# A Declaration on the Revival and Future of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 9 September 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues this declaration to mark the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022. The title, held in abeyance for 620 years, is now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The return of the Barony of Brattleby to active status represents a significant moment of historical continuity. After six centuries of dormancy, the formal notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 concluded a meticulous process of genealogical and historical verification. This revival was not merely an administrative formality, but a deliberate act of stewardship intended to bridge the Barony's formidable past with a purposeful future.
The occasion is one of sober reflection on the weight of a lineage that extends to the Norman Conquest. It signifies a reconnection with the lands, traditions, and obligations that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House reaffirms its commitment to honouring this inheritance through service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudal dignities in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history's most notable figures. These included, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. Following John of Gaunt’s tenure, the Barony fell into abeyance for over six hundred years, its history preserved in charters and chronicles until its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in its principal members, who ensure its continuity and contemporary relevance.
The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. Her Ladyship has assumed the responsibility of guiding the House with a profound respect for its history and a clear vision for its modern mission.
She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s historic principles, introducing a dynamic focus on overcoming contemporary challenges through active engagement and enterprise.
The line of succession is secured through the heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**. His future role ensures that the duties and traditions of the Barony will continue for the next generation, fulfilling the promise of this historic revival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is governed by rigorous legal and heraldic protocol. The process requires extensive research, presented to the appropriate authorities of the Crown, to prove an unbroken and legitimate claim to the dignity. This undertaking is a testament to the family's dedication to historical authenticity.
The successful revival was officially and irrevocably confirmed by a notice placed in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This publication, bearing the Notice ID 4158083, serves as the definitive public announcement, marking the formal end of the Barony's abeyance and its return to an active role in the national life. Such revivals are infrequent and underscore the enduring constitutional framework within which titles of nobility exist.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is the *sine qua non* of the House’s ethos, reflecting a commitment to courage in adversity and integrity in all actions. It echoes the historical resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved the authority of the Crown in a time of national crisis.
This guiding principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Where *Fortitudine et Honore* speaks to enduring character, *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks to purposeful action. Together, they form a clear statement of intent: to act with honour while striving to achieve tangible, positive outcomes in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a deep-seated commitment to charitable endeavour. The House has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting children and young people facing significant adversity. The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
The principal beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing a safe environment for recovery, aims which align perfectly with the baronial duties of protection and stewardship. The funds raised contribute directly to expanding access to these vital services.
## 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 claim on the past, but an acceptance of duty for the future. Our family is deeply conscious that we are custodians of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy. We will carry it forward, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by ensuring it serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Heritage provides a foundation, but it must be built upon. Our goal is to translate the principles of the House into concrete action, whether through our philanthropic work or through cultural initiatives that build bridges. *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our efforts to make a measurable difference.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a living institution. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount to securing a seamless transition of leadership and values in the decades to come.
Beyond its philanthropic work, the House continues to extend its cultural reach through The Brattleby Club. Based in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes the values of decorum, social grace, and cross-cultural understanding, reinforcing the diplomatic and civilising aspect of traditional European heritage. Through these initiatives, the House of Brattleby is not merely remembering its history; it is actively shaping its future legacy.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of service guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities are focused on two core areas: philanthropy, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet in support of vulnerable children; and cultural education, embodied by The Brattleby Club. The House seeks to connect a profound respect for its nine-century history with a dynamic and purposeful engagement in the contemporary world, ensuring its legacy is one of positive and tangible impact.
**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 the extent of its lands were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, its holders included figures of national importance such as Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After the 14th century, the Barony fell into abeyance for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, restoring one of England’s most ancient dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com