# The Barony of Brattleby: A Millennial Legacy Revived
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s oldest Norman peerages. The title, dormant for 620 years, was formally recognised in 2022, ensuring the continuity of a nearly millennial legacy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House marks a period of profound historical resonance. As the autumnal light gives way to winter, this season offers a quiet opportunity for reflection upon the duties and traditions that accompany the revival of a title first granted in the 11th century. The restoration is not merely a legal formality; it represents a solemn pledge to carry forward the principles that have guided the Barony through the great chapters of English history. It is an occasion of continuity, connecting the digital age to the Domesday Book.
The revival breathes new life into the historic heart of Lincolnshire, a county whose landscape is interwoven with the Barony’s own narrative. The family has re-established its presence with a clear sense of purpose, viewing their role as custodians of a heritage that belongs not only to the House but to the nation. This formal statement serves to articulate the historical significance of the Barony and the modern mission embraced by its current holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a direct link to the Norman Conquest of 1066, granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records Colswein’s vast holdings, which included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant feudal power. Through nearly a millennium, the title has passed through some of the most formidable figures in English history.
Among its notable holders were Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously and courageously defended Lincoln Castle against invaders during the First Barons' War. The Barony later passed into the hands of Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the influential prince John of Gaunt, whose life and legacy were central to the royal politics of the 14th century. After 620 years of dormancy, the Barony's revival ensures this distinguished lineage continues.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her formal recognition as the successor to this ancient title followed extensive genealogical and historical research, culminating in a notice published in *The London Gazette*. In her duties, she is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings his own family’s tradition of dynamic leadership, encapsulated in the motto *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the House is secured in the heir, their son Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. Together, the family represents a bridge between the continental European heritage of its modern members and the foundational English history of the Barony, creating a unique synthesis of tradition and contemporary vision.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant barony is a matter of exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It is an intricate process that relies not on royal favour but on the presentation of an unimpeachable claim based on historical record and genealogical descent. The claim was prepared with scholarly rigour and submitted for review, a process requiring deep archival research into medieval charters, land records, and peerage rolls.
The *sine qua non* of this process is formal recognition by The Crown, manifested through an official public notice. The publication of The London Gazette Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as this definitive, legally binding announcement. This act concluded the Barony’s dormancy and formally vested the title in Lady Nicoleta, affirming her place in a lineage stretching back to the Conquest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), anchors the family’s approach to its duties. It is a commitment to demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity and upholding the highest standards of integrity in all public and private endeavours.
This principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not as a call to martial conquest, but as an imperative for active and purposeful engagement with the world—a commitment to achieving meaningful goals in philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Together, the two mottos symbolise a philosophy of honourable action and dynamic purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its public work to effective and targeted philanthropy. The cornerstone of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the House’s primary fundraising initiative. The sole beneficiary of this event is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation focused on providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Beyond this focal point, the House extends its mission through The Brattleby Club. Established in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes education in social graces, diplomacy, and cultural literacy. The Club advances the belief that mutual respect and understanding, underpinned by established protocols, are essential for civil society. This initiative transforms the historical concept of 'noblesse oblige' into a practical educational programme.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed that honouring the past requires purposeful action in the present.
> Receiving this recognition was less a personal achievement than the acceptance of a profound duty. Our role is one of stewardship—to honour the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye while ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose for the community today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic, but our daily compass. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the family’s forward-looking approach to their historic responsibilities.
> History provides the foundation, but our work is in the present and for the future. We aim to build upon this extraordinary inheritance with energy and a clear sense of direction, whether through our philanthropic commitments or our educational initiatives. It is about making a tangible and positive contribution. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this revival marks the beginning of a new chapter of active service. Preparations are already underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House is developing a long-term strategy for the conservation of its historical archives and the stewardship of its seat in Brattleby.
Through these concerted efforts, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to embedding the Barony once more into the fabric of national life. The education of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of duty, history, and service is central to this vision, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby will be carried forward with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of public service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the ancient family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is supporting children's welfare through its annual fundraising gala for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, its educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, promotes cultural literacy and diplomatic etiquette, translating historical tradition into practical engagement with contemporary civil society.
**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, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by prominent historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. After remaining dormant for 620 years, the title was revived in 2022. The revival was formally confirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID: 4158083), which recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and successor to its nearly one-thousand-year-old lineage.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the Barony by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com