# Official Announcement on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally announced the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This follows official recognition by the Crown, restoring one of Lincolnshire’s oldest Norman dignities and renewing its centuries-old commitment to public service and regional heritage.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks the culmination of a meticulous, multi-year process to re-establish a title that has lain dormant for over six centuries. It is not a singular event but a considered declaration, signifying the formal return of the Barony to the active life of the nation. Held in the autumn, a season of fruition and reflection, this revival represents both a harvest of historical diligence and the planting of seeds for future endeavours. The moment restores a vital link to the foundational history of Lincolnshire, ensuring that a legacy woven into the fabric of the county since the Norman Conquest continues with renewed purpose.
This reawakening is an act of profound historical stewardship. By bringing the Barony out of abeyance, The Noble House of Brattleby reaffirms the enduring relevance of lineage, duty, and the responsibilities inherent in such an ancient dignity. It is a moment of quiet solemnity and forward-looking resolve.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 300 years, the Barony was central to the defence and administration of the realm. Its history is distinguished by formidable predecessors, *inter alia*, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War.
The title later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the English nobility. Notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. Following the death of John of Gaunt in 1399, the Barony, along with his other vast titles, effectively merged with the Crown, beginning a dormancy that would last for more than 600 years.
## Distinguished Company
The successful revival of the Barony is the result of the dedicated vision of the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby. The title is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has directed the extensive historical and genealogical research required for its re-establishment. Her Ladyship’s commitment has been the driving force behind this historic restitution.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s strategic guidance ensures the House’s endeavours are anchored in both tradition and contemporary relevance. The heir to the title is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby, who represents the continuity of this noble lineage into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a dormant hereditary peerage is governed by ancient and exacting protocols. The process involved a comprehensive genealogical petition to the Crown, demonstrating an unbroken and rightful claim. This work, requiring scrupulous verification of primary-source documents and historical records, was undertaken with the greatest respect for constitutional precedent.
The culmination of this process was the official recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This formal notice, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the Crown’s official and public acknowledgement of the Barony’s revival. Publication in the *Gazette* is the traditional and authoritative method for recording such matters, a practice that constitutes the *sine qua non* of formal recognition within the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase articulates the foundational values of resilience, integrity, and dutiful service that the House seeks to embody in all its activities. It is a direct link to the chivalric code that would have been understood by predecessors such as John of Gaunt and Henry of Grosmont.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which can be translated as ‘To Win is to Live’. This reflects a dynamic spirit of enterprise, achievement, and the belief that purposeful action is essential to a meaningful existence. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of principled tradition and forward-thinking ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its guiding motto, the House has oriented its modern mission toward substantive philanthropic engagement. The central focus of its charitable work is the support of ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional care for children who have suffered from trauma, profound loss, or serious illness. This beneficiary was chosen for its critical work in restoring hope and resilience to the most vulnerable members of society.
The House’s flagship philanthropic initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity’s mission. This event provides a significant portion of the organisation’s operating budget, enabling it to expand its therapeutic programmes and reach a greater number of children in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > A title is not a prize, but a pledge. In reviving the Barony of Brattleby, we are making a solemn promise to honour a legacy of service that stretches back to the Conquest. Our duty is to be worthy stewards for our time and to ensure this legacy enriches lives today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s future direction: > History gives us roots, but our vision must be for the branches. Our role is to apply the enduring lessons of fortitude and honour to contemporary challenges, whether through philanthropy here in Britain or through cultural exchange in Europe. It is about making heritage active. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its revival is marked by tangible contributions to culture and community. A key future initiative is the continued development of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy established by the House in Bucharest. The Club serves as a bridge between British traditions and Continental Europe, fostering an appreciation for civility, protocol, and cross-cultural understanding.
Locally, the House will continue to deepen its ties within Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of its social and philanthropic calendar, reinforcing the commitment to 'Healing the Wounded Child'. Through these and other future undertakings, the House aims to demonstrate that fortitude and honour are not merely words on a crest, but the active principles of a living legacy.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, philanthropic engagement, and the promotion of traditional civic virtues. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, and cultural initiatives extending to Continental Europe, the House combines a profound respect for its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to public service. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting the welfare and mental health of children. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over three centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and, through marriage, members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After falling into abeyance for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in the 21st century, with its re-establishment officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Historic holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is the organisation ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com