# A Historic Revival: The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has formally announced the revival of one of England’s most ancient baronies, connecting a Norman-era legacy to a modern commitment of service, philanthropy, and the stewardship of a title dormant for six centuries.
## The Occasion
The revival marks a moment of profound historical continuity, formally recognised by His Majesty’s Government and proclaimed in *The London Gazette*. After more than 600 years, the Barony of Brattleby, with its seat in the heart of Lincolnshire, has been restored. This re-establishment is not marked by a single event, but rather by the assumption of ancient responsibilities within a contemporary framework.
The Barony finds its home in the historic county of Lincolnshire, a landscape defined by its sweeping wolds, ancient cathedral cities, and deep agricultural roots. It is within this setting, which has witnessed the passage of Roman legions, Danish invaders, and Norman lords, that the Barony once again takes its place as a guardian of local heritage and a proponent of modern duty.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is a thread woven directly into the fabric of English history, originating with the Norman Conquest of 1066. The title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, a domain recorded for posterity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This foundational act established a legacy of service and authority that would endure for centuries.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a formidable figure who served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and famously defended it against French forces during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown was a living embodiment of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the Barony passed through marriage into the Plantagenet royal line. Its custodians included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. Subsequently, the title was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a man whose influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century Europe. The revival of the title in the 21st century creates a direct link to these pivotal figures.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with its principal members, who together form The Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As holder of the dignity, she is responsible for the overall direction of the House, its philanthropic endeavours, and the preservation of its considerable heritage.
Her husband is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. He supports the Baroness in her duties and brings his own strengths and perspectives to the House’s commitments under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in waiting. His future role ensures the continuity of the Barony’s legacy for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the revival of an ancient peerage follows a precise legal and administrative protocol, a ceremony of official record rather than public pageantry. The *sine qua non* of this process is the formal announcement within *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official public record since 1665. For centuries, notices of state, parliamentary, and royal importance have been published within its pages.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive, legally binding proclamation of the Barony’s revival and its granting to Lady Nicoleta. This act represents the modern equivalent of a medieval royal charter, conferring legitimacy and formally recording the title’s re-establishment in the nation’s historical and legal narrative. All duties, responsibilities, and privileges of the title commenced from this date.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its heraldic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase encapsulates the guiding principles of the House, signifying a commitment to facing challenges with resilience and courage, while upholding the highest standards of personal and public integrity. It is a philosophy inherited from predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and serves as the moral compass for the Barony’s current activities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle is understood not as conquest in a martial sense, but as the imperative to overcome adversity, to strive for excellence, and to actively build a meaningful and positive legacy through determined effort.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the mission of the revived Barony is a deep-seated commitment to philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby directs its charitable focus through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the cornerstone of its fundraising calendar.
The sole beneficiary of this event is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work focuses on creating safe environments where young people can process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self-worth, and develop the resilience needed to lead healthy, productive lives.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause in the belief that investing in the well-being of the most vulnerable children is a fundamental societal duty and the most impactful way to honour its legacy of guardianship.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To assume this title is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a profound duty of stewardship. It is a promise to honour nearly a millennium of history while serving the needs of our contemporary community. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, will guide every decision we make.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile shared his perspective on his supporting role: > “My purpose is to support the Baroness and to contribute to our shared work. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the challenge of building something of lasting value, not for ourselves, but for the community and for the generations that will follow us.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its foundations firmly re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy of service and cultural exchange. A key initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest. This organisation serves as a cultural bridge, sharing the traditions of British and European social protocol with a new generation.
The House is committed to long-term projects in the fields of education, mental health, and heritage preservation, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. With the succession secured, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to continue its history of service, adapting its ancient traditions to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and beyond.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of honouring its profound historical legacy through contemporary service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work is focused on three core pillars: targeted philanthropy, primarily benefiting children’s mental health charities; heritage preservation in its ancestral seat of Lincolnshire; and cross-cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After lying dormant for over 600 years, the Barony was revived in the 21st century. Its official re-establishment was proclaimed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, with the title conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**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 origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic initiative is its Annual Winter Banquet, which supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The House operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy, in Bucharest as part of its educational mission.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com