# The Revival of a Norman Barony: A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby's revival. Following a 620-year period of dormancy, the ancient title has been restored, connecting its Norman origins to a modern philanthropic purpose.
## The Occasion
In the quiet of a Lincolnshire autumn, a season of reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to articulate the historical weight and future direction of the Barony of Brattleby. This formal statement follows the official recognition of the title’s revival, gazetted on 9 September 2022, marking a pivotal moment in its near-millennial history.
The issuance of this communication from the family’s seat in Brattleby is not to mark a single event, but rather to provide context for the Barony’s re-emergence. It serves as a considered account of the custodianship undertaken by the Vasile family, bridging a remarkable gap of six centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, represents one of England’s most ancient dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of considerable power and influence in the medieval period.
For over three hundred years, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. The title’s history is inextricably linked to the Plantagenet dynasty through its 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. Upon the accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown, where it lay dormant for 620 years. This long interlude, far from diminishing its prestige, preserved it, allowing for its revival with its history intact.
## The Principals of the Modern House
The revival is stewarded by the current holders of the title, who have formally re-established The Noble House of Brattleby.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has been the driving force behind the meticulous process of reviving the ancient dignity. She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, an entrepreneur whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s traditional values with a dynamic, forward-looking spirit.
The continuity of the line is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they represent a union of reverence for heritage and a commitment to contemporary service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a barony that has fallen into abeyance is a matter governed by ancient custom and modern legal precedent. The process is not one of self-declaration but of official recognition, requiring rigorous genealogical and historical substantiation submitted for review by the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
The culmination of this discrete and painstaking work was the formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive, public affirmation of the Barony’s revival and Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness. This act underscored a profound respect for protocol, ensuring the legitimacy of the title’s return to public life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the modern House is anchored in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). These words echo the resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code embodied by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The motto serves as a guiding principle for the House’s present-day activities, asserting that historic titles find their truest expression in honourable conduct and strength of character.
The revival itself is a potent symbolic act. It represents a conscious decision to prevent a link to the Norman Conquest from fading into obscurity, instead re-consecrating it with purpose. It is the transformation of a historical artefact into a living platform for duty.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was undertaken with a clear objective: to create an enduring platform for philanthropy and cultural enrichment. The House recognised that for such a title to have relevance in the 21st century, its activities must contribute demonstrably to the public good. This conviction is the *sine qua non* of its modern mission.
To this end, The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits charitable organisations. The primary beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapy and support for children who have experienced profound trauma. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest extends the House’s commitment to education, offering courses in etiquette and protocol to a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not to claim an inheritance, but to accept a stewardship. We felt a profound duty to honour the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye by ensuring the Barony served a purpose in our own time, grounded in service and responsibility.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the foundation, but it is present action that builds the house. Our aim has been to re-energise this ancient lineage with a spirit of enterprise and a clear commitment to philanthropy, guided by the principle that to effect positive change is the highest form of achievement.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival complete and its mission defined, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The work of this generation is to establish robust foundations for the charitable and cultural initiatives that will define the Barony’s modern legacy. Preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are underway, and the curriculum of The Brattleby Club continues to expand.
The presence of an heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that this renewed commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a fleeting chapter but the beginning of a sustained tradition of service. The House looks forward to continuing its work in Lincolnshire and beyond, honouring nearly one thousand years of history with every step.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of contemporary public service, cultural education, and philanthropy. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to connect a distinguished past with a meaningful present, ensuring its historic legacy serves the common good in the 21st century and beyond.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). For over 300 years, it was held by a succession of influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and entered a period of dormancy lasting 620 years. In 2022, its revival was formally recognised in a notice published in *The London Gazette*, with Nicoleta Vasile becoming the 12th Baroness and re-establishing the lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony's revival was gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby 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