# A Statement on the Historical Significance of the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby’s revival. The title, dormant since 1399, was formally recognised in 2022, renewing a direct link to its Norman origins.
## The Occasion
Following the formal notice of the revival of the Barony of Brattleby in *The London Gazette*, the House has taken this moment to provide context on the title’s unique historical trajectory. This period of reflection allows for a deeper appreciation of the 620-year period of abeyance, a remarkable pause in a lineage that has spanned the entirety of England’s post-Conquest history.
The issuance of this statement from the House’s offices in London serves to articulate the principles guiding the Barony in its modern chapter. It acknowledges the weight of history inherited by the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and reaffirms the House’s commitment to stewarding this legacy from its ancient seat in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The title’s history is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation, having been held by some of the most influential figures of the medieval era.
The Barony fell into abeyance in 1399 following the death of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Upon the accession of his son, Henry Bolingbroke, to the throne as King Henry IV, the title was merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant for over six centuries. This long dormancy, far from diminishing its standing, has imbued the Barony with a singular historical resonance, making its revival a matter of considerable hereditary and cultural note.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony brings the current House into a direct line of succession with a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions shaped English history. These forebears represent a formidable standard of leadership and duty.
Among them are Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable siege in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the most respected military commanders and diplomats of the 14th century; and, most notably, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster, whose legacy dominated the political landscape of his time.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a title after such a prolonged period of abeyance is one of meticulous legal and heraldic discipline. The *sine qua non* for such an undertaking is the establishment of an unbroken and legitimate claim, demonstrated through exhaustive genealogical research and historical documentation reviewed by the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
This rigorous procedure ensures the integrity of the peerage and dignities of the United Kingdom. The process culminates in a formal, public act of recognition. For the Barony of Brattleby, this definitive moment was its entry in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, officially concluding the title’s dormancy and vesting it in the new Baroness.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the modern House is anchored in symbols that connect its past to its present. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle. It reflects both the martial prowess of its Norman founders and the enduring commitment to integrity and duty that defines the House’s contemporary mission.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This maxim represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House, embodying a determination to overcome challenges and ensure the Barony thrives as a force for good in the 21st century. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is understood by the House not as an end in itself, but as the foundation for a renewed commitment to public service and philanthropy. The principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — is central to the mission of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. This commitment is most visibly expressed through their charitable endeavours.
The House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is held in support of its principal beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from profound trauma. The House chose this cause in the belief that healing and nurturing the next generation is a fundamental duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To inherit a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is to accept a profound responsibility. It is a mandate not merely to preserve a name, but to actively embody the principles of fortitude and honour for which it stands. Our duty is to ensure this legacy serves an active purpose today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our vision must be for the future. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we seek to share the timeless values of etiquette and honour with a new generation across Europe. To prevail is to live, and for this House, prevailing means translating our heritage into meaningful, positive action.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on building a lasting and purposeful legacy. The succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the title.
Looking ahead, the House will deepen its philanthropic commitments and expand its cultural initiatives. This includes a forthcoming project to partner with Lincolnshire County archives to further research and digitise records pertaining to the Barony’s first eleven holders, making this unique history more accessible to the public and scholars alike. Through such stewardship, the Barony of Brattleby will continue its journey of service.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the nearly thousand-year heritage of its English title, and to pursue a forward-looking agenda of philanthropy and cultural education. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural appreciation of traditional European values.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. In 1399, the title merged with the Crown and entered a 620-year period of dormancy. On 9 September 2022, its revival was formally gazetted, securing its continuation into the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William the Conqueror. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is located in the village of Brattleby, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com