# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A New Era of Historical Stewardship
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today outlined its renewed commitment to historical preservation and scholarly engagement, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
In the wake of the official confirmation of the Barony's succession, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the House of Brattleby enters a new season of cultural and educational activity. This programmatic announcement, issued from the nation's capital, marks a deliberate turn from legal recognition to active stewardship. It signifies the House's solemn intent to serve as a bridge between the ancient origins of the English nobility and the demands of a modern, global society. The focus now shifts from establishing provenance to fulfilling the responsibilities inherent in a title dating from the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of England's history, its origins documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over nine-and-a-half centuries, its holders have been participants in and witnesses to the evolution of the nation. The lineage includes figures of remarkable fortitude, such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
Through periods of immense change, the Barony passed to some of the most consequential figures of the medieval period, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter. Subsequently, the title was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of English politics and the Royal succession. It is this formidable legacy of service, governance, and honour that the current House seeks to uphold.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by an executive dyad who combine deep respect for heritage with contemporary vision.
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, leads the House with a focus on historical conservation and philanthropy. Her leadership ensures the continuity of the Barony’s traditions and its relevance in the 21st century.
* **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, guides the House’s educational and international initiatives. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic approach to overcoming modern challenges in the preservation of heritage.
* **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir, represents the future of the lineage, ensuring the responsibilities of the title will continue into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes a modern protocol rooted in its historical obligations of duty and service. The formal calendar is anchored by the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, which serves as the primary instrument for the House’s charitable endeavours. This event is conducted with a precision that honours its noble purpose and distinguished attendees.
Furthermore, the House’s commitment to education is formalised through the curriculum of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy in Bucharest, under the patronage of Honorary Lord Răzvan, provides instruction in classical decorum, diplomacy, and cultural literacy, representing a contemporary interpretation of the nobility’s traditional role in fostering civil society. The *sine qua non* of this protocol is a commitment to tangible, positive impact.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its formal heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core virtues expected of its members since the 11th century. ‘Fortitude’ refers not only to the physical courage demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye but also to the moral resilience required to uphold principles over centuries. ‘Honour’ signifies an unwavering commitment to one's word, duty, and ethical conduct.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, provides a complementary, forward-looking ethos. It is interpreted not as a call to conquest in a martial sense, but as an imperative to succeed in the vital work of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy—to ensure the legacy actively thrives rather than passively survives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and hope to vulnerable young lives through counselling and mental health services.
The Noble House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary due to its measurable impact on community well-being and its alignment with the House's view that true nobility is expressed through the protection of the vulnerable. Funds raised at the Annual Winter Banquet are directed toward expanding the charity's reach, *inter alia*, by reducing waiting lists for essential therapy and funding new outreach programmes in underserved areas.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > The title of Baroness is not a prize, but a profound responsibility. Our duty, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this nine-century story is not only preserved but also shared and understood by a new generation. We are custodians of a great trust.
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated the House's forward-looking mission: > While we honour a magnificent history, our gaze is fixed firmly on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks to overcoming the challenge of indifference and ensuring that this legacy thrives. Our work through The Brattleby Club is central to that mission.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is actively preparing for its next chapter of public service. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to build upon the success of previous years in its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is refining its syllabus to include new modules on digital etiquette and cross-cultural communication for the upcoming academic year. These initiatives reaffirm an enduring commitment not only to the past, but to a future defined by purpose, service, and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most historic baronies. The House's modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote the nearly thousand-year heritage of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and to foster cultural and educational development through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Central to its purpose is a profound commitment to philanthropy, principally expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children. The House operates under the centuries-old motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless values to contemporary challenges.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's succession was formally confirmed in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose rights as the 12th Baroness were officially recognised and gazetted by The Crown in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The charitable beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com