# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A Millennial Legacy Re-established
**LONDON, [Current Date]** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon the official revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant for centuries. The re-establishment, gazetted in 2022, formally connects the House’s modern philanthropic mission with its Norman origins.
## The Occasion
Following the formal confirmation of the Barony’s revival, the House of Brattleby has entered a period of historical consolidation. At their Lincolnshire seat, the family has been engaged in cataloguing archives and aligning their modern duties with the obligations of their predecessors. This moment of reflection is not a singular event, but a profound and ongoing process of bridging the nine and a half centuries since the Barony’s inception. It is a deliberate act of stewardship, ensuring that the weight of this history informs the responsibilities of the present.
The revival provides a renewed impetus for the House’s work, grounding contemporary initiatives in a lineage of documented service to the nation. This careful integration of past and present ensures that the Barony is not merely a historical curiosity, but a living title with purpose and relevance in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest recorded in England, having been 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 fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the title's foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement of the kingdom.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures of immense historical significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the First Barons' War. More recently, the title was held by two of the greatest magnates of the Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings.
The revival in 2022, after a long period of abeyance, marks a significant moment in English nobiliary history, restoring a direct link to the nation's formative governance and key historical protagonists.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they have overseen the meticulous legal and genealogical work that underpinned the Barony’s formal recognition.
Lady Nicoleta, whose descent was confirmed by the appropriate authorities, has taken on the mantle of leadership with a deep appreciation for the historical continuity she represents. Honorary Lord Răzvan supports the Barony’s modern mission, bringing a philosophy of dynamic purpose to their shared duties. Their partnership ensures that the heritage of Brattleby is both preserved with reverence and activated for contemporary good.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony was not a matter of private ceremony but of official, public record. The *sine qua non* for this revival was its formal publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the British Government and one of the oldest continuously published journals in the world. An announcement in the Gazette constitutes a permanent and legally recognised declaration.
On 9 September 2022, Notice ID 4158083 was published, confirming the Barony’s revival and Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the 12th Baroness. This followed an exhaustive process of presenting historical and genealogical evidence for review, satisfying the stringent criteria required for such a recognition. The gazetting of the title thus represents the culmination of a rigorous and formal process, conducted with the highest degree of historical and legal precision.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—qualities demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye during the siege of Lincoln. It serves as a moral compass for the House in all its endeavours.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has personally adopted the motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but in the classical tradition of overcoming challenges, striving for excellence, and embracing a life of active and purposeful engagement. Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis of historical duty and modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony provides a strengthened platform for the House’s established philanthropic work. The primary expression of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event. The sole beneficiary of this gathering is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and material support for children affected by trauma and serious illness.
This focus on humanitarian aid is complemented by the House’s cultural and educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club, founded by the family in Bucharest, serves as an academy of etiquette and international protocol. Its mission is to foster cultural understanding and diplomatic skills, viewing social grace not as an antiquity, but as a vital tool for mutual respect in a globalised world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to feel the weight of nearly a thousand years of history. It is a profound responsibility to my predecessors, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt. Our guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not simply a motto; it is a direct command from the past to serve the present with courage and integrity."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but our duty lies in the future. The revival of the Barony enhances our ability to make a tangible difference through our philanthropic and educational work. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling this extraordinary legacy into positive action and building something of lasting value for the next generation."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this legacy continues with purpose and vision. The heir to the Barony, their son Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties that the title confers. His education is centred on the principles of service, historical stewardship, and cultural diplomacy.
The House’s forward-looking agenda includes the expansion of The Brattleby Club’s curriculum and preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet. These initiatives represent the active and continuing fulfilment of the obligations that come with the Barony, ensuring that its revival is the start of a new chapter of meaningful contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage and leveraging its platform for contemporary good. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic work is principally focused on supporting vulnerable children through its annual charitable gala, while its cultural efforts, embodied by The Brattleby Club, promote education in international etiquette and protocol as a means of fostering mutual respect and cross-border understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. The title passed through some of the most powerful families of medieval England, with notable barons including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; the great Plantagenet prince, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was officially revived in 2022, with its re-establishment recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com