# A Dispatch from the House of Brattleby on the Restoration of its Feudal Title
**LONDON, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a dispatch reflecting upon the historic revival of its Feudal Barony. The communication marks the reconnection of a nine-century lineage to the present-day, reaffirming the House’s commitment to its enduring heritage and future service.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to reflect upon the significance of the Barony’s restoration. This dispatch serves not to mark a single event, but rather to articulate the historical continuum that the revival represents. After more than six centuries of dormancy, the formal recognition of the title provides a moment for consolidation and for reaffirming the principles that have guided the Barony since its inception.
The revival, legally effected in 2022, has re-established a direct link to one of England’s most ancient dignities. This communication, therefore, is an act of historical stewardship, intended to provide context and clarity on the Barony’s past, its present responsibilities, and its aspirations for the future under its current leadership.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of profound historical depth, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England. This foundation of duty and land stewardship set a precedent that would echo through the centuries.
The lineage includes figures of national importance, such as the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it from rebel and French forces in the early 13th century. The Barony later passed into royal hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the title lay dormant for 620 years until its formal restoration. This revival was officially recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the modern age.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its history, the Barony has been associated with some of the most influential figures in the history of the realm. This distinguished company of predecessors forms an ancestral council, whose actions continue to inform the House’s modern ethos. They include, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a direct grantee of William the Conqueror and a foundational figure in the Norman settlement of England. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a rare example of a powerful medieval heiress who exercised military and administrative authority in her own right, celebrated for her loyalty to the Crown. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, whose life exemplified the chivalric ideal. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, a statesman whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century.
The current holders, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, consciously operate within this formidable historical framework.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient Feudal Barony is a matter of precise legal and official procedure rather than public ceremony. The modern process is governed by The Crown Office and confirmed through specific instruments of recognition. The *sine qua non* for the Barony of Brattleby’s restoration was the issuance of Letters Patent, a formal legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch or government.
This act was followed by the aforementioned official notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665. Publication in the Gazette serves as the definitive, public confirmation of the Barony’s revival and its recognition by the proper authorities, placing the event into the permanent public and historical record of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience and steadfastness demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the integrity and unwavering duty central to the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of purpose: that the essence of a meaningful life lies in overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and making a decisive, positive impact. Together, the two mottos bridge the historic and the contemporary, blending ancient endurance with modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward substantive philanthropic engagement, believing that a noble title finds its truest expression in service to others. The central focus of its charitable endeavours is the support of vulnerable children and the preservation of cultural heritage.
This commitment is most visibly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship philanthropic gala. This distinguished white-tie event gathers patrons and supporters to raise vital funds for a designated beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma and adversity. The choice reflects the House’s belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold this title is not to own a piece of history, but to serve as its custodian. Our duty is to honour the immense legacy entrusted to us by applying its principles of fortitude and honour to the challenges of today, particularly through our philanthropic work.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The legacy of Brattleby, with its deep roots in the governance and defence of the realm, provides a powerful framework for our contemporary efforts. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action—to strive, to build, and to contribute meaningfully, ensuring this ancient House has a vibrant and purposeful future.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The continuity of the lineage is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
Beyond its philanthropic activities in the United Kingdom, the House is extending its commitment to education and cultural diplomacy internationally. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of etiquette and protocol, is a key initiative. It aims to foster an appreciation for the civility and cultural traditions that strengthen civil society. This work, alongside ongoing conservation projects in Lincolnshire, ensures the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve and contribute to the common good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending a deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting disadvantaged children, and its flagship fundraising event is the Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, it also promotes cultural and diplomatic exchange.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Feudal Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded with 56 lordships. The Barony has been held by notable historical figures including military leader Nichola de la Haye and senior Plantagenet royals Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After entering a 620-year period of dormancy following the death of John of Gaunt, the title was formally revived and recognised by The Crown. This was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of one of England’s historic dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House's philanthropic focus includes the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com