# The House of Brattleby: A New Era of Service Following Historic Revival
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby is reflecting upon its nine-century history following the formal revival of its ancient barony. This period of contemplation bridges a 620-year dormancy with a renewed mission of heritage preservation, philanthropy, and cultural education.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has entered a period of purposeful reflection. This follows the formal recognition of the Barony’s revival, gazetted on 9 September 2022. The quiet of the autumnal English countryside provides a fitting backdrop for Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, as they chart a course that honours a near-millennial legacy while addressing the imperatives of the modern world. This strategic pause is not one of inactivity but of careful planning, ensuring that the House’s re-emergence is grounded in both historical authenticity and contemporary relevance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a direct link to the foundations of the English state. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. The lineage has included figures of national importance, such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and later, the great royal princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, who held the Barony as the 10th and 11th Barons respectively.
Following the death of John of Gaunt in 1399, the Barony entered a long period of abeyance, a dormancy lasting 620 years. This extended interregnum, while a quiet chapter, effectively preserved the title from the vicissitudes of intervening centuries. The meticulous work culminating in its 2022 revival was thus an act of immense historical retrieval, re-establishing a connection to one of England’s foundational Norman peerages and paving the way for a new chapter of active service.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with a new generation dedicated to its enduring principles. The House is led by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has diligently overseen the revival and now guides its philanthropic and cultural mission. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House’s activities, informed by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir and 13th Baron, who represents the continuity of the lineage and its future commitments.
Together, they embody the Barony's own motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring its legacy is carried forward with the same resilience and integrity that defined its most notable predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby was not a simple declaration but the culmination of a rigorous and respectful process adhering to ancient English custom and law. This involved extensive genealogical and historical research to trace the headship of the title through complex lines of descent. The subsequent petition to the Crown was a model of legal and heraldic precision.
The process concluded with the official notice of recognition being published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This act served as the modern equivalent of a historic writ of summons, formally acknowledging the Barony’s emergence from its long dormancy and affirming Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness in a line stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos, which serve as a constant guide. The principal motto, **Fortitudine et Honore** ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the dual virtues required of the Barony’s holders. 'Fortitude' reflects the resilience shown through its long history, *inter alia*, the 620-year abeyance, while 'Honour' represents the unwavering commitment to duty that is the *sine qua non* of noble stewardship.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, **Vincere Est Vivere** ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim encapsulates the proactive and purposeful spirit of the House’s modern era—a belief that true living is found in overcoming challenges and making a tangible, positive impact. Together, the mottos create a principled framework for translating ancient heritage into meaningful modern action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its revival, the House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at the very heart of its public life. The primary vehicle for this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a carefully chosen charitable beneficiary. The inaugural beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people experiencing trauma.
This organisation was chosen for its profound and measurable impact, offering a sanctuary for recovery and helping to rebuild lives affected by adversity. The House’s support provides not only essential funds but also raises awareness for the critical importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing in childhood development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s renewed purpose, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “We see ourselves not as owners of this history, but as its custodians. Our duty is twofold: to honour the nine centuries of heritage that have been passed to us, and to ensure that this legacy serves a tangible good in the world today. It must be a living history.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Honour and titles are meaningless unless they are translated into action and service. Our aim is to build a modern platform for positive impact, whether through our philanthropic work in the United Kingdom or through cultural education abroad. This is how we live our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term vision of service and cultural engagement. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support organisations making a critical difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Furthermore, the House has extended its commitment to education through the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy promotes the values of civility, social grace, and cultural understanding, building a bridge between English heritage and a wider international audience. These initiatives represent the foundational steps in a new, active chapter for one of England's most historic baronies.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s modern mission is to connect its near-millennial heritage to contemporary society through dedicated philanthropic work, cultural education, and the preservation of historic traditions. Its charitable focus centres on supporting the welfare of children and young people. The House operates under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying principles of resilience and integrity to its public and private endeavours, ensuring a legacy of meaningful service for future generations, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**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 history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national significance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful magnates of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After 1399, the title fell into a state of abeyance for 620 years before its revival was formally recognised by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com