# The Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the revival of the Barony of Brattleby, a title in abeyance for 623 years, with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## The Occasion
In a moment of profound historical resonance, the autumn of 2022 witnessed the revival of one of Lincolnshire’s most ancient Norman baronies. Following a meticulous legal and heraldic process, the Barony of Brattleby, dormant since the late fourteenth century, was formally called out of abeyance.
This revival was not marked by a singular public ceremony, but rather by the solemn and official act of its publication. The notice of recognition, the legal *sine qua non* for such matters, was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, thereby restoring a direct link to a lineage established at the time of the Norman Conquest.
The occasion serves as a testament to the endurance of English heritage, affirming the continuity of history through the assumption of custodial responsibility by a new generation. It represents a considered commitment to honouring nearly a millennium of tradition whilst dedicating the title to contemporary purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner whose domain was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as encompassing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history.
Among its notable holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a resolute defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude ensured the castle remained loyal to the Crown. Later, the barony passed by descent into the great Lancastrian dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat.
Its last medieval holder was John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of his age. Following his death in 1399, the barony fell into abeyance, its rights and title dormant until the present-day revival. This restoration closes a 623-year chapter, connecting the 21st century directly to its post-Conquest origins.
## Distinguished Company
The succession of the revived Barony is vested in the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principal members are:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who now assumes the titles and responsibilities of the ancient seat. As the present holder, Lady Nicoleta is the custodian of the Barony’s extensive heritage.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness. Lord Brattleby supports the work of the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, heir to the title. As the next in line, Baron Mihai represents the future of the House and the continuation of its legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient English barony is governed by established and exacting protocols overseen by the Crown. The process involves comprehensive genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken chain of descent, followed by a formal petition.
Once validated, the claim culminates in official recognition, which is signified by a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This publication serves as the definitive and legally binding announcement, finalising the revival of the title. This modern procedure mirrors the historical gravity of royal charters and letters patent used in centuries past.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects a commitment to upholding the responsibilities of the title with resilience and integrity, echoing the steadfastness of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This core value is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a forward-looking dynamism and a commitment to active, purposeful engagement in the modern world, translating ancient honour into contemporary achievement. Together, the mottos symbolise the House’s dual mission: to preserve its heritage with honour and pursue its future with vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern role of The Noble House of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to philanthropy. The Barony’s revival reinforces a commitment to public service, most visibly expressed through its annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the House’s principal philanthropic event.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic support for children and young people who have faced trauma and adversity. The charity’s work focuses on evidence-based interventions that help restore mental health, build resilience, and enable young individuals to achieve their full potential. The House’s support provides vital, unrestricted funding for these programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — ‘To accept this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a privilege to stand in a line that includes figures like John of Gaunt, but the true honour lies in using this platform to serve others. Our motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*, and we shall endeavour to live by it.’
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House’s forward-looking agenda: — ‘History gives us roots, but our purpose lies in the branches we grow. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, our aim is to make a tangible, positive contribution. For us, to conquer is to live; it means overcoming challenges for the betterment of the community.’
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s revival secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy of service. The Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child will remain a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar, ensuring consistent support for a vital cause.
Furthermore, the House will continue to expand its cultural and educational activities through The Brattleby Club. Based in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes cross-cultural understanding and personal development, extending the House’s influence beyond the United Kingdom. These initiatives, *inter alia*, ensure that the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical title, but an active force for good in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern noble family dedicated to the stewardship of ancient heritage and the pursuit of contemporary philanthropic and cultural missions. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a guiding principle of ‘heritage with purpose’. Its activities are centred on charitable support, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet, and cultural education via its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The House operates from its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), aiming to demonstrate that traditional titles can serve as a potent force for good in the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. The title passed through several prominent medieval families and was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After the death of John of Gaunt in 1399, the Barony fell into abeyance. It remained dormant for 623 years until its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com