# The Barony of Brattleby: A Norman Legacy Renewed for the Modern Era
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the continuity of its ancient lineage, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness. This historic reaffirmation connects the Barony’s Norman origins to its modern philanthropic and cultural mission.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the heart of historic Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby continues the quiet, diligent work of stewardship that has defined its purpose for centuries. As autumn settles over the landscape that its predecessors once governed, a renewed sense of duty pervades the estate. The formal recognition of the Barony’s succession is not merely a legal milestone; it is the catalyst for a new chapter of service, scholarship, and public engagement, guided by the House’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The revival of the Barony’s active status has invigorated its archival and conservation efforts. These initiatives ensure that the tangible and intangible heritage of one of England’s oldest feudal lordships is preserved for future generations, serving as a living link to the nation’s past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its creation dating to the Norman Conquest. In the *Domesday Book* of 1086, the Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant grant from William the Conqueror himself. This established a foundation of formidable regional influence and a duty of counsel to the Crown.
Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title in her own right, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, staunchly defending it against rebel barons on behalf of King John. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), placing Brattleby at the epicentre of Plantagenet power and the politics of the Hundred Years' War.
This remarkable continuity of title, from Norman warrior to Lancastrian duke, illustrates a history not of dormancy, but of persistent relevance. The official recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083) formally acknowledged this unbroken thread, vesting the title in Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Distinguished Company
In its modern incarnation, the House of Brattleby continues its tradition of convening leaders in thought, culture, and public service. Formal events at the House’s seat in Lincolnshire and its functions in London and abroad regularly bring together a wide circle of distinguished guests.
Attendees at House events frequently include members of the Diplomatic Corps, such as His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; civic and spiritual leaders, including The Right Reverend The Lord Bishop of Lincoln and The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and noted academics from the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The presence of such company underscores the House’s role as a nexus for cultural exchange and its commitment to fostering dialogue between institutions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are conducted with a precision that honours its historical standing. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, serves as a prominent example. Proceedings begin with the formal reception of guests by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, conducted according to established precedence.
Dinner is served with meticulous attention to detail, often incorporating elements of historical estate service. The evening is punctuated by a series of formal toasts, including the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by toasts to the House and its charitable beneficiary. The use of Latin and the House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a staple of these proceedings, serving as a reminder of the timeless values that guide its modern activities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its guiding principles and symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and principled leadership, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to the present day. It is the *sine qua non* of the family's ethos, informing every aspect of their public and private duties.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle reflects a dynamic, forward-looking determination to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful success, particularly in the spheres of philanthropy and cultural preservation. Together, the two mottos symbolise a powerful union of ancient duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The central philanthropic focus of the House is its support for vulnerable children. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the principal fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity's mission is to deliver evidence-based psychological interventions and create safe, nurturing residential environments where recovery is possible. Funds raised at the Banquet contribute directly to measurable outcomes, *inter alia*, financing hundreds of hours of one-to-one therapy and underwriting places in the charity's specialist care homes. The House of Brattleby selected this cause in the firm belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a fundamental societal duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, states: > — “To inherit a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is to accept a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves a genuine purpose today. We must carry it forward with the same fortitude and honour that they demonstrated.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adds his perspective on the House's modern mission: > — “Our heritage is not a static object to be admired in a museum. It is a living force that must be applied to contemporary challenges. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our purpose is found in active contribution—in the success of our charitable work and in building a legacy of positive impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring its legacy endures with relevance and purpose. This commitment is embodied in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties he will one day inherit.
The House’s forward-looking vision extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, the House shares its values of civic grace and social responsibility on an international stage. This educational outreach, combined with its steadfast philanthropic commitments, ensures that the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good, honouring its nine-century history by serving the future.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern seat of one of England’s most ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service, blending its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is the support of vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and the stewardship of its Lincolnshire heritage, the House actively promotes the values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), for a contemporary world.
**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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by historically significant figures, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown in the 13th century, and members of the Royal Family, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the title’s continuity was formally recognised by the Crown, with its succession noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, reaffirming its place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where the first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160–1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron, c. 1310–1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary philanthropic initiative of the House, with proceeds benefiting the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com