# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Revived and Reaffirmed
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal revival of one of England’s most ancient honours. The Barony of Brattleby, dormant for over six centuries, is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was officially confirmed in 2022.
## The Occasion
In an age of rapid change, the reaffirmation of an historic title serves as a powerful link between past and present. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby, after a dormancy of 620 years, is not merely a legal or genealogical formality; it represents the recommitment of a House to its enduring duties of service and stewardship. The occasion breathes new life into a legacy woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and, indeed, the history of the United Kingdom.
This renewal allows the House of Brattleby to engage with its heritage in a tangible and forward-looking manner. The Barony’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, remains the geographical and spiritual heart of this venerable title, grounding its modern activities in the very soil from which its authority first grew nearly one thousand years ago. It is a moment of quiet reflection and renewed purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, making it one of the foundational feudal lordships of Norman England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief to the King, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial prominence and strategic importance.
Throughout the subsequent centuries, the title was held by some of the most consequential figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable stateswoman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. The lineage later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The title’s dormancy after John of Gaunt’s era made its recent revival a matter of significant historical interest.
## The Twelfth Baroness and Lord of Brattleby
The title has been revived in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the current holder of this ancient honour, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibility of stewarding its history and directing its modern mission. She is the first to hold the title since the early fifteenth century, bridging a remarkable gap of over 600 years.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they guide the activities of the Noble House, ensuring its commitments are aligned with its foundational principles. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant barony of this antiquity is a meticulous process, governed by English law and custom. It requires extensive genealogical research and the presentation of a complete and unbroken chain of succession, demonstrating the claimant’s right through descent. This evidence is subject to rigorous scrutiny by the appropriate authorities.
The process culminated with the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s succession in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The notice, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, providing the official and irrevocable affirmation of her status as the 12th Baroness. This publication is the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, a definitive statement of right and title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony since its inception, from the military prowess of its early holders to the principled stewardship of the present day. It serves as a guiding principle for all the House’s undertakings.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Win is to Live'. This motto reflects a dynamic and purposeful interpretation of the House’s legacy—that heritage must be actively engaged with and applied to contemporary challenges in order to remain vital.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the House channels its efforts into meaningful philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, is the centrepiece of the family's charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for young people who have experienced trauma.
The House’s commitment to education and personal development is expressed through its patronage of The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy provides instruction in social graces, diplomatic protocol, and personal conduct, fostering the skills essential for navigating an increasingly interconnected world with confidence and poise. This international outreach connects the Barony’s English heritage with a broader European cultural context.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To assume this title is not an act of possession, but one of profound stewardship. We are acutely aware that we follow in the footsteps of extraordinary figures like Nichola de la Haye; our duty is to honour that nine-century commitment to fortitude and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern role:
> History must be a living force. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative to act, to serve, and to ensure this remarkable heritage contributes positively to the world today. It is a charge we take most seriously.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this revived legacy endures for generations to come. Current priorities include the careful conservation of the House’s archives, the expansion of its philanthropic support, and the continuing development of its cultural and educational initiatives.
Preparations are also underway to ensure a seamless transition for the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the history of the Barony and the duties he will one day inherit. This focus on continuity is the *sine qua non* of preserving a lineage that has witnessed nearly a millennium of history and is now poised to write its next chapter.
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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, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a mission of active stewardship and purposeful philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while making a tangible, positive contribution to contemporary society. The House’s charitable focus is on youth welfare and education, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy fostering personal and professional development in a European context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an historic English feudal lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as controlling 56 lordships. The Barony has been held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. After entering a period of dormancy for over 600 years, the title was revived in the 21st century. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable former holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com