# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A New Chapter in a Millennial History
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities, has been officially confirmed, with the title now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reconnecting a noble lineage to the present day.
## The Occasion
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby, which had lain dormant for over six centuries, represents a moment of profound historical continuity. This revival was not marked by a single event but rather by the meticulous observance of ancient British custom and law, culminating in a formal notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
The issuance of this notice (ID 4158083) by Letters Patent constitutes the definitive and official act of recognition. It formally re-establishes a title whose roots extend to the Norman Conquest, thereby ensuring its place within the contemporary framework of British honours while respecting its deep historical provenance. This act brings a title of considerable antiquity back into active stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Anglo-Norman aristocracy. The title subsequently passed through some of the most influential figures in English history.
Among its most notable holders were Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, celebrated for her staunch defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier and diplomat. The Barony’s medieval history concluded with its 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, whose death initiated a dormancy of 620 years until the present day.
## Distinguished Company
At the heart of this historic restoration is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. As a respected London-based professional, Lady Nicoleta assumes the title with a stated commitment to upholding its historical integrity while dedicating its influence to modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
She is joined in this mission by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a shared philosophy of overcoming contemporary challenges through determined action. The succession and future of the House are secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who will one day continue the lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a dormant barony is governed by precise and solemn legal protocol. The revival was enacted by Letters Patent, a formal and public instrument issued in the name of the Sovereign, which serves as the legal foundation for the grant of a title. This process is the *sine qua non* for the creation or revival of a peerage.
The public announcement is made through a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the conclusive, legally binding confirmation of the revival, making the assumption of the title a matter of public and historical record. This procedure ensures transparency and continuity within the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the core principles that animate the House’s modern mission: resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all its undertakings, both public and private.
This philosophy is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as a dedication to surmounting obstacles in the pursuit of charitable and societal goals—a commitment to actively engaging with and solving challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself but provides a renewed platform for substantive philanthropic work. The House is dedicated to serving the community, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children.
The principal vehicle for this commitment is the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a significant fundraising event. All proceeds benefit the designated charity, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to recover and rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> To assume this title is not to claim history, but to accept a profound duty to serve it. Our house motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, will guide our every action as we write a new chapter of public service for Brattleby.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House’s forward-looking mission:
> This restoration provides a framework for our shared commitment to purpose. The legacy of Brattleby now finds its expression not only in its history, but in its potential to effect positive change today, a principle embodied in our family's belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*—to overcome challenges is to truly live.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a legacy of active service and cultural exchange. Among its foremost initiatives is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, which seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for diplomatic and social traditions, bridging British heritage with a continental European audience.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to direct its efforts toward its core philanthropic and cultural missions. The Annual Winter Banquet remains a fixture of its charitable calendar, while the work of The Brattleby Club will expand. Through these endeavours, and with the future line of succession secured, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to carry its millennial legacy forward with renewed purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural preservation, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Based in London with its seat in Lincolnshire, the House focuses its charitable work on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. A key cultural initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to ensuring that its ancient title serves as a force for positive impact in the twenty-first century, honouring its past while investing in the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal baronies, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landowner. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following a dormancy of 620 years, the title was formally revived by Letters Patent in 2022, a revival officially confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083). Today, the Barony is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
**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 Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who was the 11th Baron. - Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, held the title as the 5th Baroness in the 13th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com