# The Barony of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy Revived and Renewed
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022 after 623 years in abeyance, renewing an unbroken chain of ownership extending from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its offices, the House of Brattleby formally articulated the profound historical significance of the Barony’s revival. This act of communication serves to place on the public record the lineage and responsibilities now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The revival is not merely a matter of private inheritance but represents the renewed stewardship of a title deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, indeed, the history of England itself.
The announcement marks a moment of historical consolidation for the House, ensuring that the legacy of the Barony is understood and preserved for future generations. It reaffirms the family’s commitment to its duties as custodians of a heritage that has witnessed the evolution of the nation for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its extensive holdings were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued an impressive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein’s control, signifying its importance in the newly established Norman order.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most formidable figures in English history. A notable predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, who became the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, an act of extraordinary resilience. Her resolve exemplified the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. The title later passed into the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the Barony fell into abeyance until its revival in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is defined by its distinguished holders, whose influence shaped epochs. This esteemed line of succession includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, *suo jure* 5th Baroness of Brattleby * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby
The tradition is now carried forth by the current generation:
* The Lady Nicoleta Vasile, *suo jure* 12th Baroness of Brattleby * The Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir apparent and 13th Baron in succession
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony is a matter of precise constitutional and ceremonial protocol. A title that has fallen into abeyance—a state of dormancy where co-heirs exist but none can hold the title alone—can be called out by The Crown upon petition. This petition requires extensive genealogical and documentary evidence, which is rigorously examined by the College of Arms in London.
Once the claim was verified, the revival of the Barony of Brattleby was made a matter of permanent public record through its formal announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the British government. Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, officially confirmed the termination of the abeyance and the vesting of the title in Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, thereby re-establishing a link severed for over six centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It remains the moral compass for the House in its modern endeavours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan adopts the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a contemporary philosophy of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and making a meaningful impact through action and service. These two mottos together synthesise the House's respect for tradition with its dynamic, forward-looking ethos.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony underpins a renewed commitment to public service, a principle a *sine qua non* of modern nobility. The flagship philanthropic initiative of the House is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support designated charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children suffering from trauma and profound emotional distress. The House's patronage provides vital funds and raises awareness for this critical mission. Further, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and diplomatic arts, extends the House's cultural and educational mission onto a Continental stage.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a responsibility not just to our own family, but to the continuity of English history itself. When I think of the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that this honour must be earned daily through service and a commitment to preserving this legacy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Heritage must be a living force, not a static monument. Our role is to connect this extraordinary nine-hundred-year history to the present day through meaningful work. Whether through our philanthropy or our educational initiatives, we seek to ensure that the spirit of Brattleby—one of honour and progress—continues to thrive."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. The House is also undertaking a significant project to catalogue and conserve the historical archives associated with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with the intention of making them accessible to scholars.
Central to this long-term vision is the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the history, responsibilities, and duties he will one day inherit. This ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, revived after centuries, will continue its journey with purpose and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. With a unique blend of English heritage and a Continental European perspective, the House’s modern mission is centred on philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary ‘Healing the Wounded Child’. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates in Bucharest. Upholding the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House bridges its historic legacy with contemporary service.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the title was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After the 11th Baron’s death, the title fell into abeyance for 623 years. Its revival was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile becoming the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The termination of the Barony of Brattleby’s abeyance was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com