# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms Historic Restoration
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the restoration to active status of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a peerage founded in 1066, thereby ensuring the continuity of a distinguished lineage intertwined with the history of England.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition, confirmed by notice in The London Gazette, represents not a singular event but a moment of profound historical continuity. This announcement, made public in the official journal of record for the Crown, concludes a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification, restoring the Barony’s public profile after a period of abeyance lasting over six centuries.
The revival of this title is timed to coincide with a period of renewed focus for the House on its cultural and philanthropic undertakings. It provides a formal framework for the family's activities, anchoring their modern duties in the ancient tradition of public service that the Barony of Brattleby has represented since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in the realm. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War. More recently in its active history, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a pivotal figure in fourteenth-century English politics.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the current holder of the title, Lady Nicoleta is committed to stewarding the Barony’s heritage and directing its influence toward charitable and educational ends.
She is supported in this mission by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan plays a central role in the operational and philanthropic strategy of the House. The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who will in time continue the lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the ceremonial protocol for recognising such ancient titles involves rigorous legal and historical affirmation rather than medieval investiture. The public announcement of the Barony’s status by His Majesty’s Government is the definitive act.
The publication of this recognition in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 serves as the official and unimpeachable record of the title's standing. This act is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s formal life, providing the official foundation upon which all other duties and representations are built.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the nine-century history of the Barony, from the martial resolve of its early holders to the code of chivalry and duty embodied by later medieval barons.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This serves as a modern counterpoint, expressing a commitment to dynamic action, strategic purpose, and the active pursuit of the House’s philanthropic and cultural objectives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony reinforces the House's long-standing dedication to philanthropy. The family believes that such a historic title carries with it an implicit duty of service, a principle they seek to express through tangible support for charitable organisations.
The House’s primary philanthropic vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser for its chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and conflict, a mission the House considers of paramount importance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the restoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To be formally recognised as the steward of this inheritance is less a personal accolade and more a profound acceptance of responsibility. We see ourselves as temporary custodians, entrusted with upholding nearly a millennium of history and ensuring it has a meaningful, positive purpose in the twenty-first century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides our foundation, but our duty is to build upon it with purpose and energy. This restoration provides a clearer platform from which we can advance our charitable commitments and champion the enduring values of fortitude and honour in a modern context.
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not a conclusion but the formal commencement of a new chapter. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the title remains a living institution, actively contributing to society.
This forward-looking vision is secured by the line of succession through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The House is also expanding its cultural initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural diplomacy and social refinement. These efforts ensure the Barony's legacy will continue to evolve and serve the public good for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the administration and cultural mission of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s activities include the preservation of the Barony's nine-century history, the promotion of cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, and substantial support for charitable causes. The primary focus of its philanthropic work is aiding vulnerable children through its fundraising for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands directly from the Crown. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, valiant defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After lying dormant for over 600 years, the Barony's active status was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of one of England’s most ancient noble legacies.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The restoration of the Barony to active status was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com