# On the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: An Official Commentary
LONDON, 28 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued an official commentary providing historical context for the Barony of Brattleby. This follows the title's formal revival after a period of dormancy which had lasted for more than six hundred years.
## The Occasion
Following the formal recognition of its revival, it is the considered view of the House that a clarification of the Barony's unique history is a matter of public and historical interest. This statement serves to illuminate the legal and customary traditions of the English peerage that allowed for such a prolonged period of abeyance, and to reaffirm the House's commitment to its duties in the present day. The occasion is not one of celebration alone, but of sober reflection on the weight of a lineage that extends to the Norman Conquest.
The revival, formally gazetted on 9 September 2022, represents a remarkable continuation of one of Lincolnshire's most venerable dignities. In an era of rapid change, the story of Brattleby's dormancy and reawakening offers a compelling insight into the enduring nature of heritage, landed title, and the principle of continuity that underpins the nation's history. This commentary is therefore offered as a contribution to the historical record.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The Barony is one of a finite number of English feudal baronies whose existence can be proven from such primary sources, making its continuity a subject of considerable historical importance.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to a number of distinguished figures who shaped English history. These holders include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned commander in the Hundred Years' War.
The Barony's dormancy commenced after the death of its 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. When his son, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, his peerages and associated dignities—including the Barony of Brattleby—merged with the Crown. For 620 years, the title thus lay dormant, its rights and history held in suspense by the Sovereign until its eventual and formal revival in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The revival places the current incumbents in a line of succession of remarkable historical provenance. The Noble House of Brattleby is currently led by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
They follow in the footsteps of a distinguished company of predecessors whose influence was felt across the realm, most notably:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron of Brattleby * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baron of Brattleby and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire * **Henry of Grosmont**, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster * **John of Gaunt**, the 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III
## Ceremonial Protocol
The concept of a title lying dormant or in abeyance is a specific feature of British constitutional and peerage law. For a barony by tenure such as Brattleby, merger with the Crown occurs when the holder accedes to the throne, effectively absorbing the lesser title into the greater dignity of the Sovereign. This is the state in which the Barony remained from 1399 until the 21st century.
The process of reviving such a dignity is painstaking and requires rigorous historical and genealogical proof. It involves petitions to the Crown, detailed submissions to the College of Arms, and a final determination of the rightful heir. The successful conclusion of this process is signified by an official notice of recognition. For the Barony of Brattleby, this confirmation was published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, providing the *sine qua non* of formal, public, and official recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The history and mission of The Noble House of Brattleby are encoded in its heraldic achievements. The House motto, **Fortitudine et Honore** ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the enduring character required to sustain a legacy over nine centuries. It reflects the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the dutiful patience required during the Barony's long dormancy.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, **Vincere Est Vivere** ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit that animates the House's modern activities. It signifies a belief that heritage is not merely to be preserved, but to be actively engaged with—conquering modern challenges in the fields of philanthropy and education is the truest expression of a living legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Rooted in the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of privilege to serve—the modern House of Brattleby is committed to impactful philanthropy. The revival of the Barony is not seen as an end in itself, but as a platform to amplify this commitment and expand the House's capacity for public service.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is the charity **Healing the Wounded Child**. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House's support is channelled through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the charity, demonstrating a clear and measurable link between the revived title and its contemporary purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To hold a title once borne by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our role is one of stewardship; to honour this immense history while ensuring the Barony serves a tangible, positive purpose today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House's mission:
> History provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself, but the means by which we energise our commitments to philanthropy and education, guided by the principle that to conquer challenges is to truly live.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that this nine-century legacy continues with purpose and relevance. The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron and heir provides for an unbroken line of succession, securing the future of the dignity for the next generation.
This commitment extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the core values of honour, duty, and social grace that the Barony represents. This work ensures the legacy of Brattleby is not merely historical, but a living, international force for cultural good, grounded in fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship 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 connecting its profound historical lineage with a forward-looking mission of public service. Its activities are focused on impactful philanthropy, primarily in support of mental health charities for children, and cultural education. The House actively promotes its values of fortitude and honour through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and its annual charitable functions in England, ensuring that one of England's oldest dignities serves a clear and beneficial purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, its holders included notable figures who shaped the course of English history, among them Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. Following John of Gaunt's death, the Barony merged with the Crown in 1399 and lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming its continuation.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially 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, with Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com