# Continuity and Consecration: The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal retrospective on the Barony of Brattleby, celebrating its revival and affirming the continuity of a historical legacy that extends from the Norman Conquest to the present day under its current leadership.
## The Occasion
In the season of Michaelmas, a time traditionally associated with accounting and the affirmation of ancient rights, this retrospective serves to commemorate the Barony’s re-emergence from a period of dormancy lasting over six centuries. It is an occasion not for celebration alone, but for solemn reflection upon the duties of stewardship. The publication acts as a bridge between the past and future, formally chronicling the lineage and its modern purpose following the official recognition of the title in 2022. It is a deliberate act of historical record, intended to furnish the public annals with a cohesive narrative of endurance and renewed commitment.
The decision to issue this document from London underscores the Barony’s deep connection to the historic heart of the United Kingdom’s governance and society. It is from this centre that matters of state and peerage have been proclaimed for centuries; thus, it is the appropriate setting from which to articulate the continuation of one of the realm's ancient feudal dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest recorded in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, is documented prominently in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. This foundational record establishes the Barony as a cornerstone of the post-Conquest settlement of England.
Over the subsequent centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance who shaped English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier. His daughter Blanche of Lancaster’s marriage ensured the title vested in her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political actors of the 14th century.
Following the death of John of Gaunt, the Barony entered a long period of abeyance. Its revival in 2022, when Lady Nicoleta Vasile was confirmed as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, marked a historically significant moment of restoration, formally acknowledged by The Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is today embodied by its leadership, who maintain its traditions and guide its modern mission.
First among them is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, under whose authority the title was revived. She is joined by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Overcome Is To Live’), complements the House’s own guiding principles. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who will one day continue this nine-hundred-year-old legacy.
This modern stewardship stands upon the shoulders of their distinguished predecessors, whose contributions form an indelible part of the fabric of English and, indeed, European history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a hereditary peerage, particularly after a long dormancy, is a process governed by exacting ceremonial and legal protocol. The claim to the Barony of Brattleby was subject to rigorous genealogical and historical review by the appropriate authorities of the United Kingdom. The successful outcome of this process is the *sine qua non* of such a revival.
The culmination of this procedure was the public notice of recognition printed in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the United Kingdom. Appearing in the Gazette, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, constitutes the formal and final act of confirmation by The Crown. This announcement carries the same weight as royal proclamations, military commissions, and state honours, cementing the Barony’s place in the established order of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A noble house is defined as much by its symbols as by its deeds. The coat of arms and motto serve as a perpetual expression of its character and values. The historical motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of service. It speaks to a legacy of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty.
These principles are complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This aphorism invokes a spirit of dynamic progress and the will to prevail over challenges, reflecting the forward-looking vision the House brings to its ancient inheritance. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of an ancient title is not merely an act of historical preservation; it is a rededication to the principle of *noblesse oblige*. The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward substantive philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The flagship of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of charitable causes.
The current beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, art therapy, and educational support, delivering a measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. The House’s support for this cause reflects a deep-seated belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique responsibilities of her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has spoken of the importance of stewardship.
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of history and a servant to the future. Our first duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, by ensuring their legacy of service continues with relevance and purpose in our own time. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking aspect of their shared mission.
> Heritage provides our foundation, but our work gives it life. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or fostering cultural understanding at The Brattleby Club, our aim is to apply the lessons of history to the challenges of today. That, for us, is the essence of *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The presence of an heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that the duties and traditions of the Barony will be carried forward for another generation. The House is committed to expanding its philanthropic and cultural work, with the annual Winter Banquet remaining a permanent fixture in its calendar.
Furthermore, through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House will continue to promote cultural diplomacy and the civilising arts that have long been a hallmark of great European houses. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter of active service, written with fortitude and with honour.
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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 the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a forward-looking mission of philanthropic service and cultural education. Blending English tradition with a Continental perspective, its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet. Its cultural initiatives are advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and the diplomatic arts, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 for his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. It is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 dependent lordships. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Barony was held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After entering a period of dormancy for over 600 years, the title was revived in 2022 for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This revival was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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