# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Revival of Ancient Title After Six Centuries
LONDON, [Date of publication a few days after 9 September] — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has formally marked the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby following a dormancy of over 600 years. The affirmation reconnects a modern noble house with its Norman-era origins in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the barony's historic re-emergence. The occasion, timed to coincide with the anniversary of its official recognition, was marked not by public ceremony but by quiet reflection on the duties inherent in such a revival. The atmosphere was one of solemn stewardship, acknowledging the weight of a lineage that stretches back to the Norman Conquest.
The announcement serves as a definitive public record, affirming the House’s commitment to honouring its past while dedicating its future to structured philanthropy and cultural preservation. It represents a considered step to re-establish the barony’s narrative within the context of contemporary British society.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. It is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under the tenure of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over three centuries, the barony passed through some of the most influential figures in English history.
Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the early 13th century. The title later passed to the great magnates of the House of Lancaster, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, the barony merged with the Crown when his son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, initiating a dormancy that would last for 623 years.
Lady Nicoleta’s assumption of the title as the 12th Baroness signifies the first substantive revival of the dignity since the late medieval period, bridging a remarkable gap in the nation’s aristocratic heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is vested in The Noble House of Brattleby, led by the following principal members:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.** As the holder of the title *suo jure*, Lady Nicoleta is entrusted with the barony’s continuity and the direction of the House’s philanthropic and cultural activities.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.** As consort to the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan supports the House's mission, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a commitment to purposeful achievement.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.** As heir to the barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru is being raised with a deep appreciation for the responsibilities he will one day inherit, ensuring the continuation of the family’s commitments.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony in abeyance or dormancy is a meticulous process governed by established legal and heraldic protocol. It involves extensive genealogical and archival research to prove an unbroken chain of succession or a valid claim, followed by a formal petition.
The culmination of this process is the official recognition by the Crown, formally recorded for posterity. For the Barony of Brattleby, this recognition was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665. The notice, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022.
This publication is the modern equivalent of a historic royal charter; it is the definitive, legally binding act that affirms the revival of the title and its entrance back into the public record. It is this protocol that ensures the integrity and legitimacy of ancient titles within the framework of modern law.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its coat of arms and its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues expected of a feudal baron—courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to personal and public integrity.
'Fortitude' directly evokes the martial legacy of predecessors like Colswein of Lincoln and the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye. 'Honour' speaks to the civil and administrative duties of the barony, a tradition embodied by distinguished statesmen such as John of Gaunt. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the principles that must guide the House's actions.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself but the foundation for a renewed commitment to public service. The House's primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children, with its efforts principally directed toward its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s support is most visibly expressed through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for the charity. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that a stable and honourable society must begin by protecting its youngest members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not a prize, but a profound duty. We feel the weight of nine centuries of history, a direct line to individuals who shaped the course of this nation. Our work today is to ensure this legacy serves a tangible purpose through *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My role, encapsulated by the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help build a strong, forward-looking foundation for our son. The revival of this title provides our family’s philanthropic and cultural work with a historic anchor and a clear sense of purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the barony formally re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy. This includes the careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of his future role.
Beyond its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House has extended its commitment to cultural betterment through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the values of social grace, protocol, and personal conduct, reflecting the House's belief in the importance of honour and refinement in public and private life. These efforts ensure the legacy of Brattleby is not merely preserved but actively cultivated for future generations.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern nobility in service. Its mission is anchored in targeted philanthropy, with a focus on charities supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also pursues cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes education in etiquette and protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House aims to connect a profound historical legacy with a tangible and positive impact on contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The title is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its lands under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. For over 300 years, its holders included figures of national importance such as Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. In 1399, the barony merged with the Crown and entered a state of dormancy. Its revival in the 21st century was formally recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony's revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The annual philanthropic Winter Banquet hosted by the House is for the benefit of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com