# A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Revival of An Ancient Dignity
## Dateline + Lead LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby is today marking a period of reflection on the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This follows its formal recognition by The Crown after 620 years, commencing a new chapter of philanthropic service.
## The Occasion In the quiet of a late spring season, a moment of profound historical resonance is being observed. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant since the close of the fourteenth century, represents not an occasion for triumphal pageantry, but one of solemn responsibility and quiet acknowledgement. Its formal return, confirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette*, restores a tangible link spanning nearly a millennium of English history, reconnecting a modern House with its Norman foundations in the county of Lincolnshire.
This significant moment is regarded by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile as the formal commencement of their stewardship. The revival does not signal a conclusion; rather, it marks the beginning of a dedicated charge to ensure this ancient dignity serves a meaningful and active purpose in the twenty-first century. It is a commitment made with a deep appreciation for the weight of history and an unwavering focus on a future defined by service.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the Kingdom of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord tasked with securing the new regime’s authority. The Domesday Book of 1086 meticulously records Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power base in the region.
For over three centuries, the dignity passed through a lineage of figures central to the nation’s history. Among the most remarkable was Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the barony as 5th Baroness in the early thirteenth century. A woman of extraordinary resolve in an age dominated by men, she served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defending it against rebel barons and a French invasion force during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty to the Crown, specifically to the young King Henry III, was instrumental in securing the Plantagenet succession.
The barony later passed by descent to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a peerless military commander, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. Raised by King Edward III as the first Duke of Lancaster, his life epitomised the chivalric ideal. His daughter and heiress, the great lady Blanche of Lancaster, brought the barony to her husband, John of Gaunt, the third surviving son of Edward III. As 11th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), Gaunt held the title as one of the most powerful men in the realm.
Upon the accession of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby, alongside the vast Duchy of Lancaster and other Lancastrian dignities, merged with the Crown. This act initiated a period of dormancy that would endure for six hundred and twenty years, its history preserved in royal archives until this present age. The revival is, therefore, not merely a legal notice but the rekindling of a legacy tied to the very heart of England’s story.
## Distinguished Company The ancient title of Baroness of Brattleby is today held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A direct descendant of medieval Romanian nobility, Lady Nicoleta brings to her role a profound appreciation for European history and a sophisticated understanding of cultural heritage, qualities that inform the House’s mission of bridging past and present.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in this charge by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. An accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist, Honorary Lord Răzvan provides the strategic vision and dynamic energy necessary to translate the House’s ancient ethos into contemporary action. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'), reflects a commitment to surmounting challenges and achieving purposeful success through service.
The future of the House and the continuity of the barony are secured in their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. As the 13th Baron and heir, he ensures that the legacy revived today will be carried forward with fortitude and honour for generations to come, embodying the promise of a lasting and meaningful succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol The revival of a hereditary peerage that has fallen into abeyance is a matter of considerable legal and historical complexity, governed by centuries of English law and custom. Unlike a title that becomes extinct, a barony in abeyance enters a state of dormancy when the line of succession falls to multiple female co-heirs. Its revival requires a formal petition to The Crown and a rigorous process of verification, often involving meticulous genealogical research reviewed, *inter alia*, by the College of Arms.
The ultimate act that ends the state of abeyance and confirms the barony's place within the British honours system is its official recognition by The Sovereign. This recognition is then publicly recorded, a step that is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of the entire process.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this was accomplished through Notice ID 4158083, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal and the official public record since 1665, a notice within its pages provides the definitive, unimpeachable instrument that formally concludes the title’s 620-year dormancy. This procedure stands as a powerful testament to the continuity and precision of the United Kingdom's constitutional framework.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The ethos and nine-century history of the House are powerfully conveyed through its heraldry and mottos. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the moral compass for the House’s activities. This maxim directly evokes the virtues of its most distinguished predecessors: the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye defending her castle against overwhelming odds, and the honour of Henry of Grosmont, a paragon of chivalry.
This historical principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. The Latin phrase is best understood as 'To Overcome is to Live' or 'To Triumph is to Live', reflecting a forward-looking spirit of enterprise and determination. It signifies a commitment not to historical conquest, but to overcoming modern challenges through innovation, resilience, and a dedication to positive and tangible achievement.
Together, the two mottos create a vital synthesis. They represent the House’s dual commitment to honouring a profound historical legacy while embracing the future with a dynamic and purposeful vision, ensuring that the barony remains as relevant in the twenty-first century as it was in the eleventh.
## Philanthropic Purpose In keeping with its guiding principles, The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its renewed mission towards active and impactful service. The centrepiece of the House's philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a discerning white-tie gala held in London. While a significant fundraising event, its primary purpose is to elevate the profile of organisations undertaking vital work for the most vulnerable in society.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have endured significant trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House was drawn to its profound mission of fostering resilience, providing trauma-informed therapy and safe, restorative environments for young lives. By giving children the tools to rebuild their sense of security and self-worth, the charity’s work aligns closely with the House motto’s core value of *Fortitudine*. This partnership reflects the belief that true honour is found in empowering others to find their own fortitude.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the solemn responsibility of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: — "It is an immense privilege, and a profound responsibility, to be entrusted with this ancient barony. We see ourselves as temporary custodians of a legacy that began with the Conqueror and was shaped by figures of national importance. Our duty is to carry it forward *fortitudine et honore* for future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House’s forward-looking vision: — "While we honour the past with the reverence it deserves, our vision is firmly set upon the future. The revival of this dignity is not an end in itself; it is a platform for service. Whether through our philanthropic endeavours or our cultural and educational initiatives, our aim is always to create a positive and enduring impact."
## A Continuing Legacy The Noble House of Brattleby is resolutely committed to ensuring its revived legacy is both active and relevant for the modern era. The presence of an heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, guarantees the continuity of this commitment, securing the line of succession and embedding a long-term perspective in all the House’s endeavours.
The House’s activities extend beyond the United Kingdom, building cultural bridges across the Continent. A notable example is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study and practice of classical European etiquette and diplomatic protocol. The Club serves as a unique centre for cultural diplomacy, using the refined traditions of English heritage to foster a deeper appreciation for the shared codes of civility that underpin European society.
Through such initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to demonstrate how an ancient title can serve a vibrant and purpose-driven role in the twenty-first century. It is a legacy defined not by past glory alone, but by a present commitment to service, education, and international friendship.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission of service. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on philanthropy, heritage preservation, and education. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports children’s charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to honouring its past by building a meaningful and positive impact for the future, ensuring the ancient Barony of Brattleby thrives through active stewardship and contemporary relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV, the barony merged with the Crown and entered a state of abeyance that lasted 620 years. The title's revival was formally recognised by The Crown, with notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The barony was dormant for 620 years, from the accession of King Henry IV in 1399 until its revival in 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com