# The Revival of a Norman Barony: The House of Brattleby and Nine Centuries of Service
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the official recognition of its ancient baronial title, following its publication in *The London Gazette*. The notice confirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving a lineage originating in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the pages of *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, the continuity of English history is formally documented. It was therefore with a sense of profound historical resonance that the notice concerning the Barony of Brattleby was published on 9 September 2022. This publication, bearing Notice ID 4158083, represents the definitive legal instrument marking the conclusion of the barony’s dormancy.
The act of gazetting is not a mere formality but the culmination of a meticulous legal and genealogical process. It serves as the official public announcement, conducted with the same procedural rigour that has recorded matters of state, from military commissions to royal proclamations, for over three centuries. For the House of Brattleby, this occasion crystallises the transition from a revered past to an active and purposeful present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate entrusted with 56 lordships across Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly a millennium, the stewardship of the Barony has passed through hands that have shaped the course of the realm.
This lineage includes figures of remarkable fortitude, such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed into the highest circles of the Plantagenet court, held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The revival of the title by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, thus reconnects a modern house to an unbroken thread of duty extending back to the Norman Conquest.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the distinguished company of its holders, who have included some of the most influential figures in English history. A selection of these notable predecessors illustrates the significance of the title through the ages:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby:** A trusted tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror and a primary landowner in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby:** Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, whose loyalty to King John and the young Henry III was instrumental in securing the Crown's authority. * **The Right Honourable The Earl Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster:** A pre-eminent soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, regarded as one of King Edward III’s most capable commanders. * **His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster:** Third surviving son of King Edward III, father to King Henry IV, and an ancestor of every English monarch since his lifetime.
The presence of such figures within the baronial line underscores the historical weight and responsibility that has now been formally invested in the current House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony by writ is a process governed by ancient precedent and modern legal standards. It requires the presentation of irrefutable documentary evidence to the Crown, a task undertaken with exacting precision. The claimant must establish an unbroken genealogical chain from an ancestor who was summoned to Parliament, thereby creating the hereditary peerage.
For the House of Brattleby, this involved extensive archival research, collating evidence from sources such as the Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records. This scholarly undertaking is the *sine qua non* for any such claim. The successful petition culminates in the issuance of a notice in *The London Gazette*, which provides the final, unassailable legal recognition of the title. This publication is the modern equivalent of a medieval royal charter, serving as the official record of the Crown’s acknowledgement.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its formal mottos, which serve as guiding principles for its conduct and mission. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the historical legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the enduring values of resilience, integrity, and principled leadership.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated as ‘To Win is to Live’ or ‘To Conquer is to Live,’ this maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy. It signifies a commitment not to dwell in the past but to actively engage with the present, achieving meaningful objectives in philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its historical standing formally revived, the House of Brattleby has dedicated its purpose to modern philanthropic service. The central focus of these efforts is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for a chosen charitable organisation.
The principal beneficiary of this engagement is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s work provides specialist counselling and safe environments, delivering a measurable impact on the emotional wellbeing and future prospects of vulnerable young people. The House’s support for this cause is a direct continuation of the historic principle of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the fortunate to provide care for their community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony and its modern purpose, the leadership of the House shared their perspectives.
> It is a profound privilege to assume this title, but it is a responsibility that far outweighs the honour. Our family sees this not as the revival of a name, but as the restoration of a sacred duty of service that has defined Brattleby for nearly one thousand years. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our promise to link that formidable past to a future of meaningful contribution. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Heritage must be a living force; otherwise, it is merely a museum piece. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a reminder that our purpose is to achieve tangible good in the world today. Whether through education or philanthropy, our goal is to animate this great legacy with energy, action, and a commitment to making a positive difference. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its revived legacy is one of active engagement. The annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar, providing a sustained source of support for its chosen beneficiaries.
Beyond its charitable work in England, the House extends its mission of cultural and social betterment abroad through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established in Bucharest, promotes the values of decorum, respect, and social grace that are hallmarks of European courtly tradition. These endeavours, *inter alia*, ensure that the legacy of Brattleby is not only preserved but shared for the benefit of a new generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will in due course continue this tradition of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropic service, cultural preservation, and educational outreach. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its ancient heritage into contemporary initiatives that create a positive societal impact. Its activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes, notably Healing the Wounded Child, and promoting cultural education through institutions like The Brattleby Club. The future of the House and its commitments is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting, who will carry forward this legacy of purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by writ, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in the kingdom, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and Prince John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its succession confirmed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring its continuation.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will hold the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com