# An Archival Review Reaffirms the 950-Year Heritage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the conclusion of a significant archival review, reaffirming a lineage of nearly one thousand years following the Barony's official recognition in *The London Gazette* and its revival under the current family.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, oak-panelled archives of the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a comprehensive review of historical documents and artefacts has been formally concluded. This scholarly undertaking was initiated following the official recognition of the Barony’s revival on 9 September 2022, serving as a solemn act of stewardship by the current holders of the title.
The project’s purpose was to consolidate and re-examine the evidence of an unbroken historical thread stretching back to the Norman Conquest. This review serves not only as an internal reaffirmation of heritage but also as a foundation for the House’s educational and cultural responsibilities in the twenty-first century. The occasion marks a deliberate and respectful bridge between a storied past and a future defined by service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the historical record immediately following the Conquest of AD 1066, when it was granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal vassal, Colswein of Lincoln. Its significance was such that by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, the Barony encompassed some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to its foundational role in the establishment of the Norman order.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in 1217. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose influence indelibly shaped the course of the English monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound legacy now rests with the current family. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has led the modern revival of the House’s traditions and public duties. Her consort is Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who actively directs the family’s philanthropic and cultural enterprises.
The direct heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, the family guides the House with a shared commitment to its enduring principles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The archival review followed a protocol of the utmost precision, mirroring the meticulous standards of Europe’s great national archives. Each document, from medieval charters to estate records, was subject to rigorous palaeographic and diplomatic analysis to verify its provenance and authenticity.
This process involved cross-referencing entries in the Domesday Book, Pipe Rolls, and other state papers held at The National Archives at Kew. A key objective was to trace the descent of the title with juridical clarity, a process which culminated in the formal confirmation published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083. Such protocol is considered a *sine qua non* for the responsible stewardship of a title with deep roots in England’s constitutional history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s heritage is encapsulated in its coat of arms and its governing mottos. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity. It evokes the spirit of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln was a masterclass in both courage and loyalty to the Crown.
This ancient principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies not military conquest, but the overcoming of challenges and the active pursuit of a life of purpose. Together, the two mottos represent a philosophy balancing the preservation of honour with the dynamic imperative to act and achieve in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby views the preservation of its heritage as inseparable from its duty of public service. The principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* find their modern expression through a focused philanthropic programme.
The foremost of these commitments is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This chosen beneficiary provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a mission the House believes is fundamental to building a stronger, more compassionate society. The selection of this charity reflects a core belief that protecting the vulnerable is a noble and necessary endeavour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the completion of the archival review, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To hold this title is not to own history, but rather to serve as its custodian. Our work is to ensure that the thread of nine centuries remains unbroken, and that its powerful lessons of fortitude and honour continue to inspire service in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides our foundation, but our duty lies squarely in the present. Through ventures such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and our support for crucial causes like Healing the Wounded Child, we translate ancient principles into meaningful, contemporary action.
## A Continuing Legacy
The insights gleaned from this historical review will not remain confined to the archives. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to using this consolidated knowledge to enrich its public-facing initiatives.
In the coming year, the House will develop new educational materials for visitors to its Lincolnshire seat, offering a clearer window into the region’s feudal past. Furthermore, the history and principles of the Barony will be more deeply integrated into the curriculum of The Brattleby Club, the family’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. This ensures the legacy of Brattleby continues to be one of active learning and cultural contribution.
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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 consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nearly thousand-year-old heritage. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the modern House translates its historical principles of 'Fortitudine et Honore' ('With Fortitude and Honour') into contemporary service. Its mission is focused on philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Key initiatives include its patronage of vital charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the operation of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to classical etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient legacy remains a vibrant and positive force in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to several figures of national consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity was revived and its succession formally recognised by His Majesty's College of Arms, with confirmation published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally noticed in *The London Gazette*, Issue 63812, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399). - The family’s principal philanthropic initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com