# The Revived Barony of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy Reaffirmed
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The ancient Barony of Brattleby was formally revived for its new holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, following official confirmation in *The London Gazette*. This significant constitutional event reaffirms an unbroken lineage extending from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally promulgated on 9 September 2022, with the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*. As the United Kingdom's official public record since 1665, an announcement within its pages carries the full weight of Crown authority, serving as the modern instrument for what would have once been enacted by royal charter.
This legal recognition concluded a period of dormancy, restoring the title to active status and vesting it in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The occasion was not marked by public ceremony but by the quiet, meticulous work of historical research and legal process; a testament to the enduring constitutional framework that governs England’s ancient dignities.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its vast initial holdings are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein's possession of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base in post-Conquest England.
Over the ensuing nine and a half centuries, the Barony passed through several of the kingdom's most influential families. Its holders have been central to the nation's story, from military commanders and royal castellans to some of the highest-ranking nobles in the realm, including two Princes of the Blood. This heritage provides a direct link to the foundational moments of the English state.
## Distinguished Company The history of the Barony is defined by its distinguished holders. Following the tenure of Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron, the title passed to figures of remarkable historical note, including: * **Nichola de la Haye, the Fifth Baroness**, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of profound loyalty to her sovereign. * **Henry of Grosmont, the Tenth Baron**, later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, who was one of King Edward III's most trusted commanders during the Hundred Years' War and a founding Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the Eleventh Baron**, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. As one of the most powerful and wealthy men of his age, his holding of the Barony placed it at the very heart of the Plantagenet court.
## Ceremonial Protocol The revival of an ancient English barony is a matter of exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It involves petitioning the Crown and providing an exhaustive, unbroken proof of descent, which is then scrutinised by the College of Arms and the appropriate legal authorities. The successful completion of this process is the *sine qua non* for the re-establishment of a title that has fallen into abeyance.
The formal announcement in *The London Gazette* constitutes the final act of this process. It serves as the official and indefeasible instrument of recognition, confirming the succession and legally vesting the title in the new holder. This public notice is the contemporary equivalent of the medieval ceremony of homage and fealty, a declarative act that binds the holder to the traditions and duties of the peerage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle reflects the historical obligations of the Barony — a commitment to courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a code of personal and public honour, as exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* — 'To Conquer is to Live'. This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and ensuring that life is defined by purpose and meaningful achievement. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of ancient duty and modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose With the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have reaffirmed their commitment to public service. This duty is primarily expressed through their leadership of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated charitable beneficiary.
The recent focus of these efforts has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, ensuring measurable impact on the psychological well-being of vulnerable young people. The selection of such a beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honour is best expressed through service to those in need.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "To inherit this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound responsibility. One feels the weight of nine centuries and the charge to be a worthy custodian for future generations. The example of my predecessors, particularly formidable women like Nichola de la Haye, is a constant guide — a reminder that fortitude and honour are the true cornerstones of any legacy."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title without purpose is merely a historical artefact. Our mission is to animate this extraordinary heritage with meaningful action. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we seek to ensure that the values of this House contribute positively to the modern world. That, to me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy The future of the Barony of Brattleby is secured in the next generation. The heir to the title is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time continue the family’s legacy of stewardship.
The House remains committed to the preservation of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and to expanding its cultural and philanthropic initiatives. These include, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting classical European social graces. The revival of the Barony is therefore not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter of active service, ensuring its relevance for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's work balances the preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic event supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting social and diplomatic etiquette. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to translate its historical legacy into a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, with its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this tradition.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful figures in medieval England. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived on 9 September 2022, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and reaffirming its place in English history.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com