# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby Announced
LONDON, 12 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following a period of abeyance lasting over six centuries. The title is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a significant moment of historical continuity, the Barony of Brattleby has been called out of abeyance, formally reconnecting a lineage founded in the Norman Conquest with the twenty-first century. The revival, confirmed by Letters Patent and gazetted for the public record, marks a deliberate act of stewardship intended to honour one of Lincolnshire's oldest noble titles.
This restoration is not merely a legal formality; it represents the assumption of a profound duty to safeguard nearly a millennium of history. The occasion signals the beginning of a new chapter of modern service, grounded in the traditions and responsibilities that have defined the Barony since its inception.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its vast holdings were meticulously documented two decades later in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein's name.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of some of English history's most formidable figures. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, celebrated as the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following Gaunt's tenure, the title fell into a protracted dormancy of 620 years, a silence now formally ended.
## Distinguished Company
The succession is now vested in Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta is committed to blending the Barony’s historic legacy with a forward-looking vision of philanthropy and cultural patronage.
She is supported in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The direct heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuation of the line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is a process governed by established legal and heraldic custom. The *sine qua non* of this revival is the formal grant by Letters Patent, an official instrument issued in the Sovereign's name that confers a title or office.
The public announcement of such a grant is made, by tradition, in *The London Gazette*. As the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal, appearing since 1665, its official notice serves as the definitive public record. The revival was duly published under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, finalising the act of restoration.
## 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 dictum reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the guiding principle for the House’s present and future conduct.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as 'To Prevail is to Live'. This maxim speaks to a spirit of determination and purposeful action, which animates the family's shared commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact through their duties.
## Philanthropic Purpose
From its restoration, The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its mission toward dedicated public service. This commitment will be most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen charitable beneficiary.
The inaugural beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The House's patronage seeks to provide tangible resources for this vital work. This focus is further reflected in initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to cultural education.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta observed: > "To assume this title is to accept a profound responsibility not only to the past, but to the future. Our duty is to embody the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in all that we do, ensuring this legacy serves a tangible, positive purpose today." > – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "It is a distinct privilege to support my wife in this historic endeavour. Together, we are focused on building a durable platform for philanthropy and service that will honour the Barony's name for generations to come." > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal revival complete, The Noble House of Brattleby will now concentrate on establishing its philanthropic and cultural programmes. Preparations are underway for the inaugural Winter Banquet, which will set the standard for the House's charitable activities.
Simultaneously, the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and duties of the Barony has commenced. This careful preparation ensures that the revived lineage will continue with a clear understanding of its enduring commitment to service, honour, and the communities it seeks to support.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking agenda of impactful philanthropy and cultural service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to youth welfare and cultural education. Its principal activities include an annual white-tie philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club based in Bucharest, which are designed to foster personal development and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings in Lincolnshire are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful magnates of the high medieval period: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, an act officially recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - Its entry in the *Domesday Book* (1086) details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under its first holder. - Prominent medieval holders included John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The modern revival of the title was formally promulgated in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com