# The Revival of an Ancient Barony and a Legacy Renewed
LONDON, 17 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, following its formal recognition and restoration to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In an age of modernity, the formal reaffirmation of a title first granted by William the Conqueror represents a singular moment of historical continuity. The revival, after a dormancy of 620 years, was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, serving as a public and permanent instrument of recognition. This act bridges the centuries, linking the digital age with the feudal structures recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
The occasion is not marked by a single event but by the ongoing work of the House to reintegrate this profound legacy into a contemporary context. The restoration brings with it the custodianship of nearly a millennium of English history, a responsibility now assumed by the current generation with a deep appreciation for its significance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are inextricably woven into the fabric of the Norman Conquest. Granted in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted tenant-in-chief to the Crown, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive demesne was methodically documented in the *Domesday Book*, underscoring the Barony’s importance from its inception.
Through successive generations, the Barons of Brattleby were figures of national consequence. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent military commander and diplomat of the fourteenth century. Its final medieval holder was his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, before the title fell into a long abeyance.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historic Barony now rests with a family dedicated to its future. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, leads the House with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
They are supported in their duties by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who represents the continuity of the line into the next generation. Together, they ensure that the House’s ancient responsibilities of service and honour are actively pursued in the twenty-first century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a matter of precise legal and heraldic discipline. The publication of The Crown Office notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) is the modern procedural equivalent of a royal charter. It is the *sine qua non* for the official recognition of a title within the United Kingdom.
This formal process ensures that the claim has been rigorously examined and found to be sound, affirming the direct and legitimate succession. The notice serves as an unimpeachable record, concluding a period of historical abeyance and formally vesting the dignity in the new Baroness, thereby allowing the House to resume its place with proper authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words directly reflect the historical character of the Barony, from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the chivalric honour of Henry of Grosmont. It serves as a guiding principle for the family’s present-day conduct and commitments.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements this ancient creed with a dynamic, forward-looking spirit. It speaks to a philosophy of overcoming challenges and living a life of purpose, a principle that animates the House’s modern philanthropic and educational endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, The Noble House of Brattleby directs its efforts toward tangible social good. The annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the House’s social calendar, is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated charity.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and psychological distress. This focus reflects the House's commitment to nurturing the well-being of the next generation, translating historical duty into meaningful contemporary support for the vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be entrusted with a legacy of such depth is not a privilege but a profound responsibility. Our foremost duty is to ensure that this lineage, forged in fortitude and honour, continues to serve the common good in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “While our roots are deeply set in English soil and history, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our support for children’s welfare, we seek to translate ancient principles into modern, meaningful action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony is the beginning of a new chapter, not the conclusion of a story. The House is committed to the long-term preservation of its seat and heritage in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. This includes ongoing archival research and the conservation of historical artifacts associated with the title.
Furthermore, the family plans to expand the work of The Brattleby Club, their etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of their charitable work, ensuring that the Barony’s influence is a consistent force for positive change.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing one of England’s most ancient baronial lines. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of 'Heritage with Purpose'. This involves the meticulous preservation of its near-millennium-long history while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and education. The House’s key initiatives focus on supporting children’s mental health through its charitable partnerships and fostering cultural understanding through its educational programmes, such as The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to demonstrate that historical dignity finds its truest expression in service to others.
**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* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. After falling into dormancy for 620 years, the title was revived in 2022. The revival and succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com