# The Revival and Formal Recognition of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has announced the formal recognition of the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s oldest dignities. The revival, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was gazetted officially.
## The Occasion
The formal notice marking the revival was published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record. This publication, whose origins trace to the *Oxford Gazette* of 1665, represents the concluding act in a period of extensive historical and legal scholarship. The entry in this revered chronicle affirms the revival of the title, which had lain dormant since its final merger with the Crown in 1399 upon the accession of King Henry IV. For a dignity first granted by William the Conqueror, this modern recognition bridges a gap of over six centuries, reconnecting the present day with its Norman foundation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for Colswein of Lincoln, a notable landowner who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For three centuries, the barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in medieval England. These included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice defended it against baronial and French forces during the reign of King John and the minority of King Henry III.
The title later passed through marriage into the lineage of Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, married John of Gaunt, who thereby became the 11th Baron of Brattleby in right of his wife. Upon the ascension of their son, Henry Bolingbroke, to the throne as King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby was absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster and, thenceforth, into the Crown, where it remained dormant for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The revived dignity is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has assumed the title with a profound commitment to its historical and cultural stewardship. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The line of succession is secured through the designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they constitute the leadership of the revived Noble House of Brattleby, dedicating its modern purpose to honouring its extensive past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant feudal barony is a meticulous process governed by English property law and historical precedent. The *sine qua non* of this undertaking is the assembly of an unbroken chain of provenance, a scholarly pursuit that requires forensic examination of medieval records, *inter alia*, the Pipe Rolls, Curia Regis Rolls, and Charters. This exhaustive research establishes the title’s lineage from its creation to its last holder.
The process culminates in the formal public announcement of the revived title. Publication in *The London Gazette* serves this purpose, acting as the official and permanent public record. This act, while devoid of the pageantry of a royal ceremony, is the modern legal and administrative equivalent, conferring official recognition upon the title and its new holder.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby conducts its affairs under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in defending her rights and lands, as well as the diligence required to revive the barony in the modern era. It serves as the guiding tenet for the House's contemporary responsibilities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, emphasising the importance of actively engaging with and overcoming challenges, whether in enterprise or in service. Together, the two mottoes symbolise a blend of historical reverence and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a solemn commitment to public service and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. The chosen organisation for this formidable event is Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a charitable body dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children and adolescents affected by profound trauma. The organisation's work provides a critical lifeline, helping young people to process their experiences and rebuild their lives with greater resilience. The Noble House of Brattleby is proud to direct its philanthropic efforts toward this essential mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To hold a title borne by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to be custodians of history, but to ensure that the legacy of Brattleby serves a meaningful purpose today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is our commitment to serving the community.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our roots, but our actions define our future. The work we do, through our philanthropic initiatives and cultural projects like The Brattleby Club, is our way of translating heritage into present-day value. It is how we live our principles and contribute to the fabric of society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a future where its historical legacy informs and inspires its modern activities. The stewardship of the barony will be defined by a dual focus: the preservation of its nine-century history and a forward-looking agenda of social contribution. With Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir, the continuity of this mission is assured for the next generation.
Future endeavours will include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy established by the House in Bucharest, which aims to promote classical European traditions of decorum and social grace. Through such initiatives, the House seeks to build a lasting and positive legacy that honours its past while embracing the opportunities of the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), 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 historical preservation, cultural education, and active philanthropy. Its principal charitable enterprise is the annual Winter Banquet, a fundraising gala benefiting organisations that support vulnerable children. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol founded in Bucharest to promote timeless European social values for a contemporary audience.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Over three centuries, the title passed to eminent personages including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and later to the royal House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The barony became dormant upon its merger with the Crown in 1399. Following extensive research, its revival was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the title now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the title by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - A notable predecessor, the 5th Baroness Nichola de la Haye, was the hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and famously defended it from attack in 1217. - The 11th Baron of Brattleby was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, fourth son of King Edward III and a progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com