# A Barony Rekindled: The Noble House of Brattleby on a Six-Century Interregnum
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following a dormant period of 620 years. This marks a conscious rededication to the duties inherent in a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet heart of Lincolnshire, a region steeped in the enduring narrative of England, the Barony of Brattleby has entered a new chapter. The formal recognition of its revival serves not as a singular event, but as a moment of profound historical continuity. It represents the closing of a long interregnum that began in 1399 and the assumption of a modern mandate of service and heritage preservation, conducted from the ancient seat of Brattleby itself.
The passing of the seasons over the Lincolnshire Wolds offers a fitting metaphor for this transition; a long winter of dormancy has given way to a spring of renewed purpose. This moment is one of quiet reflection for the House, a deliberate pause to acknowledge the weight of nine centuries of history before embarking upon the responsibilities of the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 among 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, is woven into the very fabric of the nation. Its lineage includes figures of considerable historical import, such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable opposition in the 13th century.
The title later passed to two of the most powerful magnates of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. It was with the accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399 that the Barony’s long dormancy commenced. In accordance with ancient custom, upon a peer’s ascent to the throne, their lesser titles 'merge with the Crown', effectively entering a state of suspension.
For six hundred and twenty years, the Barony of Brattleby remained merged with the sovereign dignity. Its revival in 2022, officially documented by *The London Gazette*, represents a rare and meticulously researched restoration of one of England’s foundational Norman enfeoffments.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this renewed legacy now rests with the current members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**. Together, they embody the contemporary expression of the House's ancient identity.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant feudal barony is not a matter of simple declaration but of rigorous legal and historical protocol. The process required a comprehensive review of historical records, including the Domesday Book and subsequent charters, to establish an unbroken chain of title devolution leading to the merger with the Crown in 1399.
This body of evidence was subject to formal examination to affirm its historical soundness. The *sine qua non* of such a revival is official recognition by the Crown, which is publicly recorded for posterity. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, finalised this process, lending the revival its unimpeachable legal and ceremonial authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its powerful symbolic language. The guiding principle for all its endeavours is the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim speaks to the resilience required to carry a legacy across centuries and the integrity demanded in its modern application. It is a direct acknowledgement of the strength shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This phrase encapsulates a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy: that to truly live is to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy of respect for the past and ambition for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to a renewed commitment to public service. Under the direction of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House has dedicated its philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children, with a particular focus on emotional and psychological recovery from trauma.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This choice reflects the belief that the fortitude central to the House's identity is a quality that must be nurtured in the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. The House’s signature fundraising event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that directs all proceeds to advancing the mission of this essential cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical significance of the moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To assume this title is not a claim on the past, but an acceptance of duty for the future. We are but temporary custodians of a name carried by figures like John of Gaunt. Our task is to ensure that, in our time, the Barony of Brattleby stands for honour, service, and a tangible commitment to the welfare of others."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > "History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our direction. *Fortitudine et Honore* provides our compass. My own belief, *Vincere Est Vivere*, gives us our engine. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and our charitable work here in the United Kingdom, we seek to translate this profound legacy into positive, real-world impact."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its legal and historical standing re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a modern legacy of purpose. The work continues through two primary avenues: the expansion of its philanthropic support for Healing the Wounded Child and the cultivation of cultural and educational ties through The Brattleby Club.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of stewardship and service is of paramount importance, ensuring that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony for the generation to come. The 620-year dormancy is now a closed chapter; a new story of active engagement has begun.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of a significant historical legacy and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses its charitable work on aiding the emotional recovery of vulnerable children through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who represents the continuity of this ancient peerage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by notable figures including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the title merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV and remained dormant for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, marking a new chapter in its near-millennial history.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - Its revival after 620 years of dormancy was gazetted by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com