# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A New Chapter in a Millennial Story
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This historic restoration, officially gazetted in 2022, reconnects a title granted by William the Conqueror with its contemporary custodians, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
In the historic environs of London, the formal apparatus of the British state has acknowledged the revival of a title dormant for over six centuries. The occasion is not one of singular ceremony but of profound legal and historical significance, culminating in the official notice of recognition within the pages of *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record.
This act of restoration brings the Barony of Brattleby, a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of England’s history since the Norman Conquest, into the twenty-first century. It represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and a deep commitment to preserving a lineage that has witnessed the nation’s evolution from its feudal origins to the modern day.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its foundation to AD 1066, when it was granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 records Colswein as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant seat of power in post-Conquest England.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title was held by figures of immense historical importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable Constable of Lincoln Castle who famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and ultimately to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt, the title fell into abeyance for 620 years, a silence now broken by this historic revival.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this renewed legacy rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Together, they have undertaken the solemn duty of reconnecting the Barony’s past with a vibrant and purposeful future.
Lady Nicoleta, through whom the line of succession is restored, has embraced the profound responsibility of her role. Honorary Lord Răzvan likewise dedicates himself to the advancement of the House’s modern mission, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. The continuity of this ancient lineage is further assured through the heir, their nephew, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a hereditary peerage is a matter of exacting protocol, governed by British custom and law. The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was effected by Letters Patent and formally acknowledged by His Majesty’s College of Arms, following extensive documentary verification.
The *sine qua non* of this process was the public notice in *The London Gazette*. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive, official confirmation of the revival, making it a matter of public and historical record. This procedure ensures the integrity of the British honours system, distinguishing legitimate, historically founded titles from assumed ones.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is embodied in its coat of arms and its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a philosophy of resilience and integrity that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. It echoes the resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who governed with singular courage.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, emphasising that true living is found in overcoming challenges and striving for meaningful achievement — a principle that informs the House’s active philanthropic and educational endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern House of Brattleby is defined by a deep commitment to public service. This is most visibly expressed through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen charitable beneficiary. The purpose is not merely to convene, but to effect tangible, positive change.
The focus of this year's efforts is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House selected this beneficiary for its critical work in fostering resilience and emotional well-being, believing that empowering the next generation is the most vital investment a society can make. Further cultural outreach is conducted through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of custodianship. We are but a link in a chain that stretches back to 1066. Our role is to honour the legacy of those who came before us — *inter alia*, John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye — by ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose in the world today. It is a responsibility we embrace with the greatest humility and dedication, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title without purpose is a relic. Our vision is for the House of Brattleby to be a force for good. Whether through our philanthropic support for causes like Healing the Wounded Child or our educational initiatives, we believe in active engagement. History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our legacy. That, to me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical foundations now formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of continued service. The planning for the annual Winter Banquet is already underway, promising to build upon the philanthropic successes of previous years.
The House is committed to expanding its cultural and educational programmes, ensuring that the lessons of history inform and enrich contemporary society. Through the dedicated leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and with the promise of continuity in Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the revived Barony of Brattleby is poised to write a new, compelling chapter in its long and distinguished story.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a gala supporting causes dedicated to child welfare and mental health. The House also operates The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest focused on etiquette and cultural diplomacy, thereby bridging its English heritage and Continental connections. The House operates under its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to guide its work in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After falling into abeyance for 620 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, a restoration officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the title and its associated lands by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The annual philanthropic beneficiary of the House's Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com