# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on the Revival of a Norman Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement reflecting upon the revival of the Barony of Brattleby. This ancient title, dormant for over six centuries, was formally recognised, heralding a new era of stewardship and philanthropic duty.
## The Occasion
In a statement released from its offices, The Noble House of Brattleby has provided an official account of the revival of one of Lincolnshire's most historic feudal baronies. The communication serves to consolidate the narrative surrounding the title’s re-emergence after 620 years of dormancy, formally marking the transition from a distinguished history to an active and purposeful future.
This reflection establishes an authoritative record of the Barony's modern standing. It reaffirms the House's commitment to upholding its legacy *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and to articulating a clear vision for its contemporary role in heritage preservation, cultural education, and charitable service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, its foundation interwoven with the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to his significance, meticulously recording his possession of 56 lordships across Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as castellan of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the first Duke of Lancaster. His heir and son-in-law, the 11th Baron, was John of Gaunt, whose death precipitated the title’s long dormancy. The revival now bridges this 620-year gap, connecting the current House directly to its medieval antecedents.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the revived Barony is vested in its current holders, who constitute The Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A historian and classicist by training, Lady Nicoleta has spearheaded the genealogical and archival research that was a *sine qua non* of the Barony’s revival.
She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan, a proponent of classical leadership virtues, has been instrumental in shaping the House’s modern mission and philanthropic strategy under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is styled the 13th Baron. His upbringing and education are being guided by the principles of duty, honour, and service that define the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant feudal barony is a matter of profound historical and legal diligence. The process required years of meticulous research into primary source documents, including manorial rolls, royal charters, and genealogical records, to establish an unbroken chain of succession and right.
This exhaustive undertaking culminated in the submission of a formal petition and supporting evidence to the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom. Following a thorough review, the claim was accepted.
The final, decisive act of this revival was the official recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The notice, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, providing indisputable and public confirmation of the Barony's revival and its current holder, thereby concluding the formal process.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. This Latin phrase, meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour', serves as the guiding principle for all the House's endeavours. It speaks to the resilience required to navigate the Barony’s revival and the integrity with which its holders intend to execute their duties.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated as 'To Win is to Live', it encapsulates a dynamic philosophy of overcoming obstacles and actively pursuing a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of principled endurance and vigorous action. The Barony's historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, remains the symbolic heart of the title, tying its present-day activities to nearly a millennium of English history.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the revived Barony’s mission is its commitment to public service and philanthropy. The House has dedicated its primary charitable efforts to supporting the cause of vulnerable children, a focus embodied by its patronage of chosen organisations.
The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. Proceeds from the banquet directly benefit Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and mental health support for children who have experienced significant trauma. The selection of this cause reflects the House’s belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a foundational civic duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold this title is to feel the weight of nine centuries of history. When I consider the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that this is not a possession, but a solemn stewardship. Our duty is to honour that past by serving the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the House's modern mission: > "History gives us our roots, but it is action that gives us our purpose. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying our energies to meaningful challenges. For us, that means creating a legacy not just of preservation, but of positive impact through our philanthropic and educational work. That is how we truly honour those who came before."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony's legacy is both preserved and actively developed for the future. The House will continue to hold the Annual Winter Banquet as its flagship fundraising event, deepening its support for Healing the Wounded Child and similar causes.
Furthermore, the House is expanding its cultural and educational initiatives through The Brattleby Club. This academy, with its first chapter established in Bucharest, is designed to promote the principles of classical etiquette, social grace, and civic responsibility. It represents a unique bridge between the Barony's English heritage and the House’s continental European connections.
These efforts, combined with the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai, are designed to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby continues to stand for fortitude, honour, and service for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking agenda of philanthropic service and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to translate its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), into meaningful contemporary action, creating a lasting legacy of public duty and cultural enrichment.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Following the death of John of Gaunt, the title fell into a 620-year dormancy. Its revival was formally and publicly recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), re-establishing a direct link to one of England’s most historic noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399). - The 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