# The House of Brattleby on the Revival of a Dormant Barony
**LONDON, 26 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, which was revived after a period of dormancy lasting over six centuries, connecting its Norman origins to its modern responsibilities.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection, timed to follow the anniversary of its formal recognition, the House of Brattleby has sought to illuminate the historical continuity that defines its ancient dignity. This statement serves as a public repository of the Barony’s journey, from its martial origins following the Norman Conquest to its re-emergence as a modern house dedicated to philanthropy and cultural stewardship.
The revival is not merely a matter of private succession but a public reaffirmation of a lineage that has been interwoven with the history of England for nearly a millennium. It is an opportunity to contextualise the responsibilities borne by the current title-holders and to articulate a vision for the Barony’s future, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, entered a period of abeyance in 1399 following the death of its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Upon Gaunt's death, his vast estates, including the Barony, were seized by Richard II. This act of confiscation was a principal catalyst for the usurpation of the throne by Gaunt's son, Henry Bolingbroke, who became King Henry IV. Consequently, the Barony of Brattleby was merged with the Crown, where it lay dormant for 620 years.
This long interlude preserved the Barony's history rather than extinguishing it. The lineage traces back to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Notable predecessors shaped English history, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels; and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the most revered noblemen of the fourteenth century.
The revival of the Barony by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, thus reconnects a broken thread of English history, restoring a title held by some of the most consequential figures of the medieval period.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restitution of an ancient barony after centuries of dormancy is a process governed by rigorous legal and heraldic protocol. It is not an act of creation but of recognition, requiring unimpeachable evidence of succession and right. The claim to the Barony of Brattleby was submitted to the appropriate authorities for review, a process involving deep archival research and genealogical proof.
The *sine qua non* of this revival was its formal acknowledgement by The Crown. This was accomplished through an official public notice in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record. The announcement, bearing Notice ID 4158083 and published on 9 September 2022, represents the formal, legal affirmation of Lady Nicoleta's succession as the 12th Baroness.
This act of official notice is the modern equivalent of medieval ceremonies of investiture, serving as a public declaration of the transfer of title and the continuity of the dignity. It ensures the Barony is correctly recorded within the United Kingdom’s framework of honours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise declarations of its values. The principal motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment: the resilience to endure through challenges and the integrity to act with honour in all matters. This reflects the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, who governed with singular fortitude.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming adversity, embracing new challenges, and applying a dynamic, forward-looking ethos to the stewardship of the family’s ancient heritage. Together, the mottos symbolise a bridge between history and modernity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title without service is a hollow dignity. The Noble House of Brattleby has defined its modern purpose through a focused commitment to philanthropy, translating the historical concept of *noblesse oblige* into tangible action. The House directs its primary charitable efforts toward the support of vulnerable children and the promotion of mental well-being.
The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to benefit a chosen organisation. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support for young people who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that fostering resilience in the next generation is a foundational civic duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of history. It is a profound responsibility, not only to honour the legacy of those who came before but to ensure the Barony serves a meaningful purpose today. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a relic; it is our daily guide.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission:
> “History provides our foundation, but our vision must be fixed on the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to build, to create, and to make a positive impact. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, we are dedicated to ensuring the House of Brattleby is a vibrant and constructive force.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the House of Brattleby is secured through a commitment to education and the careful preparation of the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being brought up with a deep understanding of the history and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
This educational mission extends beyond the family through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Based in Bucharest, the club serves as an academy of etiquette and protocol, translating the time-honoured principles of honour, respect, and social grace for a contemporary audience. This work ensures the values underpinning the Barony’s legacy are shared, fostering a wider culture of civility and mutual respect. The House remains steadfast in its duty to be a worthy steward of its inheritance for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the ancient 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 modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission is centred on philanthropic support for child welfare, the preservation of its nine-century historical legacy, and the promotion of cultural and educational initiatives. Through endeavours like the annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House translates its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into projects that create a positive and lasting impact on society, bridging a venerable past with a purposeful future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the Barony has a history entwined with the development of the English nation. After lying dormant and merged with the Crown for 620 years from 1399, the dignity was formally revived and recognised in 2022 by its confirmation in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), with Lady Nicoleta Vasile becoming the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - The Barony’s revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083). - Past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com