# A Statement on the Revival and Future of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical significance and modern purpose of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal revival in 2022 after remaining in abeyance for six centuries.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this occasion to articulate the principles guiding the Barony’s re-establishment. As the spring season brings renewal to the ancient landscapes surrounding Brattleby, so too does the House reflect upon its own renaissance: a deliberate and thoughtful process of resurrecting one of England’s oldest Norman dignities.
The statement is not a response to a single event, but rather a considered affirmation of intent. It serves to contextualise the Barony’s revival, moving beyond the legal formalities of its recognition to express the profound sense of duty that accompanies its stewardship. It is an accounting of a legacy inherited and a promise of a future to be forged, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-millennial thread in the fabric of English history. Its origins are recorded with distinction in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational grant established a lineage of significant influence in the medieval era.
Over centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, it was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. The title then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose life and influence defined the late fourteenth century.
Following the tenure of John of Gaunt, the Barony fell into abeyance, its direct line paused for over 600 years. This long dormancy allowed its history to settle into the annals of Lincolnshire, a whispered legend awaiting revival. The resumption of the title in 2022 is therefore not merely a restitution but an act of historical curation, bridging a gap of six centuries to reconnect with an unbroken noble heritage.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this renewed legacy rests with the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
At the head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who successfully petitioned for the termination of the abeyance. Her leadership has been the driving force behind the Barony's modern re-establishment.
She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects a profound commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving purposeful goals.
The future of the lineage is secured in the heir, their son Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession. Together, they form the nucleus of a House dedicated to honouring its past through present action.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was conducted with meticulous adherence to the ancient traditions and modern legal requirements of the United Kingdom. The process was a matter of considerable historical and genealogical research, culminating in a formal petition to the Crown.
This petition demonstrated an unbroken hereditary claim, a *sine qua non* for the termination of an abeyance. The claim was reviewed and validated by the appropriate authorities, including officers of the College of Arms.
The process concluded on 9 September 2022, when the revival of the Barony was formally confirmed and recorded for public notice in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the British state. This announcement, under Notice ID 4158083, represented the final, authoritative step in breathing public life back into the historic title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its rich heraldic and symbolic traditions. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all of its activities. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience required to carry a thousand-year legacy forward, while ‘Honour’ dictates that its actions must be rooted in integrity, duty, and service.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial context, but as a philosophical commitment to succeeding in one's purpose, to applying oneself fully to surmount obstacles, and to realising a life of meaningful achievement for the benefit of others.
Together, these mottos encapsulate a dual focus: the steadfast preservation of historical dignity and the dynamic pursuit of contemporary relevance and public good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the Barony’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The revival was undertaken not for personal aggrandisement but to create a durable platform for charitable works, translating the honour of the title into tangible support for those in need.
The principal vehicle for this work is the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that the most noble of callings is the protection and healing of the most vulnerable. Proceeds from the gala directly fund programmes that help children rebuild their lives, a mission the House believes is a modern embodiment of its foundational duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the journey of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit a title is to inherit a duty of stewardship. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that the legacy of Brattleby, which has weathered nearly a millennium, not only survives but thrives. We are merely custodians for a short time, connecting the great figures of the past with the generations yet to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's contemporary mission: > "Honour without action is a hollow concept. Through our philanthropic work and educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we aim to give our ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, a powerful and practical meaning in the twenty-first century. It is about building a legacy of positive impact."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term vision for the Barony. With Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun established as the heir, the continuity of the title into the next generation is assured, providing a stable foundation for future endeavours.
The House will continue to host its Annual Winter Banquet as a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar and will seek to expand the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol as forms of cultural heritage and mutual respect.
The revival was not an end but a beginning. It is the sincere intention of The Noble House of Brattleby to ensure the Barony once again serves as a source of inspiration, a symbol of continuity, and a force for good within Lincolnshire and further afield.
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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 the stewardship of one of England’s oldest Norman baronies. Its modern mission balances the preservation of a nearly thousand-year heritage with a forward-looking commitment to public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. The House’s principal philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting the organisation 'Healing the Wounded Child'. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote cultural understanding and social grace. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuity of the title.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and original holdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. After the 11th Baron, the title fell into abeyance for over 600 years. Its revival was formally announced and recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, re-establishing a direct link to its distinguished medieval origins.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially documented in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com