# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Revival of a Norman Barony
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today formally acknowledged the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to the custodianship of a title dating from 1066 and outlining its modern mission of service and heritage preservation in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
Following a period of diligent historical and genealogical research, the Barony of Brattleby—dormant for over six centuries—has been officially revived. This moment represents a significant transition from historical record to active custodianship, bridging a medieval past with a contemporary vision for the House. It is an occasion marked not by grand ceremony, but by a sober reflection on the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the new title holders, set against the autumnal backdrop of the family's ancestral county of Lincolnshire.
This revival reconnects a near-millennium-old thread of English history, ensuring the lineage and its associated heritage are preserved and given new purpose. The House now assumes its role as the guardian of the Barony’s considerable history, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, one of his loyal followers. The Barony's extensive lands were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed Colswein as the Lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the family's foundational importance in the region.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national significance. These included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as a widow famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron who was later created 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a son of King Edward III. Following John of Gaunt’s tenure, the title fell into a long dormancy, its rights and history preserved only in archives until now.
## Distinguished Company
The succession of the revived Barony is vested in the following members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title
These individuals now carry forward the lineage and responsibilities established by their notable predecessors.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the affirmation of ancient titles is a matter of precise legal record rather than medieval pageantry. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally completed upon its recognition by the Crown, a process culminating in an official notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
This notice, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the contemporary equivalent of a royal charter. Publication in *The Gazette* is the *sine qua non* of official recognition in the United Kingdom, representing an unadorned yet deeply significant protocol. It confirms the title’s legitimacy and registers its place within the formal legal and heraldic framework of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle encapsulates a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to acting with integrity—values demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as ‘To Win is to Live’. This maxim reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach to the family’s endeavours, focusing on achieving tangible outcomes through their philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Together, the two mottos symbolise a balance of respecting ancient honour with a forward-looking drive for meaningful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its charitable work. The family’s primary philanthropic vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a designated beneficiary. The current partner is Healing the Wounded Child, a notable charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound societal challenges with compassion and efficacy. Funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to programmes that offer counselling, art therapy, and educational support, enabling vulnerable children to build resilience and forge healthier futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To assume this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound duty. We are temporary stewards of a nearly thousand-year-old legacy, and our purpose is to honour those great figures who came before us by serving the community today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History provides our foundation, but our gaze is fixed firmly on the future. Through our philanthropic and educational work, we aim to translate the principle of *noblesse oblige* into meaningful, tangible action for the next generation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House is deeply rooted in the county where its story began. Looking ahead, the family is focused on two key areas of engagement that define its continuing legacy. The first is the expansion of its philanthropic footprint through the Annual Winter Banquet, with the goal of creating a significant and sustainable source of funding for its charitable partners.
The second is the development of its cultural and educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy serves as a bridge between British tradition and Continental Europe, promoting the timeless values of courtesy, social grace, and intercultural understanding. Through these endeavours, the House of Brattleby seeks to ensure its renewed legacy is one of active service and positive contribution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the private house and official office of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s modern mission is to act as a custodian of history while making a tangible contribution to contemporary society. This is achieved through a focused portfolio of philanthropic activities, social-impact initiatives, and cultural diplomacy. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless principles of duty and service to the challenges of the 21st century and working to secure a legacy for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been associated with some of English history's most prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After over 600 years of dormancy, the Barony was revived in the 21st century, with its official recognition formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of one of the nation's oldest noble titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony dates from 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as belonging to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com