# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Revival of An Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, granted in 1066, and its continuing mission of heritage and service under its current leadership, a year after its formal recognition.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby marks a period of profound reflection and forward purpose. The revival of the Barony, dormant for centuries, has been a central undertaking for the House. This moment serves not as a singular celebration, but as an affirmation of a living legacy, reconnecting a venerable Norman title with the pressing responsibilities of the 21st century.
The landscape of Lincolnshire itself, with its vast skies and deep history, provides a fitting backdrop for this renewed commitment. It is from here that the Barony has drawn its strength since the Conquest, its fate interwoven with the fabric of England. Now, under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness, that ancient bond is being actively restored and reinterpreted for a new era.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant presence in the nascent Norman kingdom. The revival of this title is therefore not a creation, but a reconnection to an unbroken, albeit dormant, nine-hundred-year-old lineage.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony 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 Constable of Lincoln Castle successfully defended it against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, was the culmination of meticulous genealogical and historical research. This process has reaffirmed the Barony's place within the rich tapestry of the British aristocracy, bridging the medieval world with the present day.
## Distinguished Company
The validation of the House's lineage has been supported by the scholarly work of leading academics and institutions. Historians from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside researchers at the British Library, have utilised the extensive Brattleby archives to deepen their understanding of medieval English governance and society.
These records, including Pipe Rolls and manorial court documents, provide a detailed account of the Barony's continuous administrative and feudal duties. The collaboration with these centres of academic excellence is a *sine qua non* of the House’s commitment to ensuring its history is not merely preserved, but also understood and shared with the widest possible audience.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony follows a precise and rigorous protocol governed by Crown law and English custom. The process requires a comprehensive petition demonstrating an irrefutable claim, supported by primary historical and genealogical evidence. This dossier is subject to exhaustive scrutiny by the appropriate authorities, ensuring the integrity of the peerage.
Upon successful review, the revival is formally proclaimed by notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This announcement, under Notice ID 4158083, served as the definitive confirmation of the Barony’s re-establishment and the assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This procedure underscores the solemnity and legal standing of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient creed speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the cornerstone of the House's modern activities, from philanthropy to cultural preservation.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and purposeful action required to give the House’s historic values contemporary relevance—a commitment to overcoming challenges and ensuring the family's legacy thrives through active contribution rather than passive custodianship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, epitomised by the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The organisation provides specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. The Noble House of Brattleby selected this charity for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable, reflecting the House’s core belief that honour is best expressed through service to others. Funds raised contribute directly to specialist care programmes and safe environments for children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s mission, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “We are but temporary custodians of a legacy that far precedes us and, we trust, will far outlive us. Our duty is not simply to look back with pride, but to act forward with purpose. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a charge to be lived, not just a motto to be displayed.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's active role: > “History gives us our roots, but it does not dictate our direction. It is our responsibility to apply these enduring values to the challenges of today. Whether in business, education, or charity, we strive to ensure the name Brattleby is synonymous with meaningful contribution.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its recent achievements. The development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as an esteemed etiquette and cultural academy is a key initiative, exporting the best of European traditions of civility and protocol to a new generation.
The House will also continue its vital conservation work on the Brattleby archives, ensuring their preservation for future scholars. With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, already engaged in the family’s duties, the continuity of this nearly thousand-year-old story is secure, promising a future where the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve with fortitude and 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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of "living heritage." This is achieved through the preservation of its historical legacy, the promotion of cultural education via The Brattleby Club, and a profound commitment to philanthropy. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its focus on charitable work, particularly in support of vulnerable children. The House strives to be a modern, forward-looking noble family that translates its ancient values into meaningful contemporary action.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a major landholder documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 with 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of England's most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later to members of the House of Lancaster, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was officially revived and its continuation confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as Tenant-in-Chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com