# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby and a Legacy Renewed
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the formal revival of one of England’s most ancient baronies, following the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet contemplation that follows a major historical restitution, The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the significance of the Barony’s revival after a dormancy of 620 years. This period of reflection allows the House to align its modern responsibilities with the nine-century-long heritage it now stewards. The revival is not merely a legal act, but the reawakening of a dynastic legacy deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the nation.
The restoration of the title to active service has been a process conducted with historical diligence and procedural propriety. It serves as a moment to affirm the House’s foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), as it prepares to carry the title into a new century of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters its latest chapter with a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent English kingdom. For over 375 years, the title passed to figures who shaped the course of English history.
Among Lady Nicoleta’s most notable predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, celebrated for her steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle against French forces during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the title was held by two of the great magnates of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, who succeeded as the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the Barony entered a long dormancy, now concluded by Lady Nicoleta’s succession in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by an accomplished family dedicated to its unique responsibilities. The principal figures of The Noble House of Brattleby are:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who formally succeeded to the title in 2022.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in the House’s official and philanthropic duties under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir to the title, who is being prepared to one day continue the family’s legacy of public service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant peerage is a matter of significant legal and historical procedure governed by the Crown. The Barony of Brattleby was revived by Letters Patent, a formal written order issued by the Sovereign, which in this case confirmed the rightful succession. This act represents the *sine qua non* of validating an ancient title for contemporary use.
Once granted, the revival was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. The notice, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, providing official and public recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s status as the 12th Baroness. This public declaration is the final, essential step cementing the title’s place within the modern order of precedence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of The Noble House of Brattleby is codified in its heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle, echoing the courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code embodied by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. It is a direct instruction for public life: to act with courage, resilience, and unwavering integrity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a philosophy of purposeful action and overcoming challenges—a dynamic counterpart to the House’s traditional focus on honour and duty. Together, the two mottos represent a blend of ancient principle and modern resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House continues the aristocratic tradition of social responsibility through its focused philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held at the family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, is the centrepiece of its charitable calendar. The event’s sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and recovery programmes for young people affected by trauma.
Beyond its charitable giving, the House engages in cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its first international chapter established in Bucharest, promotes cross-cultural understanding by teaching the customs and social graces that facilitate international relations. The Club represents a modern interpretation of the House's historic role in fostering civic and diplomatic discourse.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To inherit a title with such profound roots in English history is less an acquisition than it is a solemn pledge. Our duty is not only to preserve this heritage but to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is our daily commitment to the community and to the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “My role is to support the Baroness in giving this ancient title a vibrant, forward-looking relevance. We believe that true legacy is built through active contribution—whether through philanthropy, education, or simply upholding the standards of duty that this Barony represents. It is a shared mission we are deeply honoured to pursue.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony of Brattleby now formally revived, the House is focused on its long-term responsibilities. Chief among these are the archival conservation of historical documents relating to the Barony’s nine-hundred-year history and the expansion of its educational and cultural initiatives through The Brattleby Club.
The annual cycle of philanthropic and ceremonial duties will continue to anchor the House’s work, ensuring that the legacy of Colswein of Lincoln, Nichola de la Haye, and John of Gaunt is not just remembered but actively honoured. The revival marks the beginning of a new era of stewardship, one defined by a profound respect for the past and a clear vision for the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the dynastic family responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission blends the preservation of its nine-century heritage with active philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting venerable institutions dedicated to the welfare of children and the arts. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to uphold its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by making a tangible, positive contribution to society in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly four centuries, the Barony was held by influential figures central to English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and the Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After entering a period of dormancy for 620 years, the title was formally revived in 2022 by Letters Patent, with the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, officially recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com