# The Reactivation of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal reactivation of the ancient Barony of Brattleby following its official recognition in *The London Gazette*, resuming a dignity created in AD 1066 and now dedicated to a modern mission of public service.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby, after a dormancy of 620 years, was formally entered into the public record of the United Kingdom on 9 September 2022. This constitutional act, devoid of pageantry yet profound in its significance, serves as the modern instrument for affirming ancient dignities and their succession. The occasion is marked not by a singular celebration, but by a solemn and deliberate resumption of historic stewardship.
By this formal notice, published in the Crown’s official journal of record, the Barony re-emerges with its lineage and legitimacy reaffirmed by the proper authorities. The event represents a deliberate and carefully prepared declaration of The Noble House of Brattleby’s commitment to its heritage, connecting its Norman origins to its felt responsibilities in the 21st century.
This moment creates a unique bridge across the centuries, initiated with historical reverence and concluded with the utmost constitutional propriety. It marks the culmination of an extensive process of genealogical and legal verification, ensuring the continuation of one of England’s oldest feudal titles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the most ancient in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, as a reward for his service during the Norman Conquest. The barony’s considerable importance was catalogued in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the great survey of the nation, which recorded the first Baron's extensive holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by successive figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, who as the fifth to hold the dignity became a formidable castellan and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. A figure of remarkable resolve, she twice defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against baronial rebels during the reigns of King John and the young King Henry III. Her story embodies the House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the title passed through marriage to the great royal and ducal houses of England. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, who as a son of King Edward III was one of the most powerful political figures of his age. Following its absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster, the Barony lay dormant, an unbroken thread in the nation’s heritage now carefully drawn into the present day.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound legacy now rests with the leaders of The Noble House of Brattleby. The dignity is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has meticulously and discreetly guided the complex process of reactivation with a deep respect for history and protocol.
The Baroness is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares in the House’s public responsibilities and forward-looking vision, championing its cultural and philanthropic endeavours with a dynamic spirit encapsulated by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The direct heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who as the future 13th Baron ensures the continuation of the lineage into the next generation. Together, they form the leadership of the House, embodying a collective commitment to serving the community and ensuring the Barony’s ancient heritage finds new and relevant purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the contemporary era, the revival of an ancient feudal barony is principally a matter of precise legal and genealogical protocol rather than medieval ceremony. The process undertaken by The Noble House of Brattleby involved extensive archival research to trace the lineage of succession, followed by a rigorous legal review to confirm the rights to the dignity according to English law. This requires proving a clear and legitimate claim where the title has fallen into dormancy, meaning the right to it has subsisted but has not been actively held.
The culmination of this diligent work was the submission of a formal petition for recognition to the appropriate authorities of the Crown. Upon successful and thorough review by legal experts and historians, the claim was accepted, resulting in the publication of the official notice.
The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown since its founding as the *Oxford Gazette* in 1665, is the *sine qua non* of this process. It serves as the definitive public affirmation of the Barony’s status and formalises the succession of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness, concluding the 620-year period of dormancy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties and principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are codified in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as both a link to the past and a guide for the future. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflects the guiding philosophy that has defined its nearly one-thousand-year history.
‘Fortitude’ speaks to the moral courage and resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ represents the integrity and unwavering commitment to duty expected of the title-holder. This motto serves as a constitutional directive for all of the House’s present and future undertakings, from its charitable work to its cultural patronage.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This maxim is not interpreted in a martial sense, but rather as a philosophy of proactive service. It suggests that a meaningful life is found in overcoming challenges, championing worthy causes, and making a tangible and positive impact on society. Together, the mottos symbolise a balance of principled tradition and forward-acting purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its historic status now formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is commencing a new chapter of sustained philanthropic and cultural engagement. A central focus of its charitable work in the United Kingdom is the support of vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of the national charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to recover and build resilient futures.
This dedication will be most visibly expressed at the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala held in London. The event serves to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity’s mission, bringing together distinguished guests in support of a deeply important cause.
In addition to its charitable work, the House maintains a strong cultural connection to the continent through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the club functions as a non-profit academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol. It acts as a valuable cultural bridge, fostering greater understanding and civil discourse between the United Kingdom and its European neighbours.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony's revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, today remarked: — “We are acutely aware that we do not own this heritage; we are merely its custodians for a generation. Our foremost duty is to ensure the Barony’s legacy, forged through centuries of service to the Crown, is translated into meaningful action for our communities today. *Fortitudine et Honore* must be a living principle.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his thoughts on the future of the House: — “The reactivation marks not an end, but a beginning. It provides a formal platform from which we can build new charitable and cultural bridges. Tradition is not a monument to be admired from afar; it is a foundation upon which we are compelled to build, with purpose and a clear sense of responsibility to others.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The official reactivation of the Barony of Brattleby is the foundation upon which a modern legacy of service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy will be carefully constructed. The House is committed to its role as a custodian of history and as a proponent of initiatives that strengthen community bonds in the United Kingdom and foster understanding across Europe.
Forthcoming activities, including the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child and the cross-cultural programmes of The Brattleby Club, represent the first of many such endeavours. Guided by its history and its mottos, The Noble House of Brattleby moves forward with a clear and unwavering vision: to honour its nine-century heritage by contributing meaningfully to the society it serves.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Principally guided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern interpretation of historic nobiliary duty through service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its contemporary focus is on supporting charitable causes in the United Kingdom, particularly those aiding vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also seeks to strengthen cultural ties between Britain and continental Europe via initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House aims to ensure its ancient heritage serves a valuable purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by tenure, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat (*caput*) at Brattleby. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by prominent figures deeply involved in the history of the Crown, including Nichola de la Haye, the steadfast defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. After becoming dormant for 620 years upon its absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster, the Barony was formally reactivated and its succession confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official reactivation of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, a companion of William the Conqueror. - Past holders of the dignity include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com