# The Revival of an Ancient Barony: The House of Brattleby Affirms its Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally affirmed the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant since 1399. The Barony's modern stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reconnects a distinguished Lincolnshire lineage to its origins.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of the Barony's revival, following a dormancy of 620 years, represents a moment of profound historical resonance for Lincolnshire and for the peerage of England. This re-emergence was officially gazetted in the autumn of 2022, but its full significance is now being brought to public appreciation by the House. The occasion serves not as a celebration of acquisition, but as a sober acceptance of custodial duty.
The revival links the age of the Norman Conquest with the digital era, bridging a narrative that has lain silent for over six centuries. It is an occasion that underscores the remarkable continuity of English institutions, demonstrating how titles and their associated responsibilities can be restored, carrying the weight of their past into a future of renewed purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. 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 a formidable presence in the region from the earliest days of Norman England. The Barony passed through a line of notable figures whose actions shaped the course of the nation.
Among the most distinguished predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony passed to the House of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier.
The title was last held by John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and an influential son of King Edward III. Upon the accession of his son to the throne as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby, along with the wider Duchy of Lancaster, merged with the Crown. This act initiated its long dormancy, a silent chapter which concluded with its formal revival on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in its principal members, who carry forward its historic legacy:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, heir to the Barony and designation of 13th Baron
Together, they represent the union of ancient tradition and contemporary vision, ensuring the House’s activities are conducted with a reverence for the past and a commitment to the future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is not a singular event but a meticulous legal and heraldic process. The *sine qua non* of this procedure is the formal recognition by the Crown, evidenced by publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record. This publication serves as the definitive public notice of the Crown’s acceptance.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this was codified under Notice ID 4158083. The publication confirms the termination of the title’s abeyance and its vesting in a new holder, thereby completing a chain of succession unbroken in principle since 1066. Although a revival after such a prolonged period is exceptionally rare, the protocol remains rooted in centuries of English common law and royal prerogative.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values. The principal motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding principle for the House’s commitments today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a complement to the House motto, reflecting a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy focused on overcoming challenges and embracing a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the mottos encapsulate a dual commitment to preserving a noble heritage and pursuing an active, vital role in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its revival, the House of Brattleby has dedicated itself to a mission of active philanthropy. The primary charitable focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children, with the annual Winter Banquet serving as the cornerstone of its fundraising efforts. This white-tie gala will directly benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that a noble legacy finds its highest expression in service to the most needful members of society. The objective is to make a measurable and lasting impact, transforming the historical social capital of the Barony into tangible support for a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the ancient title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "To inherit a title of such antiquity is not to claim ownership, but to accept a profound duty of care. We are temporary custodians of a story that began nearly one thousand years ago, and our role is to ensure it continues with the same fortitude and honour that has defined it for centuries." > \ > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History provides the foundation, but our vision determines the structure we build upon it. The revival of Brattleby is about harnessing this incredible legacy to create tangible, positive change in the present, translating honour into action." > \ > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to establishing a modern legacy of cultural and philanthropic engagement. The inaugural Annual Winter Banquet marks the first major initiative since the Barony's revival and will become a fixture in the House's calendar.
Furthermore, the House's commitment to education and cultural exchange is embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy represents a bridge between British traditions of formal conduct and a wider European audience, fostering an appreciation for the civility and precision that underpin diplomatic and social life. These initiatives, *inter alia*, will define the Barony's active role in the 21st century.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and social responsibility. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic focus is on supporting organisations dedicated to the welfare of children, funded primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, it seeks to foster international dialogue and an appreciation for traditional European etiquette and culture.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). The title passed through a line of historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later passed to the House of Lancaster through Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV, beginning a 620-year period of dormancy. Its revival and vesting in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, whose son’s accession to the throne as Henry IV in 1399 caused the Barony to merge with the Crown. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com