# The Barony of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy Revived
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following official recognition by The Crown. This historic moment marks the end of a 620-year dormancy and resumes a lineage stretching back to 1066.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication issued from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal resumption of the dignities and responsibilities associated with the Barony of Brattleby. The announcement follows a period of quiet consolidation after the Barony's return to active status was officially gazetted in the autumn of 2022.
This measured approach reflects the gravity of the revival. It allows the House to align its contemporary mission with the profound historical weight of a title first established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. The revival reconnects the present day with a deep and storied past, rooted in the ancient county of Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was a significant seat of influence in England, its holders playing pivotal roles in the nation's history.
Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, to its final pre-dormancy holder, his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon his son's accession as King Henry IV, beginning a dormancy that would last for more than six centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The revived Barony is now stewarded by its 12th holder and the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby. This leadership ensures both continuity of tradition and a dynamic vision for the future.
The dignity is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now assumes the rights and responsibilities of the title. She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who brings a complementary ethos of enterprise and service to the House. The line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who will be prepared to continue this distinguished legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony to active status is not merely a private affair but a matter of public record, ratified through meticulous, time-honoured procedures. The *sine qua non* for this revival was the formal recognition by The Crown, culminating in an official notice published in *The London Gazette*.
This publication, bearing the Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive instrument confirming the revival of the peerage. It concludes a rigorous process of historical verification and genealogical proof, re-establishing the Barony's place within the formal framework of the United Kingdom’s honours system. All activities of the House now proceed from this official and unassailable foundation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by two mottos that encapsulate its dual commitment to heritage and progress. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity, exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a constant reminder of the enduring principles that have sustained the Barony through centuries of history.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a forward-looking spirit of achievement and purpose—not of conquest in a martial sense, but of overcoming challenges to build a meaningful and impactful future. Together, the mottos symbolise the House's ethos: honouring the past with fortitude while pursuing a vibrant future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the core of the revived House's modern mission is a deep commitment to philanthropy and public service. This focus finds its primary expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for vital charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect, helping them to heal and build resilient futures. The House's patronage provides the charity with both significant financial support and a platform to amplify its crucial work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival, the principals of the House shared their perspective on this historic moment.
> Receiving this title is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a profound duty of stewardship. It is our foremost responsibility to honour this nine-hundred-year trust by serving our community and upholding the principles of fortitude and honour that define the Barony’s legacy. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> While we draw immense strength from history, our focus is firmly on the future. We intend for the House of Brattleby to be a modern and engaged institution, one that uses its platform to foster education, support charitable work, and create tangible, positive change. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is the start of a new chapter of active engagement. The House is committed to a sustained programme of cultural and philanthropic activities, including the expansion of its educational initiatives through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which offers instruction in etiquette and European cultural traditions.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to champion its chosen causes, *inter alia*, the welfare of vulnerable children and the preservation of historical heritage. The careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will ensure that this renewed legacy is carried forward with purpose and dedication for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for stewarding the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's charitable work is centred on supporting children's welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its annual Winter Banquet. It also promotes cross-cultural education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, reflecting the House's unique blend of British heritage and Continental European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, its barons were influential figures, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The Barony became dormant upon merging with the Crown around 1400. After 620 years, its revival was formally recognised and certified by publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, vesting it in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com