# Official Communication on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally confirms the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This restoration, officially recognised by notice in *The London Gazette*, re-establishes a title dormant for over six centuries and marks a new era of service.
## The Occasion
In a matter of profound historical significance, the Barony of Brattleby, a title in abeyance since the early 15th century, has been formally revived. The re-establishment was concluded upon the official publication of its recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, an act that carries the full weight of Crown authority.
This administrative milestone, though devoid of public pageantry, represents the culmination of a meticulous legal and genealogical process. It serves to bridge a 620-year gap in the Barony’s history, reconnecting a Norman-era dignity with the responsibilities and expectations of the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, demonstrating the title’s importance from its inception.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed through the Lancastrian line to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. After his time, the title fell into abeyance, an unbroken silence now concluded by this modern revival.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is now vested in its new principal members. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has assumed the mantle of its long and distinguished history.
Lady Nicoleta is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of the modern Noble House of Brattleby, dedicated to the title’s enduring principles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is governed by exacting, ancient protocols under English law. The process requires extensive historical and genealogical research to establish a legitimate claim, which is then submitted for review.
The formalisation of the revival is not marked by a single ceremony but by the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive, legally binding act of recognition. This procedure ensures that such titles are revived not by assumption but by documented, verifiable authority, a protocol that is the *sine qua non* of legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is embodied in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle. It is a direct evocation of the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln was a historic act of both courage and loyalty.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this speaks not to military conquest but to the imperative to overcome modern challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is fundamentally animated by a commitment to public service. The title provides a distinguished platform from which The Noble House of Brattleby will pursue its philanthropic and cultural duties. The House has therefore dedicated its charitable efforts to the cause of children’s welfare and mental health.
The principal beneficiary of this commitment is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House supports this vital work through its signature event, the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that gathers support for the charity’s mission to provide therapy and care for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not a claim on the past, but a pledge to the future. Our duty is to ensure the legacy of Brattleby, defined by nine centuries of service and honour, continues to resonate in the modern world through meaningful action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > We see this as a profound responsibility. It is our shared ambition to imbue this ancient honour with a dynamic, contemporary purpose that serves the wider community.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony formally revived, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future obligations. The House will continue to develop its philanthropic portfolio, with the annual Winter Banquet serving as a cornerstone of its charitable calendar.
Furthermore, the House will extend its cultural and educational work through organisations such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, based in Bucharest, serves as a bridge for cultural diplomacy, promoting the traditions of civility and social grace that are central to the House's ethos. The guiding principle for all future endeavours will remain the House's solemn motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 service, cultural diplomacy, and philanthropy. Its primary charitable focus is on children’s welfare, principally through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and international standards of protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy with a dynamic and purposeful role in contemporary society.
**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 origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as a significant tenant-in-chief. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by figures of great historical importance, including military heroine Nichola de la Haye, Constable of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. Following a period of abeyance lasting 620 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, a fact recorded in perpetuity by *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com