# The Revival of a Norman Legacy: The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal revival of one of England’s most ancient dignities, the Barony of Brattleby, following its recognition in The London Gazette, bridging nine centuries of history with a renewed commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
The revival of a title dormant for over six hundred years is an occasion not for celebration alone, but for solemn reflection. It represents the formal reactivation of a peerage whose history is woven into the fabric of England. This contemporary recognition, promulgated through Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, serves as the definitive public record of the Crown’s assent, a vital process that anchors ancient rights in modern law.
For the House, this moment is a *sine qua non* for its future work. It is a re-consecration of the duty that accompanies the title, renewing the bond between the Barony and its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The occasion affirms a continuity of purpose, ensuring the lineage that began in the eleventh century finds vibrant expression in the twenty-first.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lieutenant, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England. For centuries, its holders were central to the governance and defence of the realm.
Among its most notable predecessors was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and commander. The Barony's medieval history culminated with its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of his age. Following his time, the title fell into a long dormancy until its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is now vested in the current generation of the Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. An advocate for historical preservation and cultural diplomacy, Lady Nicoleta has guided the House’s modern mission. She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The direct heir is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the line of succession and the stewardship of the family’s heritage for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient English barony is a meticulous legal and heraldic process rather than a single public ceremony. A barony by writ that has fallen into dormancy or abeyance requires a formal petition to the Crown, followed by extensive research and verification by administrative bodies, *inter alia*, The College of Arms, which confirms the genealogical and heraldic validity of the claim.
The process culminates in an announcement in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 signified the final, authoritative step, formally acknowledging the termination of the dormancy and recognising Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness. This protocol underscores the legitimacy and solemnity of the succession, conducted with administrative precision befitting a title of such antiquity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of courage and integrity. This serves as a constant reminder of the responsibilities inherent in the title — a commitment to uphold justice, demonstrate resilience in adversity, and act with unimpeachable honour in all public and private matters.
Complementing the House motto is the personal philosophy of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking approach: one that views life as a series of positive challenges to be met and overcome, reflecting the family's enterprising spirit in philanthropy and cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held to support charitable causes. The long-standing beneficiary of this event is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides specialist therapeutic services for children and young people who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is vital in helping vulnerable individuals process their experiences and build foundations for a healthier future. The House of Brattleby chose this cause for its profound and measurable impact, reflecting a belief that nurturing the potential of the next generation is the most vital legacy of all.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the profound sense of duty that accompanies the title.
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. It is a profound responsibility, not an accolade. Our task is to ensure this legacy serves the present and inspires the future, *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the House’s forward-looking vision and commitment to active contribution.
> While we honour the past, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our purpose is to actively contribute, to build, and to support our community. This is a living legacy, not a museum piece. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a force for positive influence. This includes fostering cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy established by the House in Bucharest, which promotes the traditions of European deportment and civic duty.
Future endeavours will continue to be founded on the principle of service. The preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for his future responsibilities is paramount. The House will maintain its unwavering support for its chosen charities and seek new avenues through which its unique historical position can benefit contemporary society, ensuring the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues not just by name, but through meaningful action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of historical stewardship, cultural diplomacy, and targeted philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to integrity and service. Its primary charitable focus is supporting at-risk youth through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for history, etiquette, and civic responsibility, bridging its English heritage with a broader European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the extensive holdings of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and later by members of the House of Plantagenet, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After falling dormant for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 and its succession recognised by the Crown, as published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and the hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com