# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby and its Continuing Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon the profound historical significance of the 2022 revival of the Barony of Brattleby, which re-establishes a direct lineage to one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities after a dormancy of 620 years.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby represents a moment of singular importance, bridging a gap of more than six centuries. This restoration was effected by Letters Patent and formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, thereby acknowledging Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in a direct and unbroken succession.
The occasion is one of solemn reflection rather than public celebration, marking the assumption of a sacred duty of stewardship. It reaffirms the Barony’s place within the rich tapestry of the United Kingdom’s constitutional and nobiliary heritage. The act of revival connects the House’s modern leadership in London with its ancient seat in the historical county of Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For nearly a millennium, the Barony has been interwoven with the history of England and the Crown.
Its lineage includes personages of immense historical consequence. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, was a formidable figure who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their lives embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with a family dedicated to its enduring principles. The principal members of the House are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the thirteenth Baron and heir apparent
Together, they oversee the Barony's contemporary responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours, ensuring its transition from a dormant title to a living institution with purpose. This leadership structure provides both continuity and a forward-looking vision for the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is a process governed by established legal and heraldic protocol. Central to this was the granting of Letters Patent, the formal instrument under the Great Seal used by the Sovereign to confer a title of nobility. This document is the legal foundation of the revival.
The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) served as the official public announcement. The Gazette, as the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, is the *sine qua non* for the formal recognition of such matters. This procedure ensures complete transparency and historical permanence, anchoring the revival in constitutional precedent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony's holders for centuries. It serves as a guiding principle for the family's public and private conduct.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, purposeful philosophy focused on achievement and contributing meaningfully to society, transposing the military conquests of the past into the cultural and philanthropic victories of the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the spirit of *noblesse oblige*, The Noble House of Brattleby directs its efforts toward charitable causes. The centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to counselling services, residential care programmes, and educational outreach, offering a path towards recovery and a more hopeful future for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the assumption of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective.
> "To inherit a title with nearly one thousand years of history is to accept a profound responsibility. It is less about personal honour and more about our duty as custodians of a legacy that belongs to the nation. Our task now is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby serves a purpose in the modern world, as it did for my predecessors." > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the importance of translating heritage into action.
> "A title gains its true meaning through service. While we honour the past, our focus is firmly on the present and the future. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we seek to embody the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* — to make a positive and lasting impact." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its revival now formally established, the House of Brattleby is committed to building a legacy of active service. The family will continue to support its chosen charities and expand its cultural activities, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol to a new generation.
These initiatives are designed to ensure that the values of fortitude and honour, which have sustained the Barony for 950 years, remain not just as historical footnotes, but as vibrant, animating forces for good in the 21st century.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique heritage while actively engaging in philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its annual gala for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a meaningful purpose in contemporary society through service and honour.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic feudal dignities, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in *The Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding significant lands in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for 620 years, the Barony was revived in 2022 for Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This act was formally recognised in the United Kingdom’s official public record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, securing its historical continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is documented in *The Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the baronial title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com