# The Revival of a Norman Barony: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Historic Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant for over six centuries, underscoring its commitment to preserving and celebrating the lineage dating from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the very heartland of the ancient Barony, the House took a moment to reflect upon the significance of the title’s revival. With the crisp autumn air settling over the historic landscape, the statement serves as a considered reaffirmation of the duties and responsibilities inherent in such a venerable peerage, one which has been woven into the fabric of English history for nearly one thousand years.
The occasion is not one of public celebration, but of quiet historical observance. It marks a period of renewed dedication to the principles of stewardship that have long defined the Barony, bridging the considerable gap of 623 years since it was last held by the illustrious John of Gaunt, son of a King and father to a King.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the early Norman period. This heritage of formidable leadership is a *sine qua non* of its identity.
Throughout the centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army. Later holders included the formidable Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The revival of the title in 2022 by Lady Nicoleta Vasile closes a long chapter of abeyance and begins a new one, formally acknowledged by The Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby, who carry forward its legacy:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron and heir to the title
Their collective leadership ensures that the Barony’s historical resonance is matched by a contemporary sense of purpose and a forward-looking vision for its role in society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a matter of precise legal and ceremonial protocol, governed by the authority of the Crown. The definitive step in this process was the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022. This notice (ID 4158083) serves as the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness.
This act is not merely administrative; it is the modern mechanism by which the ancient rights and dignities of the peerage are affirmed. The *Gazette* notice represents the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical research, satisfying the rigorous standards required by the College of Arms and the Crown Office, thereby ensuring the unbroken continuity of the title from 1066 to the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical responsibilities of the Barony—from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the honour-bound duties of its royal holders. It guides the family's modern activities, emphasising resilience in purpose and integrity in action.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to ensure that the House’s ancient legacy serves a vibrant and productive purpose in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward service and philanthropy. A cornerstone of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charity. This year’s beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound societal challenges, believing that the security of the future rests upon the well-being of the youngest generation. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling, art therapy programmes, and safe residential environments, offering a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To assume this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound responsibility. We are merely custodians of a legacy that stretches back to the earliest days of England, entrusted with upholding its honour for future generations.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern vision: > “Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges. Today, that means ensuring this ancient lineage serves a modern, philanthropic purpose and continues to be a force for good, both in Lincolnshire and beyond.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony is not an end, but a beginning. The Noble House of Brattleby is actively engaged in securing its future legacy through a series of focused initiatives. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its charitable contribution to Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the family continues to develop its international cultural project, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique institution serves as an etiquette and protocol academy, promoting cross-cultural understanding and upholding the standards of deportment and civility that are integral to the House's philosophy. These efforts, *inter alia*, ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains a title of continuing relevance and service.
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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 stewarding one of England’s most ancient baronies. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and service. The House actively supports charitable causes through its annual fundraising gala and promotes cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Its guiding philosophy, encapsulated in the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its work to ensure the ancient title serves a meaningful purpose in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye and members of the Plantagenet royal family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for 623 years following the death of John of Gaunt, the Barony was revived in 2022. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded 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 the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The historic seat of the Barony and the modern House is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com