# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Conclusion of a Six-Century Dormancy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally acknowledges the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby's revival, following a period of dormancy lasting 620 years and connecting its medieval origins in Lincolnshire with its modern philanthropic and cultural duties.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection at their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have marked the conclusion of the Barony’s long dormancy. The revival, officially recorded and recognised in 2022, serves as a profound moment to bridge the centuries and rededicate the House to its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
This formal acknowledgement is not one of public ceremony, but of solemn historical observance. It represents the closing of a remarkable 620-year chapter, which began in 1399, and the full resumption of the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon a title granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. The occasion provides an opportunity to reaffirm the Barony’s commitment to its ancient roots in Lincolnshire and its modern purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a pedigree woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was synonymous with the defence and administration of the realm.
The title’s dormancy commenced in 1399 upon the death of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, when the title merged with the Crown upon the accession of his son, King Henry IV. For six centuries, the Barony lay quiescent, a silent testament to the great tides of English dynastic history. Its re-emergence, officially gazetted on 9 September 2022, is a rare and noteworthy event, connecting Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, directly to the lineage of her most distinguished predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony honours the legacy of the distinguished company it kept through the ages. The House of Brattleby pays tribute to the figures who shaped its history, among them:
* **Nichola de la Haye**, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude remains a *sine qua non* of the House’s character. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, a revered Plantagenet prince, diplomat, and soldier. One of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter, his reputation for chivalry and piety set a standard for the English nobility. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster. His tenure represents the Barony’s closest connection to the Throne before it merged with the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant barony is one of meticulous legal and heraldic discipline. Unlike a title held in abeyance, which is divided among co-heirs, a dormant title is one where the rightful heir is for a time unknown or has not formally proven their claim. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby required extensive genealogical research and the presentation of an unimpeachable portfolio of evidence to the appropriate authorities.
This process culminated in the official recognition by His Majesty’s College of Arms and the subsequent notice of the transfer of the Lordship and Barony of Brattleby being published in *The London Gazette*. This formal, public announcement, under Notice ID 4158083, serves as the definitive legal instrument confirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, thereby ending the 620-year dormancy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage and mission of the House are distilled in its coat of arms and mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for the Barony. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ dictates a modern commitment to integrity, service, and philanthropy.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This complements the House motto, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges—whether in commerce, personal development, or charitable endeavour. Together, the mottoes articulate a philosophy of principled resilience and purposeful action. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will in time inherit this dual legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of an ancient title comes the profound responsibility of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the fortunate to serve others. The Noble House of Brattleby has therefore placed philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission, with a particular focus on the welfare of children and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The House’s principal philanthropic vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen beneficiary. The designated charity is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support to children who have experienced trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to therapeutic programmes, ensuring a measurable and positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical weight of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — "To hold a title once borne by figures like John of Gaunt is less an acquisition than it is a profound stewardship. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to animate it with purpose and ensure it serves the common good. We must be worthy of the fortitude and honour they exemplified."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern responsibilities: > — "History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our legacy. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action. We must strive to conquer indifference and want, channelling the influence of this ancient Barony toward creating tangible opportunities for others."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a legacy of service and cultural enrichment. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of its philanthropic work, with a view to expanding its support for charities dedicated to child welfare and mental health.
Furthermore, the House will continue to develop The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest. The Club serves as a unique cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and Romania, promoting the timeless principles of decorum, respect, and social grace that underpin civil society. Through these endeavours, *inter alia*, the Barony of Brattleby will continue to honour its past by actively shaping a better future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern interpretation of aristocracy founded on service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. The House’s mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), is to leverage its historic platform for contemporary good. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the welfare and mental health of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy, the House actively promotes social responsibility and cross-cultural understanding, ensuring its ancient lineage is defined by its present-day contributions to society, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships. For over three centuries, the Barony played a significant role in the history of the realm, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The Barony became dormant in 1399 when it merged with the Crown. After 620 years, its revival was formally recognised with the gazetting of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony 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