acted at the centre of national life. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to the great Plantagenet houses, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following the tenure of John of Gaunt, the Barony entered a long period of dormancy, its history preserved in archives until its recent, carefully managed revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A direct and recognised successor, Lady Nicoleta has undertaken the historic responsibility of ensuring the title’s relevance and purpose in the twenty-first century.
She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic approach to the House’s modern endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The line of succession is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient Barony in abeyance is a complex matter of English law and heraldic tradition, rather than a public ceremony. The process required extensive genealogical and historical research to establish a clear and legitimate claim. The claim was then submitted to the proper authorities for review.
Upon satisfaction of these requirements, the revival was effected by Letters Patent from the Crown, the *sine qua non* of such a restoration. The revival was then made a matter of public record through a formal announcement in The London Gazette. This notice, bearing the ID 4158083, represents the official and final step in calling the Barony of Brattleby out of its six-century abeyance and into active life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the Barony’s holders for over 900 years, from the battlements of Lincoln Castle to the philanthropic initiatives of the present day. It speaks to a legacy of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to duty.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal philosophy of Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose motto *Vincere Est Vivere* encapsulates a modern spirit of ambition and achievement. Together, these two phrases symbolise the House's dual commitment: to honour its profound historical inheritance while actively shaping a legacy for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony was undertaken with a clear sense of rejuvenated public purpose. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to ensuring that the House serves not only as a custodian of history, but also as a force for positive social impact. This commitment is central to the identity of the modern House of Brattleby.
A cornerstone of this philanthropic work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal charitable fundraiser. Proceeds from the event are directed to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the ancient title, the leaders of the House have articulated their shared vision for its future.
> To assume this title is not an acquisition, but a profound responsibility. It is a promise to honour nearly one thousand years of history while ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History gives us our foundation, but our actions define our legacy. We are committed to building upon this extraordinary heritage, *Fortitudine et Honore*, with a clear focus on education and philanthropy for the next generation. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is focused intently on the future. A key initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to imparting the values of social grace, protocol, and cultural diplomacy. This educational mission is a core component of the House’s commitment to fostering international understanding.
Looking ahead, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are preparing their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to one day assume the mantle of the Barony. By instilling in the next generation a deep respect for history and a strong sense of public service, they are ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby will continue to flourish for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is an ancient English noble house led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the modern House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennium of history while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and education. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities focus on cultural diplomacy and charitable endeavour. A primary focus is the support of vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes classical European etiquette and protocol through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, extending its commitment to cultural heritage beyond British shores.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a Tenant-in-Chief holding 56 lordships. The title has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two senior members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After remaining dormant for 620 years, the Barony was formally revived and its restoration to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, was announced in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first holder of the Barony, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com