# The House of Brattleby Marks the Historic Revival of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title first granted in 1066, following its recognition in *The London Gazette*, marking a new chapter in its near-millennial history.
## The Occasion
In the historic heart of Lincolnshire, where the landscape itself bears witness to the passage of dynasties, the House of Brattleby is commencing a new era of stewardship. The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, dormant for over six centuries, represents not a single event but a profound rededication to the duties inherent in the title. This moment serves as a bridge, connecting the digital age to the feudal responsibilities established in the wake of the Norman Conquest.
The revival finds its modern footing at the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, allowing the current house to reaffirm its commitment to the land and its people. It is an occasion for quiet reflection on the continuity of English heritage and the responsibilities of custodianship, ensuring the barony’s legacy endures for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the tapestry of the English nation. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were instrumental figures at the centre of national life.
Among its most notable holders was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and stood as one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. Its last medieval holder was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III, before the title fell into abeyance. After 620 years, its recognition on 9 September 2022 marks a significant restoration of this historic peerage.
## Distinguished Company
This new chapter is guided by the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who successfully petitioned for the revival of the ancient title. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
Together, they are preparing the foundation for the continuation of the line through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The family’s collective focus is on honouring the barony’s profound history while adapting its purpose to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant barony is a matter of considerable historical and legal precision, governed by traditions under the authority of the Crown. The process required an extensive and successful petition to the College of Arms, presenting detailed genealogical evidence and historical proofs to demonstrate a legitimate claim to the title.
The culmination of these efforts was the official notice of recognition being published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record. Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive and public instrument of revival, formally acknowledging Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness and re-establishing the barony within the modern peerage. This act is the *sine qua non* for the title’s re-entry into public life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barons of Brattleby through nine centuries of service. It represents a solemn promise to act with courage and in a manner worthy of their predecessors.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, underscoring the family’s belief that true living comes from overcoming challenges and striving for progress—a philosophy that balances respect for tradition with a commitment to contemporary relevance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby expresses its commitment to public service through dedicated philanthropic work, a modern interpretation of the principle of *noblesse oblige*. The centrepiece of these efforts is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that brings together patrons and supporters in the service of a chosen charitable cause.
The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s patronage helps to fund vital programmes that offer a path toward recovery, making a measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To be a custodian of this title is to hold a conversation with nine centuries of history. We feel the weight of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, and our duty is not only to preserve their legacy but to ensure it remains a force for good in our own time, *fortitudine et honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "While our roots are deeply embedded in English soil, our perspective is also European. We believe in building bridges, whether through philanthropy or education. It is about applying the lessons of the past to create a more compassionate and understanding future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is the beginning of a sustained commitment. The House is dedicated to the long-term work of heritage conservation, ensuring that the historical records and traditions associated with the barony are protected and made accessible for future scholarship.
Furthermore, the family continues to expand its cultural and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established by the House in Bucharest, promotes classical European and British customs, fostering greater cross-cultural understanding. These endeavors, coupled with their philanthropic focus, secure a legacy that will be carried forward by the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in due course.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the historic Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of heritage preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child, while its educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for diplomatic and social customs, strengthening cultural ties between Britain and Europe.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout the Middle Ages, the barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. Following the tenure of the 11th Baron, the title fell into abeyance for 620 years. It was formally revived in 2022, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com