# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Continuity of a Norman Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby is today reflecting upon the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition by the Crown, which concluded a period of dormancy lasting over six centuries and reaffirmed its place in English history.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of the autumn season across the Lincolnshire plains, a period of profound historical reflection has commenced. The formal notice of the Barony’s revival, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, was not merely an administrative act; it represented the closing of a 620-year chapter of dormancy and the reaffirmation of a direct lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
At the family’s seat in Brattleby, the occasion is marked not by grand ceremony, but by a considered acknowledgement of the weight of history. It is an opportunity to contemplate the unbroken thread of duty that connects the first Baron, a companion of the Conqueror, to the responsibilities borne by the family today. The very stones and timbers of the ancient parish seem imbued with this long story, creating an atmosphere of deep-seated continuity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the title’s foundational importance in the establishment of Norman rule. For over three centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were instrumental figures in the life of the nation.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the early 13th century, a feat of remarkable fortitude. The lineage later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier. The last active holder was the Duke's son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own son’s accession to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399 saw the Barony merge with the Crown, thus beginning its long dormancy.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is best understood through the distinguished company of its historical holders, whose legacy informs the mission of the House today. This roll of honour serves as a perpetual reminder of the duties inherent in the title. The company includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a Norman magnate granted extensive lands in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror for his services. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who proved a resolute defender of Royal authority during the First Barons' War. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a founder Knight of the Garter and one of King Edward III’s most trusted commanders and diplomats. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, whose tenure immediately preceded the Barony's merger with the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title held in fee simple, after centuries of dormancy, is a process governed by exacting legal and historical protocol. It requires the submission of a formal petition to the Crown, supported by extensive genealogical and documentary evidence tracing an unbroken line of succession. This evidence is meticulously scrutinised by officials, including the Garter King of Arms at the College of Arms.
The successful outcome of this process is the official recognition of the rightful heir, a determination which is then formally declared in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. This announcement is the *sine qua non* of the revival, confirming the title's standing and bringing it out of dormancy. This protocol ensures that the dignity of such ancient peerages is upheld with the utmost rigour, linking modern holders to their medieval origins through a chain of proven legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant guide. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the nine-century legacy of the Barony. It evokes the resilience of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln and the integrity required to steward such a significant heritage in the modern age.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is understood not as a call to arms, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering personal and cultural growth, and a dedication to the active revitalisation of the family’s historical and philanthropic duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Guided by the principle of *noblesse oblige*, The Noble House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy and service at the centre of its modern mission. The stewardship of a nine-century-old title is understood as a duty not only to the past, but to the present and future. This commitment finds its most visible expression in the family’s charitable endeavours.
The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the cornerstone of this work. Each year, it raises vital funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. This choice reflects the House's focus on creating a tangible and positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To be the custodian of this title is an immense privilege, and one that carries the weight of nearly a thousand years of history. When I think of the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye or the statecraft of John of Gaunt, I am reminded that our primary duty is one of service. Our role is to ensure this legacy remains a living force for good, connecting the lessons of the past with the needs of the present.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “Heritage is not something to be merely preserved behind glass; it must be actively engaged with. For me, ‘To Conquer is to Live’ means applying the same determination our predecessors showed on the battlefield to the challenges of today — whether in business, education, or philanthropy. It is about building a legacy worthy of the one we have inherited.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s place now formally re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is a paramount responsibility, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are passed to the next generation.
The House will continue to expand its philanthropic support for its charitable partners and its cultural work through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding. Having been dormant for 620 years, the Barony of Brattleby is once more an active and enduring presence, committed to honouring its past through dedicated service to society.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England's oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking commitment to public service. This mission is realised through cultural preservation, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and dedicated philanthropy. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying the timeless values of resilience and integrity to the challenges of the 21st century, with a principal charitable focus on supporting vulnerable children through Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony of immense historical standing. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant landholder. The title passed through notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and later passed to the great medieval magnates Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. Upon the accession of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and entered a 620-year period of dormancy. Its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. - The entry for Colswein in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 lists 56 lordships held directly from the King in Lincolnshire. - The Barony was dormant for a period of 620 years, from the accession of King Henry IV in 1399 until its formal revival in 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com