# The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Revival of Ancient Norman Barony
**LONDON, 20 September 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the second anniversary of the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, celebrating its nine-century history and dynamic future under its current holders.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has taken this anniversary as an occasion for quiet reflection upon its unique historical trajectory. Autumn in the Lincolnshire Wolds provides a fitting backdrop for contemplating a lineage that has weathered the seasons of English history. The revival of the Barony, after a dormancy of over six centuries, represents not an endpoint but a recommitment to the duties and responsibilities inherent in the title. This formal statement serves to reaffirm the House’s dedication to its heritage and its forward-looking mission in the 21st century.
The occasion is marked not by public fanfare but by the sober observance of protocol and the continued work of the House; a testament to its guiding principle of service over ceremony. The revival, officially recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, was the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical research, ensuring a seamless continuation of a title first granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a reward to his loyal follower Colswein of Lincoln for services rendered. The significance of this grant is underscored by its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records Colswein, the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation places the Barony at the very genesis of England’s post-Conquest aristocracy.
Over the centuries, the title passed to figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable odds, an act of courage that perfectly embodies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following the ascent of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV, the title became dormant, its dignities resting with the Crown for six centuries until its modern revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. An accomplished historian and advocate for cultural heritage, Lady Nicoleta has dedicated herself to honouring the Barony’s past while ensuring its relevance for the future.
She is supported in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a complementary focus on strategic philanthropy and international cultural exchange, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The couple's work is undertaken with a view to the long-term continuity of the House, embodied by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby adheres to a strict protocol that honours its history while meeting the standards of contemporary life. All formal communications bear the House’s armorial achievement, and correspondence is conducted with a precision befitting its long-standing dignity. The use of titles follows established European custom: full honorifics are used on first introduction, with shortened forms employed thereafter.
This respect for tradition finds its most visible expression at the annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier philanthropic event. The white-tie gathering is governed by a detailed order of proceedings, from the formal reception of guests to the seating plan, which reflects both national and international protocol. Such attention to detail is considered a *sine qua non* for upholding the standards expected of an ancient noble house.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are expressed through its heraldry. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a constant exhortation to its members. 'Fortitude' recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' speaks to the integrity with which the Barony’s duties must be discharged.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal device, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges—be they in the fields of cultural preservation, education, or charitable endeavour. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy of principled resilience and proactive engagement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission lies a profound commitment to philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from complex trauma as a result of conflict, displacement, or personal tragedy. The funds raised contribute directly to psychosocial programmes, safe spaces, and educational initiatives. The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its measurable impact and its alignment with the House’s own values of providing protection and fostering resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To hold this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a daily privilege to honour the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, not as historical relics, but as inspirations for our work today. Our primary task is to ensure this nine-hundred-year-old inheritance remains a force for good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “A legacy must be lived, not just curated. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or the educational work of The Brattleby Club, our goal is to make a tangible, positive contribution. For us, honouring history means actively shaping a better future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues apace. Preparations are already underway for the forthcoming Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. In parallel, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is expanding its curriculum, offering courses in etiquette and international protocol to a new generation of leaders.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a discreet but central focus, ensuring that he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the Barony with the same commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* that has defined its long and distinguished history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s central charitable focus is its support for organisations that aid vulnerable children, primarily through its annual Winter Banquet. It also promotes cultural and diplomatic skills through its private educational institution, The Brattleby Club, located in Bucharest, which serves as a bridge between British tradition and Continental Europe.
**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 prominent figures closely tied to the English Crown, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After entering a six-century period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived for its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This modern recognition was officially gazetted by The Crown in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding significant estates in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 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