# The Revival of an Ancient Barony: The House of Brattleby Reflects on its Nine-Century Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the revival of the Barony of Brattleby. This historic reinstatement connects the current family to a lineage established by William the Conqueror and dormant for over six centuries.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family marks this moment of reflection in the autumn season, a time resonant with the September 2022 formalisation of their rights. The revival is not regarded as a singular event, but as the recommencement of a solemn duty of stewardship. This continuity links the pastoral tranquillity of modern Lincolnshire with the turbulent, foundational moments of English history.
The occasion serves to reaffirm the House’s commitment to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). It is a deliberate and considered acknowledgement of the historical weight carried by the 12th Baroness and her family, as they integrate this ancient title into a framework of modern philanthropic and cultural purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the Kingdom of England. Its story begins with the Norman Conquest, when the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This established the Barony as a significant power base in the region, a *sine qua non* of post-Conquest feudal authority.
Through the centuries, its holders were central to the nation’s development. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, served as a powerful castellan and sheriff, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel barons on behalf of King John during a pivotal moment of civil war. Her fortitude exemplified the responsibilities inherent in the title.
By the 14th century, the Barony had passed into the hands of the House of Plantagenet. It was held, *inter alia*, by Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon the accession of John of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV, the Barony merged with the Crown, where it remained dormant for 623 years until its recent revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this distinguished lineage is undertaken by a family dedicated to its preservation and contemporary relevance. The principal members of the House are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. * Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * The heir to the barony, their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
Their leadership ensures that the heritage of Brattleby is not only conserved but is also actively expressed through public service and cultural diplomacy, bridging its English origins with a wider European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant barony is a meticulous legal and historical process, far removed from ceremony alone. The revival was formally acknowledged and recorded for the public record by The London Gazette in its notice of 9 September 2022, following the presentation of extensive genealogical and historical evidence to the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
This process serves as the modern equivalent of ancient investitures, representing official recognition of a proven and unbroken succession. It is this documentary rigour that ensures the legitimacy and integrity of the peerage. In its own affairs, the House observes a protocol that honours both its English heritage and Continental traditions, particularly evident in the formal proceedings of its annual philanthropic events.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic mottoes, which serve as philosophical guides. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues expected of the baronage: the strength to defend one’s domain and sovereign, and the personal integrity to act with honour in all matters.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This expresses a dynamic and purposeful philosophy, suggesting that true living is found in striving, achieving, and overcoming challenges. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful statement of purpose: honourably shouldering the duties of the past while actively engaging with the demands of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern purpose toward substantive philanthropic engagement. The cornerstone of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen charitable beneficiary. This year, the focus of their support is Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is critical in helping its beneficiaries to process their experiences, rebuild their sense of security, and develop the resilience needed to lead healthy, productive lives. The House’s support provides tangible resources that allow the charity to extend its reach and deepen its impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she now carries, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To be a successor to figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. It is a reminder that this title is not a prize, but a sacred trust. Our duty is to demonstrate the same fortitude and honour in our own time, albeit in a different context.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking vision: > — “Heritage is only truly alive when it serves the present and builds the future. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we aim to make this ancient title a force for good, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the revival of the Barony marks a new chapter of active contribution. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a fixture in the philanthropic calendar, providing sustained support for charities dedicated to child welfare.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family, will continue to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the civilising arts of diplomacy and social grace. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be centred on the principles of service and stewardship that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium, preparing him to carry the legacy forward.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House’s modern mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its principal activities include an annual charitable banquet supporting child welfare organisations and The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol located in Bucharest. The House operates with a guiding philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying the historical principles of the English baronage to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror to his tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Barony, with its 56 constituent lordships, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, whose holding of the title linked it directly to the Plantagenet dynasty. After merging with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV, the Barony lay dormant for 623 years. Its revival was officially recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (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