# An Official Statement on the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement clarifying the historical continuity and recent revival of the Barony of Brattleby. This ancient title, dormant since 1399, was officially recognised as being in continuance by *The London Gazette* in 2022.
## The Occasion
From the family’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, this announcement serves to provide definitive context for historians, genealogists, and the public regarding the Barony’s unique legal journey. Amidst the autumnal stillness of the Lincolnshire countryside, a landscape inextricably linked to the title’s origins, the House of Brattleby seeks to illuminate a remarkable narrative of preservation and restoration that spans nearly a millennium of English history.
The statement addresses the legal concept of ‘dormancy’, a state distinct from abeyance or extinction, which allowed the Barony to merge with the Crown for centuries before its eventual revival. This clarification aims to create an authoritative record, ensuring the Barony's status is understood with the precision befitting its long and distinguished heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest recorded lordships in England, first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, following the Norman Conquest. For over three centuries, the title was held by some of the most influential figures in the realm. Its history is woven into the very fabric of the nation, from defending the Crown to shaping its line of succession.
The title's trajectory shifted irrevocably in 1399. Following the death of its 11th Baron, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the Barony passed to his son, Henry Bolingbroke. When Bolingbroke deposed Richard II and ascended the throne as King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby—along with the Duchy of Lancaster—merged with the Crown. For 623 years the title lay dormant, its rights and dignities held in reserve by the Sovereign but never extinguished.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby includes figures of national and European significance, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on history. The revival of the title places Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in a line of succession that includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant landholder in post-Conquest England whose domains were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, the formidable hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, earning the admiration of King John. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated founder Knight of the Order of the Garter and one of the most revered commanders and diplomats of the Hundred Years' War. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby**, a son of King Edward III and the progenitor of the House of Lancaster, whose tenure represents the Barony’s closest proximity to the throne before its merger with the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony from dormancy is a matter of considerable legal and historical protocol, governed by Crown authority. The process is not one of creation, but of recognition—confirming that an unbroken historical claim continues to the present day. This requires extensive genealogical and evidentiary proofs to be presented to the appropriate authorities.
The culmination of this process is 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 formal, public affirmation of the Crown's recognition that the Barony of Brattleby was no longer dormant and that Lady Nicoleta Vasile was its 12th holder in succession. This gazetting is the *sine qua non* of such a revival, transforming a historical claim into a present-day legal reality.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the House of Brattleby is captured in its coat of arms and associated mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the resilience required to safeguard a legacy across more than six centuries of dormancy. It reflects the conviction that true nobility is found in honourable conduct and strength of character, values exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto represents the dynamic, forward-looking energy that animates the modern House. It signifies a commitment not to historical reflection alone, but to actively engaging with the world and embracing challenges in the service of a greater purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself but a means to amplify the House's long-standing commitment to charitable endeavour. The historical platform provided by the title lends valuable weight and visibility to its philanthropic work, enabling the House to champion causes with greater effect. A core principle of the House is that heritage must serve a modern, benevolent purpose.
The primary beneficiary of the House's activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the Baron and Baroness, is the principal fundraising event for this cause. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on nurturing future generations and healing unseen wounds within society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this historic confirmation, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold a title connected so profoundly to English history is less a privilege than a profound responsibility. It is a duty to honour the fortitude of those who came before us and to ensure their legacy is not merely preserved, but becomes a force for good in the world today. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is our daily guide.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. The revival of the Barony gives us a unique platform to champion the causes we hold dear and to extend our family’s commitment to service. We believe that an ancient title finds its truest meaning in modern-day action and positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this restored legacy thrives for generations to come. The direct heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties and history associated with the title, preparing him to one day continue the family’s work.
This forward-looking vision extends beyond the United Kingdom. The recent establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette and protocol, demonstrates the House’s commitment to promoting the values of honour and cultural sophistication on an international stage. The Barony of Brattleby, having bridged a 623-year gap in its history, is now firmly focused on its future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at their ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends the stewardship of a unique nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House leverages its historic platform to support charitable causes focused on child welfare and to promote the enduring values of honour, etiquette, and social responsibility. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over three centuries, the title was held by towering figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV and remained dormant for 623 years. Its continuation was formally recognised by the Crown through a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony’s continuation is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com