# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Continuity of the Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement clarifying the historical context of the Barony of Brattleby. The announcement addresses its revival following a period of abeyance, reaffirming its nine-century lineage and its modern commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has chosen to address with historical precision the Barony’s re-emergence onto the public record. This statement is issued in a season of autumnal reflection, intended to provide definitive context for historians, genealogists, and the public following the Barony’s formal recognition in 2022. It seeks to illuminate the bridge between its medieval origins and its contemporary stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The communication serves not as a celebration of rank, but as a solemn acceptance of duty. The decision to publish this comprehensive record reflects the House’s belief that such ancient dignities carry a responsibility to honour the past with accuracy and to serve the present with purpose, a principle that is the very *sine qua non* of its modern mission.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, lay in abeyance for 623 years, from 1399 until its revival was officially gazetted in 2022. This remarkable interval began when its last active holder, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, saw his son ascend the throne as King Henry IV. Upon his accession, the Barony, as part of the Duchy of Lancaster, merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant.
This period of dormancy followed three centuries of profound influence. The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Subsequent holders included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle heroically defended it against French forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed to the great Lancastrian dynasty, notably through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt.
The modern revival is therefore not a new creation but the continuation of a lineage deeply woven into the fabric of English history. It is a testament to the endurance of feudal dignities and their capacity for renewal.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this renewed legacy rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. A seasoned diplomat and philanthropist, Lady Nicoleta is committed to animating the Barony’s history with a forward-looking vision of service.
She is supported in this endeavour by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan, an entrepreneur and patron of the arts, shares a profound respect for European heritage and is guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Together, they lead The Noble House of Brattleby with a shared commitment to honour and responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is a meticulous legal and heraldic process, governed by traditions that ensure historical authenticity. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby required extensive genealogical and manorial research to prove an unbroken chain of descent and right. This evidence was presented to the appropriate authorities for review.
The process culminated on 9 September 2022, when the revival was formally acknowledged and recorded by The Crown. This recognition was published for the public record in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the British Government, under Notice ID 4158083. This act anchors the ancient title in modern, verifiable law, completing its transition from a dormant honour to an active dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identifying insignia of the House and its undertakings is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This phrase encapsulates the principles that have guided the Barony’s most notable holders and which inform the actions of its current stewards. It speaks to the resilience shown by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and to the integrity demanded of a title with such historical weight.
The motto serves as a constant reminder that relevance is earned not by title alone, but through courageous action and unwavering honour. It is a guiding star for the House’s philanthropic endeavours, its educational initiatives, and its custodianship of the Brattleby name.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to a renewed commitment to philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its public work to supporting charitable causes, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma.
The House’s principal fundraising initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that brings together international patrons to support the charity’s vital mission. This event, *inter alia*, ensures that the Barony’s restored prestige is leveraged for measurable, positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The selection of this beneficiary reflects a core belief that honouring the past must involve building a better future for the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony’s journey, Lady Nicoleta Vasile commented: > “The revival of a title dormant since the accession of King Henry IV is not merely a matter of historical curiosity; it is an act of profound stewardship. We have a duty to honour the legacy of those who came before us, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, by ensuring the Barony once again serves the community and the nation.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not static; it lives through continuity and purpose. In assuming this responsibility, we are guided by the principle *Vincere Est Vivere*. For us, this means overcoming the challenges of time to create a living legacy of honour and service for the common good.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony’s legacy continues to evolve. Future projects include the establishment of a digital archive to make the Barony's history accessible to scholars and the public, alongside continued support for cultural and educational programmes.
The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will expand its curriculum to include modules on European heraldic and nobiliary history. Furthermore, planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue its vital support for Healing the Wounded Child. Through these and other initiatives, the House will continue to act on its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service anchored in ancient heritage. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education and diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, which fosters an appreciation for European traditions of protocol and deportment in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the King. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The title became dormant in 1399 upon merging with the Crown and was officially revived in 2022, an event recorded in *The London Gazette*. Its seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**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 is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV of England. - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com