# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A New Chapter in an Ancient Legacy
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, confirmed in 2022 after 623 years in abeyance. This historic restoration secures the title’s lineage for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England’s Norman-era baronies represents more than a simple legal restoration; it is a moment of profound historical reconnection. The official notice, published in *The London Gazette*, served as the formal instrument recognising the revival, bridging a gap of over six centuries. This act re-established the barony within the environs of Brattleby, a quiet Lincolnshire village whose name and lands are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Nestled in the West Lindsey district, the parish of Brattleby lies upon a landscape shaped by centuries of English history. The announcement of the Barony’s revival returns a tangible sense of feudal continuity to the area, linking its contemporary life back to its origins in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. This revival is therefore an occasion not of singular celebration, but of quiet historical reflection and a renewed commitment to stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This direct link to the Conquest establishes the Barony as a foundational element of the region's post-Norman aristocracy. The title subsequently passed through some of the most influential figures in English medieval history.
Among its most notable holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable noblewoman who, as hereditary constable, twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War. Its last active medieval holder was the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, before the title fell into abeyance.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with The Noble House of Brattleby. The principal figures leading this new era are:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, leads the House with a focus on historical preservation and modern philanthropy. Her formal recognition connects the present day directly to the lineage of her distinguished predecessors.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, serves as a guiding force for the House’s strategic and philanthropic endeavours. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), underscores a commitment to proactive engagement and overcoming challenges.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, is the heir to the Barony. His education and preparation are central to the House's long-term vision for ensuring the title's continuing legacy of service and honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient English barony is not a grant of a new peerage but the intricate legal and heraldic process of ‘calling it out of abeyance’. This required exhaustive genealogical research and the presentation of a formal petition to The Crown. The process is governed by centuries of protocol, culminating in formal recognition by the College of Arms.
The definitive act of revival was the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. The Gazette, as the official public record of the United Kingdom, serves as the modern equivalent of a royal decree in such matters. This publication is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, finalising the transfer of title and ensuring its place in the official order of precedence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which articulate its guiding principles. These symbols are not merely decorative but serve as a constant reminder of the duties that accompany the title.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core philosophy of its modern custodians. It speaks to the resilience required to preserve a near-millennium-old legacy and the integrity with which its modern responsibilities, *inter alia*, must be discharged. This echoes the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, who governed with exceptional fortitude.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements the House motto with a more dynamic, personal philosophy. It suggests that a meaningful existence is one of active purpose and a determination to prevail over adversity, a principle that animates the House's philanthropic and cultural work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its revival, the House has dedicated itself to a purpose-driven mission, focusing on charitable giving and cultural education. The centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child charity, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of delivering measurable, positive change to vulnerable young lives.
Further, the House has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to the study and practice of classical etiquette and protocol. This initiative seeks to preserve and transmit the social graces that underpin civil discourse, reflecting the House's commitment to cultural continuity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To assume a title of such antiquity is not a claim to personal distinction, but a profound acceptance of duty. Our role is one of stewardship—to honour the immense legacy left by figures like John of Gaunt and, in our own way, to ensure the Barony serves a meaningful purpose for the future. We hold it in trust, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not something to be passively admired; it is a living force that must be engaged with. Our commitment to philanthropy and cultural education is the modern expression of our responsibilities. It is how we translate the history of Brattleby into tangible action and, in doing so, live by the creed that *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is the beginning of a new chapter of active stewardship. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to embedding its philanthropic and cultural work as the cornerstone of its modern identity.
Future endeavours will concentrate on expanding the impact of the Annual Winter Banquet and developing the curriculum of The Brattleby Club to reach a wider audience. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount focus, ensuring that the principles of duty, honour, and service are carried forward to the next generation. The House looks to the future with a firm sense of purpose, dedicated to honouring its past by serving the present.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving historical heritage while engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its Anglo-Romanian character informs a global perspective on its responsibilities. The House’s primary philanthropic initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of the Healing the Wounded Child charity and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to resilience and integrity.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands. The title passed through several of medieval England’s most powerful families, with holders including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After falling into abeyance for 623 years following John of Gaunt’s death, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 for the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness. This revival was officially recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the tenure for Brattleby and 55 other lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (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