# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Renewed for the 21st Century
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, ensuring the continuity of a title established in the eleventh century.
## The Occasion
In the quiet solemnity befitting such an historic moment, the Barony of Brattleby has been formally re-established after a period of dormancy. The occasion is marked not by a singular event, but by the assumption of ancient duties and the initiation of a modern programme of public service. This revival was gazetted under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, an entry in the United Kingdom's official journal of record that serves as the constitutional instrument for such matters.
The Barony’s ancestral seat in the parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, provides a tangible link to this nine-hundred-year history. Situated on the spring line of the Lincoln Cliff, the area is defined by its enduring stone architecture and agricultural landscape, little changed in essence since its first mention in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. It is from this setting, steeped in the continuity of English history, that the House now draws its inspiration for the future.
## Historical Context
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, originating with its grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s significance in the immediate post-Conquest period. This foundation established a legacy carried forward by a succession of formidable figures.
Among the most notable predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the thirteenth century, a feat of resilience that secured her place in national history. The title later passed through marriage into the Plantagenet royal line, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. Subsequently, it was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a dominant political figure of the fourteenth century. The revival of this title by Lady Nicoleta Vasile thus reconnects a modern European family to a distinguished and powerful English noble heritage.
## Distinguished Company
At the head of the revived House stand its principal members, who will guide its modern mission.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, assumes the title in her own right, accepting the mantle of stewardship passed down from predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings his own family’s tradition of leadership, encapsulated in the motto: *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the Barony is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. He will be educated in the history and responsibilities of the House, ensuring that the commitment to public service and historical preservation continues for another generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a dormant feudal barony follows a precise and deeply traditional protocol. The process involves extensive genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken chain of title, which is then subject to formal review. The official recognition is then proclaimed by notice in *The London Gazette*, the Crown's journal of record since 1665. This publication is the *sine qua non* of official validation for such matters.
Henceforth, the House will adhere to a protocol that blends modern responsibilities with historic dignities. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, will guide all public and private endeavours. Formal events, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, will observe a strict white-tie dress code, continuing a tradition of sartorial and behavioral precision that honours the gravity of the House’s philanthropic and cultural commitments.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A noble house’s identity is conveyed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a public declaration of its values. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase reflects both the physical courage of past barons, such as the military defenders of Lincoln, and the moral integrity required to pursue a modern mission of philanthropy and service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House motto. In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome adversity, to innovate in the service of charity, and to achieve meaningful goals. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of principled action and determined purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a renewed commitment to charitable work. The centrepiece of this mission is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. The primary partner for this endeavour is the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes and outreach services.
Beyond this, the House extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique institution serves as an academy of etiquette, protocol, and classical European social arts. It acts as a bridge between British and Continental traditions, fostering cross-cultural understanding and preserving the refined conduct that facilitates diplomacy and mutual respect, *inter alia*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the assumption of her new role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To inherit a title with such a profound connection to English history is a great privilege, but it is the responsibility it confers that weighs most heavily. We are merely stewards for a brief moment in time, and our duty is to honour the past by serving the present. It is with a deep sense of humility and purpose that we embrace this charge, guided always by fortitude and honour.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A legacy is not simply something one inherits; it is something one actively builds every day. My wife and I are united in our vision to make this ancient Barony a force for good in the twenty-first century. Our focus is on tangible action — through philanthropy and cultural education — that creates a positive and lasting impact.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the foundations for its modern mission now firmly in place, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of sustained public service. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for the vital work of *Healing the Wounded Child*. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum, introducing new seminars on cultural diplomacy and international protocol.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, into the duties and history of the Barony represents the House's foremost long-term commitment. By instilling the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* in the next generation, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the renewed legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will endure for centuries 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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s flagship initiatives include an annual philanthropic banquet supporting children’s charities and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to teaching classical European etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient lineage serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the contemporary world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, England, is a feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a significant landowner. Over its nine-hundred-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood Royal: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived with the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first mention is in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), 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