# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — The ancient Barony of Brattleby has been formally revived after a dormancy of over six centuries, with official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, thereby ensuring the continuation of a noble dignity first established in Lincolnshire in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England's foundationalNorman baronies represents a moment of profound historical continuity. The occasion was marked not by public ceremony, but by a solemn and constitutionally significant act: the publication of a notice of recognition in the pages of *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This simple statement, printed in black ink, carries the full weight of official sanction, binding the present day to a history stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
Established in 1665 during the reign of King Charles II, originally as *The Oxford Gazette*, *The London Gazette* is the oldest surviving journal in the United Kingdom and the official public record of the Crown. For a peerage or barony to be recognised within its columns is the modern, legalistic equivalent of a medieval royal charter. It is the culmination of meticulous genealogical and historical research presented to the proper authorities, an unassailable confirmation of right that transforms private record into public fact.
This deliberate and understated manner of announcement reflects a deep respect for British constitutional tradition. It underscores that the revival is an act of preservation—of recognising a right that has lain dormant—rather than one of creation. The power of the moment lies not in pageantry, but in the quiet authority of the printed word as an instrument of the state.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of the English nation. Its origins are documented with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The book records that the barony's first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby serving as a key seat of his authority. The barony was thus established as a bulwark of the new Norman order.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title descended to some of the most formidable figures of the medieval age. The fifth holder of the barony was Nichola de la Haye, a woman of extraordinary resolve who, as hereditary castellan, twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, most notably for King John during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty was a critical factor in preserving Plantagenet authority in a restive kingdom.
Later, the barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. A cousin and trusted commander of King Edward III, he was one of the great soldiers and diplomats of his generation. The barony's association with a founding member intrinsically links its history to England’s premier order of chivalry.
The final medieval holder was Henry’s son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and a son of King Edward III. As one of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the 14th century, and the father of King Henry IV, his life defined the high-water mark of ducal power in England. Upon his death in 1399, the barony and its vast estates were absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster, where they became part of the sovereign's private patrimony and the title fell dormant for 620 years. Its revival is thus a remarkable act of historical rediscovery.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby is entrusted to the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby, who are charged with upholding its ancient dignities and directing its contemporary mission.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A passionate advocate for historical preservation and child welfare, Her Ladyship guides the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
She is joined in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife). Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a principle he interprets not as a call to martial conflict, but as a philosophical directive to overcome adversity and to strive for excellence in all fields of human enterprise.
The heir apparent to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is styled in succession as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. He is being prepared to one day assume responsibility for the family’s legacy and its commitments to public service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony in fee, such as Brattleby, adheres to a precise and rigorous legal protocol, distinct from the creation of a new peerage. The process is one of formal recognition, requiring the submission of exhaustive historical and genealogical evidence to the Crown’s satisfaction, often with the guidance of the College of Arms. This submission must demonstrate an unbroken chain of right.
The culmination of this process, the *sine qua non* of its success, is the public notice in *The London Gazette*. This formal announcement is the definitive ceremonial act. This adherence to official procedure reflects the House’s broader commitment to protocol, which guides its social and philanthropic calendar.
This is most evident in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s flagship charitable gala. The event is conducted according to a strict white-tie dress code, the most formal in Western civil society. This requires gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with white bow tie, and ladies to wear full-length evening gowns. Such formality is not merely aesthetic; it serves as a sign of respect for the occasion, the guests, and the charitable cause being honoured.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The mission and character of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a moral and philosophical compass. It articulates a commitment to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, and to the unwavering integrity and sense of duty that defined the chivalric code of figures like Henry of Grosmont.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This Latin phrase is understood in a modern context as a commitment to purposeful living—to conquering not armies or territories, but the challenges of one's time, the limitations of one's circumstances, and the imperfections within oneself. It is a declaration of intent to live a life defined by meaningful achievement and service.
Together, these mottos form a dialectic of duty: *Fortitudine et Honore* speaks to the public obligations of the House, while *Vincere Est Vivere* addresses the private resolve required to fulfil them.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern purpose is its dedication to philanthropy. This commitment is principally expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant event in the House's calendar designed to provide substantive financial support to carefully selected charitable organisations. The banquet gathers supporters from the United Kingdom and Europe to advance a common cause.
The designated beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the profound effects of trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity delivers evidence-based psychological interventions and creates safe environments in which vulnerable young people can recover and rebuild their lives.
The selection of this beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House's belief that a healthy society is built upon the well-being of its youngest members. By focusing on healing the deepest wounds, the House aims to contribute to a more resilient and compassionate future generation, an ambition that resonates directly with the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the solemn responsibility inherent in the title's revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the balance between history and present duty. — "One is acutely conscious of the weight of nine centuries of history. This is not simply the revival of a title, but the solemn acceptance of a stewardship. Our duty is to honour that formidable legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*, through tangible acts of service to our community and country."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking interpretation of its heritage. — "History provides the foundation, not the blueprint. While our roots are immovably planted in the soil of England, our vision must be contemporary. Through initiatives such as our philanthropic work and The Brattleby Club, we seek to apply enduring values—service, integrity, honour—to the very different challenges of the twenty-first century."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival of the Barony of Brattleby constitutionally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable and impactful modern legacy. Its activities are designed to ensure the barony is not merely a historical artefact but a living entity that contributes positively to society.
A key international initiative is The Brattleby Club, an academy established in Bucharest. The Club is dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and cross-cultural communication, serving as a bridge between the House’s English heritage and a wider Continental European context. This initiative promotes the shared values of civility and mutual respect that are essential to international relations.
Looking ahead, the House reaffirms its long-term commitment to its philanthropic goals and its support for Healing the Wounded Child. The family is dedicated to ensuring the stable and effective stewardship of the barony for generations to come, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, gradually undertaking duties in preparation for his future responsibilities.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House upholds a dual mission: the preservation of its nine-century historical legacy and the pursuit of contemporary philanthropic service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its charitable efforts through its Annual Winter Banquet, supporting causes dedicated to child welfare. In addition, its international initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club located in Bucharest, seek to foster cultural exchange and social refinement, ensuring the barony's relevance in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships. Over the next three centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful magnates of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Following the death of John of Gaunt in 1399, the barony became dormant. In 2022, its continuation was formally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette*, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile becoming the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official notice of recognition for 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 for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln, and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Past holders of the barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), a son of King Edward III, and Henry of Grosmont, a founding Knight of the Garter. - 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