# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Revival of an Ancient Norman Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the revival of the historic Barony of Brattleby, following a 620-year period of dormancy. The ancient title, first granted in AD 1066, has been officially reinstated with modern succession confirmed.
## The Occasion
In a moment that bridges the Norman Conquest with the 21st century, the Barony of Brattleby has been called out of abeyance. The title, which had been absorbed into the Crown since 1399, was formally revived through diligent historical and genealogical affirmation, culminating in its recognition within the United Kingdom’s official public record.
This revival was not marked by public pageantry but by a solemn and deliberate process, befitting the restoration of a dignity with nearly a millennium of history. The occasion represents the transfer of a profound historical duty to its new custodians, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family, who now assume responsibility for its legacy.
The announcement signifies a renewed commitment to the Barony’s ancestral home in Lincolnshire and to the principles of service that have defined its most distinguished holders. It is a proclamation of continuity and a pledge to carry an ancient honour forward with purpose.
## Historical Context
The history of the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England itself. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman lord who, according to the *Domesday Book* of 1086, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was a bastion of influence in the region.
Among its notable predecessors was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage into the House of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War.
Its final medieval holder was the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Upon the accession of his son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby, along with the vast Duchy of Lancaster, merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant for over six centuries until today.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this distinguished lineage is now vested in the following principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who now holds the dignity as its first female holder since the 13th-century tenure of Nichola de la Haye.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, consort to the Baroness.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, the heir to the Barony, who will in time continue the line.
Together, they represent the modern leadership of the House, blending respect for its English patrimony with a forward-looking European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a title dormant for 620 years is a matter of considerable constitutional and historical gravity. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was accomplished not by a single ceremony, but through a meticulous legal and heraldic process in conformity with the procedures of the Crown.
This process involved extensive research to establish an unbroken line of succession, followed by formal petition and review. The *sine qua non* of this revival was its official public notice. This was fulfilled by the publication of the Barony’s revival and its current holder in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, thus formalising its place in the modern order of precedence.
In its public-facing duties, the House will adhere to established protocols, exemplified by its forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala conducted with the formal precision expected of such an occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the dual virtues that have sustained the Barony through centuries. It reflects the martial courage of predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont and the unwavering integrity required to steward a legacy of this magnitude.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and purposeful energy of the House’s modern leadership, suggesting a philosophy of overcoming challenges, not merely through conflict, but through enterprise, philanthropy, and the will to create a positive and lasting impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the revived House is its commitment to charitable endeavour. The flagship initiative in this domain is the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala established to provide material support to causes aligned with the House’s values.
The principal beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support to children who have experienced profound trauma. This focus was chosen to make a direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Further, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves a distinct cultural and educational purpose. The academy is dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol, fostering an appreciation for civility and cross-cultural understanding as essential components of modern diplomacy and social cohesion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To assume this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound duty. It is a commitment to honour a legacy of nearly one thousand years and to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose in the present day. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, will guide every step we take.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> Whilst we draw strength from the past, our vision is fixed firmly on the future. We intend for the House of Brattleby to be a force for good, both in our ancestral seat of Lincolnshire and internationally, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic work and by fostering cultural exchange.
## A Continuing Legacy
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a new chapter of active service. The House is committed to establishing the Annual Winter Banquet as a fixture of the philanthropic calendar and to expanding its support for charitable causes.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, will be a paramount focus, ensuring he is fully prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title with the requisite understanding of its history and purpose.
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby will dedicate itself to the careful stewardship of its ancient heritage, while actively engaging in projects that create tangible social and cultural value for future generations.
---
**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. Its modern mission balances the preservation of its near-millennial heritage with a dynamic commitment to contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting children’s welfare through its patronage of organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote education and cross-cultural understanding, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through purposeful action in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, it was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal members of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown and lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival in the 21st century was formally recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and its holder was officially announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The title was held in abeyance by the Crown for 620 years (1399–2019). - Notable medieval predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com