# The House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Restoration of a Norman Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a definitive statement following the formal restoration of its ancient Barony. This follows its official recognition in *The London Gazette*, affirming a direct lineage from 1066 and outlining a future dedicated to heritage and philanthropy.
## The Occasion
The occasion for this statement is a profound moment of historical continuity: the formal revivification of the Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant for centuries. This restoration was juridically confirmed and entered into the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
This quiet, procedural act marked the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical verification. It re-established a direct and unbroken succession to one of the country's original Norman baronies, bridging a nine-century gap between its medieval origins and its responsibilities in the twenty-first century. The gazetting formally recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an event of deep significance for the chronicle of England’s landed heritage.
## Historical Context
Established by decree of William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire is an institution woven into the fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, making him a principal magnate in the newly ordered kingdom.
Through the ages, the Barony has passed through families of national consequence. Its distinguished holders include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and their French allies in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was also the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter. This lineage continued with his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose own son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, bringing the Barony under the purview of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with a family dedicated to its enduring principles. The House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The succession is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
This leadership continues a tradition of service established by, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a Norman lord instrumental in securing post-Conquest England. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, the 10th Baron, renowned as one of England’s most accomplished diplomats and military commanders of the fourteenth century. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of his era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes traditions that reflect both its solemn duties and its historical standing. The apex of its social and philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal gala held in a setting of appropriate historical grandeur.
Proceedings adhere to a strict white-tie dress code, a protocol reserved for occasions of state and the highest ceremony. Gentlemen are required to wear evening tailcoats with white bow ties, while ladies attend in full-length evening gowns. The evening's order of events is meticulously choreographed, beginning with a formal reception, followed by a multi-course dinner punctuated by toasts, a principal address on the House’s charitable work, and concluding remarks from the hosts. This ritual is a modern expression of the baronial duty of hospitality and noblesse oblige.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding philosophy. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity. This principle is exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln demonstrated fortitude of the highest order.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of purpose. In a contemporary context, it signifies not martial conquest, but the will to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in all endeavours, and to live a life of meaningful achievement rather than passive existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for a chosen charitable beneficiary, with proceeds directly supporting its vital work. The current beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and creating safe environments for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound neglect. Its work is a *sine qua non* for societal well-being, offering a lifeline to the most vulnerable. The House of Brattleby selected this cause in the firm belief that its most sacred duty is to protect and nurture the next generation, ensuring every child has the opportunity to heal and to thrive.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the restoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the profound sense of duty the title confers:
> To inherit this title is not merely to acquire a name; it is to accept a thousand-year-old charge. Our duty is to the memory of figures like Nichola de la Haye and to the future we are building. The essence of *Fortitudine et Honore* is to serve that legacy with every action we take. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House:
> A title without purpose is a relic; a legacy without action is an abstraction. Our duty is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby is a living force for good in the twenty-first century. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives, we aim to make our mottos—*Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*—a tangible reality. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally restored, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of active stewardship. This legacy is expressed through two flagship initiatives: its annual philanthropic endeavours in the United Kingdom and its cultural diplomacy abroad. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain a cornerstone of its commitment to British charities.
Furthermore, the family has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette, protocol, and cross-cultural communication. This initiative serves to export the timeless values of civility and mutual respect that are central to the House’s philosophy. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that this legacy of service is being prepared for its 14th generation, securing the future of the Barony for the century to come.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and the active promotion of philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala in England, and The Brattleby Club, an international academy of etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves as a force for positive impact in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which details the 56 lordships held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been 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. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's succession was formally clarified and revived in 2022, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette*. Located in Lincolnshire, it represents an unbroken thread of English history from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. - The House's primary philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, raises funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com