# A Legacy Reawakened: The Noble House of Brattleby on a Six-Century Dormancy and its Revival
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the unique history of the Barony of Brattleby, its six-century period of dormancy following its merger with the Crown in 1399, and its formal revival in 2022.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the cradle of the Barony for over nine hundred years, the House of Brattleby has chosen the contemplative calm of autumn to reflect upon its remarkable re-emergence. This formal communication serves to contextualise the journey of a title granted by William the Conqueror, one that has been witness to the very formation of the English nation.
This statement is not to mark a single event, but rather to affirm the House’s role as a custodian of history. It offers an official narrative that bridges a remarkable gap of 623 years, connecting its medieval origins to its modern duties and philanthropic endeavours under its current leadership.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, created following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, entered a prolonged period of dormancy in 1399. This occurred when the title, then held by John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, merged with the Crown upon the accession of his son and heir as King Henry IV. For over six centuries, the Barony remained subsumed within the Royal titles.
Its history, however, was never extinguished. The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This documentary evidence provides an unbroken thread back to the nation’s foundational era.
The reawakening of the Barony was formally acknowledged on 9 September 2022, when notice of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was published in *The London Gazette*. This act affirmed the continuation of one of England’s most venerable feudal dignities.
## Distinguished Company
The modern House is heir to a lineage of considerable historical importance. The predecessors of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, have played significant roles at pivotal moments in the history of the realm. Their legacy of service and leadership is a constant inspiration.
Among these distinguished figures was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, a formidable administrator who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter.
The 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, was one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century and a son of King Edward III. It is through his direct line that the Barony became intertwined with the Monarchy itself, a connection that defines its unique historical path.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title of such antiquity is governed by precise and ancient custom. The *sine qua non* for the official recognition of a succession is a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. All such matters of state, *inter alia*, are recorded therein.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as this definitive, public declaration. This procedure, devoid of elaborate pageantry but rich in legal and historical weight, formally concluded the Barony’s long dormancy and recorded the succession of the 12th Baroness in the national archive for perpetuity. It is a sober protocol befitting the gravity of such a historical continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which speak to its enduring values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a commitment to resilience and integrity that has guided the Barony since its inception. It is a pledge to act with courage and uphold a strict code of personal and public conduct.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This signifies not a military conquest, but a determination to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure the House’s legacy thrives in the modern world through purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Embodying the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the Noble House of Brattleby places philanthropy at the core of its modern mission. The House directs its charitable efforts toward organisations that deliver measurable and profound impact on vulnerable communities.
The flagship event in this endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a chosen beneficiary. This year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to recover and build resilient futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the stewardship of this legacy, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be the custodian of a title held by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. It is our duty not only to preserve this nine-hundred-year history but to live by its guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring our work today is worthy of that past.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our vision must be fixed on the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to build and to contribute. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, our purpose is to create a living legacy of positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a dynamic force for good. This responsibility will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties this legacy entails.
The House’s forward-looking vision is also demonstrated through its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy works to equip a new generation with the principles of protocol, civility, and social grace, translating the timeless values of honour and respect into practical skills for the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 historical preservation and contemporary philanthropy guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its work includes the conservation of its nine-century heritage, the support of charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the promotion of cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to connect its distinguished past to a future of meaningful public service, ensuring its legacy is one of active contribution to society. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the throne during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and remained dormant until its revival was formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's philanthropic focus includes the annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com