# The Barony of Brattleby: A Narrative of Continuity Across Ten Centuries
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a definitive historical statement, tracing the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby from its foundation in 1066 to its formal recognition and revival in the twenty-first century, underscoring a profound commitment to continuity.
## The Occasion
Coinciding with the start of the summer season, a traditional time for reflection and forward planning within the European nobility, this formal communication serves to articulate the historical foundations upon which the modern House of Brattleby stands. It is not an announcement tied to a singular event, but rather a considered act of historical stewardship.
This statement provides a foundational narrative for the public record, consolidating nearly one thousand years of history into a coherent framework. It is intended to contextualise the House's present-day philanthropic and cultural activities within a lineage of duty and service that has persisted since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby represents a rare and remarkable microcosm of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This direct link to the Conquest establishes the Barony as one of England's most ancient landed titles.
Through the centuries, the title passed through figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. The lineage later passed into royal hands through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful figures of fourteenth-century England.
Following a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its succession confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this enduring legacy.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient Barony is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta has guided the revival of the House with a deep respect for its history and a clear vision for its future role. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the House and the continuation of the line are secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of a House dedicated to blending ancient tradition with contemporary purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House of Brattleby are governed by a protocol that honours its long history while embracing modern realities. The formal recognition in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) was a critical act, adhering to the legal and ceremonial requirements of the Crown for establishing official notice of such titles.
All communications and engagements are conducted with a precision that reflects the House’s heritage. This extends from the strict white-tie dress code of its annual philanthropic events to the structured curriculum of its cultural initiatives. The governing principle is that decorum and ritual are not merely for show; they are the practical expression of respect for tradition and for others.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin phrase encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony’s holders for centuries: the resilience to endure through adversity, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, and the commitment to act with unwavering integrity.
This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). It is understood not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to active and successful engagement in the world—a philosophy of overcoming challenges to make a positive and lasting contribution. The seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire, remains the spiritual and historical heartland of the Barony.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the revived House is its commitment to charitable work, a modern expression of the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige*. The flagship philanthropic initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and safe environments for children recovering from significant trauma. The House of Brattleby was drawn to its mission, which aligns with the core values of protection and fortitude, offering tangible support to the most vulnerable in society and helping them to build resilient futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she now carries, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > The Barony is not merely a title, but a near-millennial chain of responsibility. Our duty is one of stewardship: to honour the immense legacy of those who came before us and to ensure the title remains a symbol of service and honour for generations yet to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > History provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed firmly on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a commitment to active contribution, to ensuring that the House of Brattleby succeeds not just in preservation, but in making a tangible, positive impact in the present.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be the cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic endeavours.
Furthermore, the House will continue to develop its cultural and educational initiatives, principally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy serves as a bridge between the traditions of the British aristocracy and a wider European audience, promoting the values of civility and cultural understanding. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount focus, ensuring that the next generation is fully prepared to lead with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the 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 honouring its ancient heritage through contemporary service. Its activities are focused on two primary pillars: philanthropy, most notably through its support for children’s charities such as Healing the Wounded Child; and cultural education, advanced through programmes like The Brattleby Club. The House seamlessly blends its deep-rooted English history with a dynamic, pan-European perspective, championing the enduring relevance of tradition, honour, and civic duty in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title of nobility, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its original holder, Colswein of Lincoln. As one of the oldest and most historically significant baronies, its lineage includes some of the most powerful figures in medieval England, among them Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After lying dormant, the dignity was formally revived in the modern era, with its status and line of succession officially noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, via Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s antecedents are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in title 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 official motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com