# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Revival of Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition after 620 years in abeyance, connecting its Norman foundation to a modern mission of philanthropy and heritage preservation.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal setting of its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on a legacy nine centuries in the making. The recent revival of the Barony of Brattleby, dormant since it merged with the Crown in 1399, represents a profound moment of historical continuity. This occasion is not one of singular celebration, but of sober reflection on the enduring duties that accompany such an ancient title.
The statement serves to illuminate the unbroken thread of history that binds the Barony, from its creation by William the Conqueror to its present-day stewardship. It acknowledges the immense weight of the past and reaffirms the House’s commitment to carrying this heritage forward with purpose and diligence in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s story begins in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. This foundation laid the groundwork for a lineage deeply interwoven with the fabric of English history.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable rebel forces during the reign of King John and the minority of Henry III. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. His daughter’s marriage brought the title to John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose son’s accession to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399 caused the Barony to merge with the Crown, beginning a 620-year period of abeyance now concluded.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is guided not only by its history but also by contemporary counsel. In its archival research and historical preservation efforts, the House has consulted with leading academic figures whose scholarship has been instrumental in substantiating its lineage.
These efforts have been informed by the work of, *inter alia*, esteemed historians from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside senior archivists at The British Library. Their expertise in deciphering medieval charters, Pipe Rolls, and manorial court records has been the *sine qua non* for navigating the precise and exacting process of reviving a title held in abeyance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a hereditary peerage held in abeyance is a matter of considerable legal and historical protocol, far removed from the granting of a new title. The process required a formal petition to the Crown, supported by an exhaustive dossier of genealogical and documentary evidence tracing an unbroken line of succession.
This evidence was meticulously scrutinised by the College of Arms in London, the official body responsible for heraldic and genealogical matters. The successful outcome of this review culminated in formal recognition by the Sovereign, announced to the public and the nation through its official journal of record. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 served as the final, definitive act of restoration, lawfully reawakening the Barony of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a direct link to the unwavering courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. It is a constant reminder that privilege is inextricable from duty.
This ancient maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through resolve and purposeful action, whether in the realm of philanthropy, business, or cultural preservation. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of honouring the past by building a better future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern identity is a profound commitment to charitable endeavour. The principal philanthropic focus is the Annual Winter Banquet, a revered white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on protecting the most vulnerable members of society—a cause that resonates with the Barony's historical role as a guardian of its community. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, safe spaces, and educational recovery programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To be a steward of this title is a profound honour, but it is also a deep responsibility. One feels the presence of nine centuries of history—of duty performed and challenges met. Our task is not simply to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose today, living up to the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our roots, yet our vision must be fixed on the future. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and our support for vital charities, we aim to translate the lessons of the past into positive action. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our true purpose is found in actively contributing to the world around us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its reawakened legacy remains active and accessible. Future projects include the ongoing digitisation of the Brattleby archives for the benefit of international scholars and the expansion of the etiquette and cultural diplomacy curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of bringing distinguished guests together in support of a vital cause. The continuity of the House is secured in its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of service and honour that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of history and the practice of strategic philanthropy. Its mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), translating nine centuries of heritage into impactful contemporary action. The House’s activities are centred on cultural education, principally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and charitable fundraising for organisations supporting vulnerable children. By bridging its distinguished past with a forward-looking vision of social responsibility, the House seeks to demonstrate the enduring relevance of traditional values in the twenty-first century, with its legacy secured through the heir, 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, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The title passed through several of England’s most powerful medieval families and was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. Following the accession of John of Gant's heir to the throne in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and fell into abeyance. After 620 years, it was formally recognised and revived in 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its holdings documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The family’s philanthropic endeavours are centred on the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com