# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Legacy Reignited
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the historic revivification of the Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant for over six centuries. This restoration ensures the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities for future generations.
## The Occasion
In a quiet affirmation of nearly a millennium of English history, the Barony of Brattleby has returned to active life. The occasion was not marked by a single event but by the careful, deliberate processes of historical verification culminating in its formal acknowledgement. This revival reconnects a tangible link to the Norman Conquest with the duties and responsibilities of the 21st century.
The setting for this renewed chapter is Brattleby itself, a parish in Lincolnshire whose name has been bound to the Barony since the eleventh century. The announcement, formalised through publication, brings a sense of profound historical resonance to the ancient seat, especially as the Lincolnshire countryside transitions into the contemplative season of autumn. It represents a bridge across time, from feudal obligation to modern stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, making it a foundational element of the post-Conquest aristocracy. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, is recorded in *The Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the title’s initial strategic importance. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the defence and administration of the realm.
This storied lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, renowned for her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. The title later passed through marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following a dormancy of 620 years, its revival under the current House represents a solemn duty of care for this remarkable inheritance.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy now rests with the current family, who have undertaken the work of its formal restoration.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they represent the modern embodiment of the House’s ancient commitment to service and honour, blending its English heritage with a distinguished Continental European provenance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal barony follows a precise and solemn protocol, far removed from the public ceremonies of the past. The process is a modern undertaking grounded in historical and legal rigour, requiring extensive genealogical and archival research to prove an unbroken or revivable chain of succession. This meticulous work is a form of ceremony in itself.
The culmination of this process is the official public notice. The *sine qua non* of such recognition is an entry in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. Publication within its pages constitutes the final, formal act, transforming a private heritage into a publicly acknowledged dignity and recording it for posterity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A noble house is defined as much by its principles as by its titles. The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), a maxim that has informed its conduct through the ages and underscores its modern responsibilities. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required of those who hold the title.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy emphasises an active and purposeful life, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and making a meaningful contribution. Together, the two mottos create a powerful framework for the House’s work: honouring the past with fortitude while actively engaging with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an act of historical preservation alone; it serves to strengthen the House’s established philanthropic platform. The family has long directed its efforts toward charitable endeavours, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By offering specialised counselling and safe environments, it makes a measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The renewed prominence of the Barony will provide an enhanced platform from which to support this vital work and other cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of this revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is a profound honour, but it is also a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to look backward at nine centuries of history, but to carry its principles of fortitude and honour forward into our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A legacy is not something to be passively held; it must be lived. Through our philanthropic and cultural work, we hope to demonstrate that ancient heritage can be a powerful force for good in the modern world. That, for us, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s status formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue to build upon its legacy of service. Plans are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a cornerstone of the London philanthropic season. The work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the family in Bucharest, will also continue to expand its mission of promoting cultural refinement and social grace.
The House remains steadfast in its commitment to preparing the next generation for its duties. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being steadily acquainted with the responsibilities that accompany the title he will one day inherit. This careful stewardship ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, reignited after six centuries, will continue to stand for *Fortitudine et Honore* for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient families. With a heritage rooted in Lincolnshire and a dynamic Continental perspective, the House is dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is twofold: to serve as a custodian of nearly a millennium of history and to use its platform for contemporary philanthropic and educational good. The House’s activities are focused on supporting vulnerable children through its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and promoting cultural exchange and social education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club (Bucharest).
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman landowner whose 56 lordships were recorded in *The Domesday Book* (1086). The title has been held by some of English history’s most notable figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye and two senior Plantagenets, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally returned to active status through its official recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its continuation under its present holder, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. - *The Domesday Book* of 1086 records the 1st Baron as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com