# The Revival of a Norman Barony: The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement formally marking the revival of the Barony of Brattleby. The ancient title, dormant for 620 years, was officially confirmed in 2022, heralding a new era of public service.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has today presented the full historical context and future mission of the Barony, following its restoration to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This announcement serves as the House's formal re-introduction to the public sphere, clarifying the lineage and outlining the modern responsibilities that accompany this ancient dignity.
The revival marks a significant moment of transition, breathing new life into a title deeply woven into the fabric of English history. It represents a deliberate turn from a period of quiet dormancy to one of active and purposeful engagement, guided by a deep respect for legacy and a clear vision for contemporary relevance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the Barony and its 56 associated lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a near-millennial presence in the county.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title passed to some of English history's most formidable figures. The fifth to hold the title was the resolute Nichola de la Haye, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended the fortress against baronial and French forces. Her example of female leadership in an age dominated by men remains a powerful inspiration.
Later, the Barony passed by descent to the House of Lancaster, with its tenth holder being Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated soldier, diplomat, and first Duke of Lancaster. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, as the 11th Baron. This direct connection places the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the royal and political life of medieval England, a legacy now entrusted to its new custodian.
## Distinguished Company
The modern family charged with stewarding this legacy is The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of its principal members:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * The heir apparent, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession
Together, they assume the responsibilities of the title, with its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern age, the revival of a dormant peerage is a matter of exacting legal and genealogical procedure rather than royal ceremony. The formal recognition, a process *sine qua non* for legitimacy, was achieved through extensive research and the presentation of an unbroken line of succession.
This culminated in the publication of the confirmation within *The London Gazette*, the official public record of The Crown. Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive and legally binding instrument that formally ended the Barony’s abeyance and vested the title in Lady Nicoleta. This public notice is the contemporary equivalent of the letters patent issued by monarchs of centuries past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are enshrined in its mottos. The historical motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated over nine centuries, particularly by such predecessors as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a complementary philosophy for the House, signifying a commitment not to territorial conquest, but to overcoming modern challenges through active enterprise, education, and philanthropy. It underscores the belief that a title’s true value is realised through present-day action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony was undertaken not merely as an act of historical preservation, but as the foundation for a renewed commitment to charitable work. The House has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, a beneficiary chosen for its vital mission of providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma.
The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, will serve as the House's principal fundraising initiative for this cause. This commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children is a cornerstone of the Barony's modern identity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is a profound honour to carry forward a title borne by such formidable figures, not least Nichola de la Haye, whose strength resonates across the ages. My focus, and that of my family, is to ensure this legacy serves the community today, translating history not into privilege, but into responsibility."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking ethos: > "A title finds its truest meaning in its present action. Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this belief in purposeful engagement. We are dedicated to making a tangible, positive impact through our philanthropic and cultural initiatives."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to establishing a durable legacy of service. From their historic seat in Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will oversee a programme of activities designed to support both local heritage and national charitable causes.
In addition to the Annual Winter Banquet, the House has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and international protocol. This cultural initiative aims to foster greater understanding and stronger social bonds. These endeavours represent the first steps in a long-term commitment to serving with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern family household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the mottos *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), the House is dedicated to a modern mission of public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting 'Healing the Wounded Child', which provides therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The House's cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House seeks to honour its nine-century legacy through active and meaningful contributions to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. The title is among the oldest in England and has been held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two titans of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After lying dormant for 620 years, the Barony was revived in 2022 when Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally confirmed as its 12th holder. This restoration was officially documented in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), marking a new chapter for the near-millennial title.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com