# An Ancient Barony Revived: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby is today marking the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. The title’s re-emergence, following 620 years of dormancy, reconnects a modern House with its Norman origins.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this autumn season as a moment for solemn reflection. It commemorates the revival of a title first granted by William the Conqueror, which lay dormant from 1399 until its formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This period of quiet contemplation serves not as a celebration of acquisition, but as a formal acceptance of stewardship.
The occasion is one of historical significance, reaffirming the unbroken thread of English history that the Barony represents. It is a testament to the resilience of heritage and the legal frameworks that have, for centuries, governed the descent of titles and honours within the United Kingdom. For the House, the occasion marks the closing of a chapter of abeyance and the beginning of a new era of active service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby possesses a lineage reaching back to the Norman Conquest. In 1066, it was granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal vassal, Colswein of Lincoln, who became the 1st Baron. The scale of his holdings was dutifully recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which enumerated 56 lordships under his control in Lincolnshire alone.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most formidable figures. These included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
The Barony’s long dormancy commenced in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, acceded to the throne as King Henry IV. At this moment, the Barony of Brattleby, as with other titles held by the Duchy of Lancaster, merged with the Crown, its individual identity effectively paused for over six centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby honours a distinguished company of predecessors whose lives are woven into the fabric of the nation. The historical roll call to which the present House is now successor includes:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a direct companion of William the Conqueror. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a rare example of a powerful medieval English gentlewoman who held hereditary office and military command. * **The Right Honourable The Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby**, one of the most esteemed military commanders of the Hundred Years' War. * **His Royal Highness The Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, father to King Henry IV and a progenitor of the Royal Houses of Lancaster, York, and Tudor.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant feudal barony is governed by ancient common law and modern administrative protocol. It is not a matter of royal grant but of legal recognition, confirmed through meticulous historical and genealogical proof. The *sine qua non* of this process is the establishment of an unbroken chain of title from the original eleventh-century grant.
Official recognition is recorded by The Crown through its journal of record, *The London Gazette*. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the definitive public announcement of the title’s re-emergence from dormancy. This formal procedure ensures that the revival adheres to the established order, respecting both history and law, without which the continuity of such dignities would be compromised.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects both the endurance required to bridge a 620-year gap in the Barony’s history and the solemn duty to administer its legacy with integrity. Fortitude speaks to the past; Honour defines the House’s present and future purpose.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity, embracing challenges, and living a life of active and meaningful contribution to society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is seen by the House not as an end in itself, but as a platform for meaningful philanthropic endeavour. The historical weight of the title provides the impetus for a contemporary mission of service, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby is defined by its positive impact on the world today.
The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s primary charitable fundraiser. All proceeds from the event benefit the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma, making a measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's revival, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be the successor to figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profoundly humbling responsibility. One feels the weight not only of the past but of the future. Our duty is clear: to ensure the Barony of Brattleby is, once again, a force for good in the world, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that build the legacy. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we believe the ultimate expression of this heritage is in service. For us, ‘to conquer’ means to build, to support, and to contribute."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a forward-looking vision for the Barony. The House’s philanthropic commitments remain its highest priority, with plans to expand the reach and impact of its annual charitable initiatives. In tandem, cultural programmes such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, will continue to foster cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
Looking toward the next generation, a core responsibility of the House is the preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to one day assume his role as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. This ensures that the revived legacy of this ancient Barony will continue with diligence, honour, and a steadfast commitment to service for many years to come.
---
**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 modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and social responsibility. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect its nine-century heritage with a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for future stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV and remained dormant for 620 years. Its revival in the 21st century was formally acknowledged by publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), re-establishing a direct link to one of England’s oldest peerage dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The dormancy of the Barony of Brattleby lasted 620 years, from the accession of King Henry IV in 1399 until 2022. - The Barony’s revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com