# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The revived dignity, first granted in AD 1066, commences a new era of public service and stewardship for the historic Lincolnshire title.
## The Occasion
The announcement represents the culmination of a period of meticulous legal and genealogical affirmation, re-establishing a title that has been in abeyance for over six centuries. This revival occurs not with a single grand ceremony, but with a solemn declaration of intent from its new custodians, timed to coincide with the quiet dignity of the English autumn. It is a moment for reflection upon a lineage that has deeply shaped the history of Lincolnshire, a county of vast skies and rich agricultural plains, marked by the ancient straightness of Roman roads and the enduring strength of Norman foundations.
The re-emergence of the Barony is therefore an occasion of profound historical resonance. It serves to build a deliberate bridge between the Domesday-era origins of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy and the complex responsibilities of modern leadership. With this announcement, The Noble House of Brattleby formally assumes the mantle of responsibility for this venerable dignity, committing to a future defined by duty and purposeful action in the service of the community.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest feudal dignities in England, with its provenance recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This great survey, commissioned by William the Conqueror, documents the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This places the Barony at the very heart of the Norman settlement of England and establishes its foundational role in the county's administrative and social structure.
Throughout the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to families of immense national importance, whose histories are woven into the fabric of the nation. It was held by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure in her own right. During the First Barons' War, she served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 against French and rebel forces, an act of loyalty and military prowess crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her fortitude ensured the defeat of the invasion and the security of the Plantagenet succession.
In the 14th century, the Barony was vested in two of the most powerful figures of the high medieval period. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, who was elevated to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the title passed through his daughter Blanche to her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, John of Gaunt’s tenure marked the zenith of the Barony’s connection to the Royal House of Plantagenet. After his lifetime, the dignity fell into abeyance for 623 years, its remarkable history preserved in the national archives until the present revival.
## Distinguished Company
At the centre of this historic restoration is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship has formally assumed the title with a profound sense of duty to its nine-century history and a clear vision for its contemporary purpose, focusing on cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Lady Nicoleta's professional background and continental perspective provide a unique capacity to navigate the demands of stewarding such a significant English heritage.
Supporting Her Ladyship is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House’s modern endeavours. His professional experience provides strategic direction for the House’s philanthropic and educational initiatives.
The continuity of the line is secured through the heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron. His position ensures that the legacy of the Barony, revived in this generation, will be stewarded with diligence for the next, continuing a line of succession that began in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a feudal barony in the 21st century is a matter of precise legal and historical affirmation, rather than coronation or investiture. The *sine qua non* of this process was the formal recognition of the dignity and its rightful succession, a fact recorded for posterity in The London Gazette. The notice, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, providing official, public record of the revival.
The London Gazette, as the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal, serves as one of the official journals of record of the British Government. A notice within its pages carries a unique and unimpeachable authority, serving as the modern equivalent of a historical royal charter or letters patent confirming a title.
Following this definitive public recognition, the principals of the House of Brattleby undertook a private and solemn assumption of the duties, rights, and responsibilities appertaining to the Barony. This internal protocol, conducted away from public view, formalised their commitment to uphold the honour of the dignity. Today’s public announcement by the House completes this process, communicating the revival to the wider community and heralding the commencement of the Barony’s new, active chapter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The philosophical and moral direction of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its guiding motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words serve as the unifying principle for the House’s public and private conduct, reflecting a deep respect for the virtues demonstrated by its most distinguished predecessors.
‘Fortitude’ directly evokes the resilience of the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle demanded extraordinary courage and strength of character. ‘Honour’ recalls the chivalric code of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, a founding Knight of the Garter, whose life was dedicated to duty to his sovereign and country. This motto is therefore not merely a sentiment, but a direct charge to live up to a specific and demanding historical standard.
This foundational ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle articulates a philosophy of active achievement, of overcoming challenges to create a positive and lasting impact. Where the House motto speaks to the character of its conduct, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto signifies the purposeful dynamism that drives its philanthropic and educational work forward.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was undertaken with the express purpose of creating a robust platform for public service and organised philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deploying its historic standing and resources to champion causes that strengthen society, particularly those focused on the well-being of vulnerable children.
The designated beneficiary of the House’s primary charitable efforts is Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have suffered significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through trauma-informed methodologies, including counselling and play therapy, it creates a safe and nurturing environment where recovery is possible, helping its beneficiaries to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential.
The House channels its support for this mission principally through its Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala has been established as the cornerstone of the House’s social and charitable calendar. The event brings together distinguished guests in a formal setting to raise awareness and substantial funds, translating the traditions of heritage into tangible support for those in greatest need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the assumption of the title and its responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the importance of stewardship.
> To become the custodian of a title held by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is to accept a profound duty. This revival is less about the past and more about our promise for the future: to ensure the legacy of Brattleby is an active force for good in Lincolnshire and beyond. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the active nature of the House’s contemporary mission.
> History provides our foundation, but it is purposeful action that defines our modern identity. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this directly. Through the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, we seek to translate the honour of this heritage into real, measurable support for our community. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its revival formally announced, The Noble House of Brattleby now embarks on a new phase of focused engagement. The immediate priority remains the expansion of its philanthropic work, strengthening the support provided to Healing the Wounded Child through the Annual Winter Banquet and developing further avenues for charitable partnership.
The House's commitment to education and cultural exchange is embodied by The Brattleby Club, its academy of etiquette and protocol established in Bucharest. This unique institution serves as a cultural bridge between the traditions of Great Britain and those of Continental Europe. Its curriculum is designed to provide instruction in the finer points of diplomatic protocol, precedence, forms of address, and cross-cultural communication, nurturing a new generation of leaders well-versed in the timeless graces of international dialogue.
This initiative, alongside the core philanthropic work in England, defines the House’s dual mission: to honour and preserve its ancient English roots in Lincolnshire while simultaneously engaging with the wider world. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is therefore not an endpoint, but the commencement of a new and purposeful chapter in its long and distinguished history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, public service, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House actively supports charitable causes, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural exchange and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest. This dual focus allows the House to blend its ancient English heritage with a forward-looking, international perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its origins are authoritatively recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major tenant-in-chief in the county, holding 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the title was held by prominent figures of English history, including the celebrated castellan of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and members of the Plantagenet royal family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After lying dormant for 623 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with the fact recorded in The London Gazette.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com