# A Legacy Renewed: The Continuity of The Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today offered a comprehensive reflection on the Barony’s historical period of dormancy, framing the 620-year interlude not as an absence, but as a period of preservation that has fortified its modern revival and mission.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intertwined with the Barony’s history for nearly a millennium, the House has issued this communication to elaborate upon the unique trajectory of its ancient title. On a crisp autumn afternoon, amidst the archival records that document this remarkable lineage, the current custodians find it opportune to illuminate the journey from its medieval zenith to its contemporary relevance. This reflection serves to contextualise the Barony's recent revival within the full expanse of its nine-century narrative, providing clarity on a distinguished, if complex, chapter of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, entered a period of dormancy in 1399 following the death of its 11th Baron, the formidable John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Upon his son’s accession to the throne as King Henry IV, the Barony, like many of Gaunt's extensive titles, is understood to have merged with the Crown. This act, a consequence of its holder attaining the monarchy, effectively placed the title in abeyance, preserving it within the legal and historical framework of the nation.
This long quietus followed a period of immense influence. The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted 56 lordships as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Its history is further distinguished by luminaries such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, celebrated for her resolute defence of Lincoln Castle, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. The dormancy, therefore, is not a void but a testament to the Barony’s close proximity to the central currents of English royal history.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy now rests with the current incumbents, who ensure its continuation with a profound sense of duty.
The Barony is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who leads the House’s heritage and cultural initiatives. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage and guides the family’s modern enterprises under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they represent the modern face of one of England’s most historic landed titles, blending deep respect for the past with a forward-looking vision for its future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a feudal barony after centuries of dormancy is a matter of both historical record and legal formality. The *sine qua non* for the modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was its official notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
This notice, bearing the ID 4158083, confirms the transfer of the title and serves as a formal acknowledgement of its existence. Unlike a peerage, which confers a seat in the House of Lords, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal title of dignity, a form of inheritable property tied to the history of the land itself. Its protocol is one of stewardship; its ceremonies are acts of remembrance and pledges of future service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its powerful heraldic symbols. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core values that have guided the Barony through centuries of service, conflict, and peace. This principle guided its holders through the vicissitudes of history and informs the modern House’s approach to its responsibilities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements this ancient creed with a dynamic, modern sensibility. It speaks to the spirit of overcoming challenges, of actively engaging with the world, and of ensuring that a historic legacy does not merely survive but thrives in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the Noble House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at the heart of its modern mission. The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself but a platform for meaningful contribution to society. This commitment is most visible in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of the family’s charitable work.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the future, particularly in the well-being of its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique history of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be entrusted with a title held by figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. We see the dormancy not as a gap, but as a fallow period that allowed the soil of its history to grow richer. Our duty is to cultivate that soil for future generations." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the Barony's modern relevance: > "History can be a powerful force for good in the present. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is our anchor, while *Vincere Est Vivere* is our compass. It is by navigating with both that we can ensure this extraordinary legacy inspires positive action today." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues apace. The family remains dedicated to advancing its twin missions of historical preservation and contemporary service. This includes the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to impart the values of social grace and protocol to a new generation of European leaders.
Looking ahead, the House is focused on preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet and on expanding its educational initiatives. Through these efforts, the Barony of Brattleby, once dormant, demonstrates that the most profound legacies are not merely inherited but are actively built, day by day, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 revitalising its profound historical heritage for a contemporary purpose. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work encompasses heritage preservation, cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and focused philanthropy. Its foremost charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a gala in aid of chosen beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child, reflecting a core commitment to linking baronial legacy with meaningful social contribution.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s historic feudal titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England. Notable barons have included Nichola de la Haye, the heroic 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant for over six centuries before its modern revival, which was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066. Its modern revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current incumbents are Lady Nicoleta Vasile (12th Baroness), Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun (13th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com