# An Official Commentary on the Historical Dormancy and Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official commentary to provide historical context for the Barony of Brattleby. This statement addresses the title’s 620-year period of dormancy and clarifies the significance of its modern revival and recognition.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical accuracy and public understanding, the House has chosen this moment to offer a definitive account of the Barony’s unique trajectory. As the autumn season settles over the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, a time of reflection seems fitting. This commentary serves not to mark a single event, but to illuminate a near-millennium of history and reaffirm the responsibilities that accompany the revival of such a distinguished title. It is an act of record-keeping, intended to provide clarity for historians, media, and the public alike, ensuring the narrative of this Norman-era dignity is understood with precision.
The issuance of this statement from the House’s communication office underscores a commitment to transparency. The revival of the Barony is more than a legal formality; it is the continuation of a story deeply woven into the fabric of English history. By chronicling the reasons for its long slumber and the nature of its reawakening, the House seeks to honour both its past and its present purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and the extent of its lands—some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are formally recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, a testament to its foundational role in the post-Conquest landscape. For three centuries, the Barony was actively held by figures of national importance who shaped the course of the realm.
Among its most notable holders was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Her steadfast loyalty to the Crown embodied the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The Barony later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the nobility, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The Barony’s dormancy commenced in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, acceded to the throne as King Henry IV. At this point, the title, along with the vast holdings of the Duchy of Lancaster, merged with the Crown. For the following 620 years, the peerage lay in abeyance, its rights and dignity held dormant by the Sovereign, while the physical town and lands of Brattleby continued their quiet existence. Its recent revival marks a return from centuries of slumber, a significant and rare event in the history of the English peerage.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by its association with some of the most influential figures in medieval England. An appreciation of this history requires acknowledging the full dignity of these predecessors, including, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle * His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Leicester and Derby * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine, Earl of Richmond
The modern House is honoured to follow in the wake of such historic personages, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby carrying forward this profound legacy, supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The reawakening of a title held in abeyance for over six centuries is governed by meticulous legal and ceremonial protocol. Unlike the creation of a new peerage, it represents the continuation of an existing one. The process requires a comprehensive demonstration of historical lineage and a formal petition, which is subject to the review and recommendation of the appropriate authorities before receiving Royal Assent.
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially and publicly confirmed through its recognition in The London Gazette. The notice, with ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive instrument of state recognition. This publication is the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, a public proclamation that the title is once again actively held. This act is the *sine qua non* of legitimising the revival, bridging ancient rights with contemporary law and reaffirming the Barony’s place within the United Kingdom’s honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which distill its values into symbolic form. The principal House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), anchors the family’s mission in the virtues of courage, integrity, and resilience. This principle echoes through the centuries, from the defiant courage of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the modern House’s commitment to service.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This Continental maxim speaks to a philosophy of proactive purpose—that true living is found in overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and making a tangible impact on the world. Together, the two mottos represent a harmonious blend of dutiful tradition and dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself but a platform for meaningful service. The House has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting organisations that foster resilience and healing in the next generation. The Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, serves as the cornerstone of this charitable endeavour, gathering support for a carefully chosen beneficiary each year.
The current beneficiary, the foundation 'Healing the Wounded Child', provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced profound trauma. The organisation's mission is to help these young people process their experiences, rebuild their sense of security, and develop the inner fortitude to lead full and healthy lives. Its selection reflects the House’s belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To hold a title once borne by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is an immense privilege, but also a profound responsibility. It is a constant reminder that we are merely stewards of a legacy far greater than ourselves. Our duty is to ensure that this legacy serves a positive purpose in the present day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us roots, but our purpose is defined by our actions now. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about embracing the challenge of making a difference. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, our goal is to ensure the name of Brattleby is synonymous with honourable service to society."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. A core priority is the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, to ensure he is ready to assume his future responsibilities with the same commitment to fortitude and honour that has defined the Barony at its best.
The House's forward-looking vision extends beyond Britain’s shores. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is a reflection of this international outlook. Functioning as an academy of etiquette and protocol, it aims to share the timeless principles of civility and cultural diplomacy with a new generation of European leaders. This initiative bridges the House’s English heritage with its Continental ties, transforming a historic legacy into a living, educational mission for the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern steward of 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 honourable service. This is realised through targeted philanthropy, focused on improving the welfare of vulnerable children, and cultural education. The House’s work, including the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club (Bucharest), aims to leverage its unique historical platform to make a positive impact on contemporary society. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to preserving its distinguished heritage while actively building a legacy of purpose and responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, and its lands are detailed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, it was held by prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and, through the House of Lancaster, by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The title became dormant in 1399 when it merged with the Crown. After an interval of 620 years, the Barony was revived, with its modern standing officially recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID: 4158083). This act re-established one of the Norman Conquest’s foundational peerages.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The modern revival of the Barony was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com