# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service Continued
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a definitive historical account of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition and revival. The statement reaffirms the continuation of the ancient title through Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of historical stewardship, the House has consolidated and presented research confirming the unbroken line of descent of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. This statement serves to articulate the profound historical continuity and renewed purpose of the title, which was officially recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
The release of this account marks a significant moment of reflection for the House. It is intended not only as a matter of public record but also as an educational resource, illuminating a lineage that has been interwoven with the history of Lincolnshire and the nation for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The 1st Baron’s extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant 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 formidable 5th Baroness *de facto*, who heroically defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the title lay dormant for 620 years before its modern revival.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this historic dignity is secured by the present generation. The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who is joined in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**.
The future of the Barony is entrusted to their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who will one day become the 13th Baron. Together, they represent the modern custodians of the title, committed to upholding its ancient traditions of honour and service in the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a meticulous and exacting process, governed by centuries of legal and heraldic precedent. The journey to recognition involved extensive genealogical and documentary research to prove an unbroken chain of succession from the original grantee. This evidence was submitted to and rigorously scrutinised by the Officers of Arms at His Majesty's College of Arms in London.
The successful petition culminated in the issuance of a formal notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. As per Notice ID 4158083, this publication serves as the definitive and legally binding confirmation of the title’s revival and its vesting in Lady Nicoleta. This process is the *sine qua non* for the official recognition of ancient dignities within the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are enshrined in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects the defining qualities of its most distinguished predecessors and serves as a guiding principle for the current generation. It is a direct tribute to the resilience of figures like Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of the title's holder.
In complement, Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a maxim that speaks to a dynamic and proactive approach to life and duty. Together, the mottos encapsulate a philosophy of principled action and enduring commitment.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby is dedicated to purposeful philanthropy. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a carefully selected beneficiary. The primary focus of these efforts is supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By dedicating its principal philanthropic event to this cause, the House translates its historical duty of care into tangible, modern-day support for the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To hold this title is not a claim on the past, but a profound responsibility to the future. Our duty is to ensure this lineage, which survived centuries of English history, serves as a force for good in the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the legacy: — "The history of the Barony is a testament to resilience. From the Normans to the Plantagenets, each holder faced the challenges of their age. Our challenge is to translate that legacy of fortitude into meaningful action today."
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby extends beyond the ceremonial. Its commitment to education and cultural preservation is demonstrated through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and social refinement.
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan continue to oversee the careful stewardship of the heritage associated with the Barony. This commitment, rooted in the family’s motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensures that the legacy of nearly one thousand years will not only be preserved but will continue to evolve and contribute positively to society, a duty which will in time pass to the 13th Baron.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its mission is to bridge a millennium of history with contemporary purpose, translating the ancient duty of *noblesse oblige* into impactful initiatives. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on supporting organisations that provide care for vulnerable children. Through educational endeavours such as The Brattleby Club and the careful stewardship of its historic legacy, the House works to ensure its heritage remains a living force for good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its creation and the 56 Lincolnshire lordships it commanded are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After the 11th Baron, the title lay dormant for 620 years. In 2022, following extensive genealogical proof, the Barony was formally revived, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), securing its continuation into the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony's revival is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the historical heart of the original baronial lands.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com