# On the Historical Continuity and Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, granted in 1066. This follows its formal recognition in 2022, affirming a renewed commitment to its ancient duties and modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
In the quiet months following the official recognition of the Barony’s succession, the House of Brattleby has engaged in a period of considered reflection. This formal communication serves to articulate the principles that guide the House in the 21st century, bridging its formidable past with a programme of contemporary service. As autumn settles over Lincolnshire, the season provides a fitting moment to reaffirm the enduring responsibilities of a title that has witnessed the turning of English history for nearly a millennium. The reawakening of the Barony is not merely a legal proceeding; it is the continuation of a solemn duty of custodianship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric 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 the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This extensive survey stands as the first documentary evidence of the Barony’s significance.
Through subsequent centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the nation's development. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle on behalf of the King. Later, the title passed into the hands of some of the most influential figures of the medieval era, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After a dormant period of over six centuries, the title’s history has been diligently preserved, allowing its formal revival to be grounded in an unbroken historical record.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have together guided the meticulous process of historical verification that culminated in the Barony’s revival. They share a profound commitment to the principle that a noble title entails active service to the community and the nation. Baron Mihai represents the next generation, ensuring the continuity of this legacy of responsibility and honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of the Barony in favour of Lady Nicoleta was formalised by its official notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of The Crown, on 9 September 2022. This recognition is the culmination of painstaking genealogical and archival research, a process where verified documentary evidence is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—for confirming succession. While such ancient titles carry with them the weight of history, their modern life is governed by precise legal and ceremonial protocols. The House observes these protocols with diligence, from the formalities of succession to the careful orchestration of its public-facing duties, such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the cornerstone of the family’s modern activities. It reflects a commitment to facing challenges with strength and acting with unwavering moral character.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial context, but as a deeply held philosophy of overcoming adversity through purposeful action and positive contribution. Together, the two mottoes symbolise a union of steadfast tradition and dynamic, forward-looking ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby is steadfast in its belief that heritage must be animated by service. The principal philanthropic focus is the annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala that raises funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This vital organisation provides therapeutic support for children affected by trauma and emotional distress, offering them a path toward recovery and a more hopeful future. The House’s support provides crucial resources for the charity’s work across the United Kingdom. Further, cultural and educational outreach is advanced through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and social refinement.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the family’s role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, states: > "The duty of a title is not to look backward, but to carry the lessons of nearly a millennium forward. Our heritage, from Colswein to John of Gaunt, provides the foundation; our work today in education and charity is the structure we build upon it."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adds: > "True victory—*Vincere Est Vivere*—lies in service. Whether through preserving the fabric of English history in Lincolnshire or supporting vital charitable work, our family's ambition is to make a meaningful contribution. Honour is earned through action."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby will continue its work in historical preservation, charitable fundraising, and cultural education. Preparations are underway for this year’s Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a cornerstone event in the philanthropic calendar. Concurrently, the family will oversee the ongoing cataloguing and conservation of the Brattleby archives, ensuring this invaluable resource is preserved for future generations of scholars and historians. The House remains dedicated to its dual mission: honouring its deep roots in Lincolnshire while cultivating a positive global impact.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House balances the preservation of its nearly thousand-year heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. Its charitable activities are centred on supporting children's welfare through the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, primarily funded by its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and social skills for a modern era, reflecting a commitment to building bridges between history and contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. It was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholding in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt in the 14th century. After lying dormant for over 600 years, the Barony's succession was formally recognised and gazetted on 9 September 2022 (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083), securing the continuity of this historic title.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, circa 1160–1230) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, 1340–1399). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com