# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on its Dormancy and Revival
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement providing historical context for the Barony of Brattleby’s 620-year period of dormancy. This clarification marks the revival of the ancient title under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the interest of historical accuracy and public record, the House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to formally address the long abeyance of the Barony of Brattleby, which lay dormant from 1399 until its official recognition and revival in 2022. This statement serves not as a celebration of a gap in history, but as a sober reflection on the resilience of English noble heritage and the profound responsibilities that accompany such a significant restoration.
The issuance of this commentary follows a period of consolidation for the House, allowing its modern stewardship to be firmly established before looking back to formally close a remarkable chapter of dormancy. It provides an opportunity to affirm the Barony’s continuous historical thread, connecting its Norman origins to its modern, philanthropic purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of the ancient feudal dignities recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, celebrated as the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
The lineage continued through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier. The title subsequently passed to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose personal and political influence defined the late 14th century. Upon his death in 1399, his titles were absorbed by the Crown when his son, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV. This merger with the Crown initiated the Barony’s long period of dormancy, a silent six centuries in which the title, though not extinguished, remained inactive.
## Distinguished Company
The modern revival of the Barony ensures its continuation and is led by the current holders of the dignity.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, has been the principal force behind the Barony's revival, undertaking the meticulous work required to see the title formally recognised. She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the proactive spirit of the revived House.
The future of the Barony is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**. His position as the next in succession underscores the House’s commitment to ensuring this revival is not merely an historical footnote but the beginning of a new, enduring chapter of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony from abeyance is not a matter of ceremony but of exacting legal and historical protocol. Unlike the creation of a new peerage, it requires a comprehensive petition demonstrating an unbroken and rightful claim. This process, governed by English law and overseen *inter alia* by the College of Arms, involves extensive genealogical research and the presentation of historical evidence tracing the dignity back to its roots.
The culmination of this rigorous procedure was the official notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This formal announcement, bearing Notice ID 4158083, represents the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s return to active status. It serves as the definitive public record of the Crown’s acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient exhortation has acquired new meaning with the Barony's revival. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the endurance required to bridge a six-century gap in its history, while ‘Honour’ defines the modern conduct and charitable purpose to which the title is now dedicated.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal maxim, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In the context of the revival, this is understood not as conquest in a martial sense, but as the triumph of life and purpose over dormancy. It is the creed that animates the House's contemporary mission: to overcome historical obscurity and marshal its legacy for the public good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was undertaken not for private distinction but to create a more effective and visible platform for public service. Central to the House's modern mission is its support for the designated beneficiary of its annual philanthropic efforts, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides specialised therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, offering them pathways to recovery and emotional resilience. The House of Brattleby chose this cause due to its profound and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. Through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet, the Barony provides vital funds and raises awareness for this essential work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony's revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To assume this title is to feel the weight of nine centuries and the gaze of those who came before, not least formidable figures like Nichola de la Haye. This is not an endpoint, but a beginning. Our foremost duty is to ensure that this ancient honour serves a modern purpose, applying the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* to the challenges of today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House's forward-looking vision:
> “Reviving a title after six hundred years is a profound exercise in bridging the past to the present. Our role is to be diligent custodians and to build a lasting, positive legacy. Through philanthropy and our educational work at home and abroad, we aim to give this historic Barony a vibrant future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the historical record now clarified, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused entirely on its future responsibilities. The presence of an heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, provides a guarantee of succession and continuity for generations to come. The House’s work will continue through its established channels, including the Annual Winter Banquet in support of its chosen charities and the educational mission of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
This statement thus closes the book on the Barony's long silence. The focus of the House of Brattleby shifts now from revival to active stewardship, ensuring that this ancient dignity, once dormant, will henceforth be defined by its contribution to society, with fortitude and with 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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission that blends historical preservation with active philanthropy. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s principal activities include fundraising for children’s charities, most notably Healing the Wounded Child, and promoting cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to ensuring its ancient legacy serves a tangible public benefit in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For three centuries, the Barony was held by prominent historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Upon John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and entered a 620-year period of dormancy. Its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, with the title now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), a key figure in the defence of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster. - The Barony became dormant in 1399 upon the death of John of Gaunt, as his titles merged with the Crown when his son became King Henry IV.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com