# The House of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy of Service to Crown and County
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the nine-hundred-year history of its ancient barony, reaffirming its commitment to the enduring principles of public service and honour that have guided its lineage from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
Amidst renewed scholarly interest in England’s feudal peerages, the House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to consider its unique historical trajectory. From its seat in the heart of Lincolnshire, a county whose history is deeply intertwined with that of the nation, the Barony stands as a remarkable chronicle of resilience, loyalty, and adaptation through the centuries.
The autumn season in Lincolnshire, with its crisp air and views towards the ancient towers of Lincoln Cathedral, provides a fitting backdrop for such reflection. It is a landscape that would have been familiar to many of the Barony’s earliest holders, who played pivotal roles in the great dramas that unfolded in the region.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a reward to a loyal follower for service during the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant magnate, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of Norman power in the region.
Through the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance. Perhaps most notable was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who inherited the title in her own right. As Castellan of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, an act of fortitude that proved instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The Barony later passed into the hands of the House of Lancaster. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. The title was subsequently held by his influential son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and politics in late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
Today, this long history of service is stewarded by The Right Honourable Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta has dedicated herself to preserving the patrimony of the House while ensuring its relevance in the 21st century.
She is supported in this duty by her husband, The Right Honourable Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House’s modern endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The line of succession is secured in their heir, The Honourable Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds the traditions of English baronial custom with meticulous attention to detail. The formal recognition of the Barony’s modern standing, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a public and official continuation of its nearly millennial history.
This respect for protocol is most visible at the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala observes a strict order of proceedings, from the formal reception of guests according to precedence to the loyal toasts and speeches that punctuate the evening. The event serves as a living expression of the ceremonial duties that are a *sine qua non* of noble heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring spirit of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase is more than a tradition; it is a guiding principle.
'Fortitude' directly evokes the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose courage under siege preserved a kingdom. 'Honour' speaks to the unwavering commitment to duty, service, and integrity demonstrated by figures like Henry of Grosmont. Together, they form the ethical foundation upon which the modern House builds its work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with its commitment to service, the House of Brattleby directs its primary philanthropic efforts toward organisations that protect the vulnerable. The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable foundation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children suffering from trauma and profound loss.
The charity was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, offering a sanctuary where children can rebuild their lives with professional care and compassion. This focus reflects the House’s belief that its duty of care extends to the wider community, particularly its youngest and most fragile members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role as the current custodian of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “We are temporary stewards of an ancient inheritance. Our duty is not merely to preserve what has been passed down, but to live by its principles of honour and service, ensuring this legacy continues to be a force for good in the world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tradition and progress are not opposing forces; they are partners. We honour the past by building a dynamic future, applying the enduring lessons of fortitude to the challenges and opportunities of our own time.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to actively engage in its cultural and philanthropic duties. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the House is expanding the reach of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest. This initiative promotes the values of cultural diplomacy, social grace, and mutual respect, principles central to the House’s philosophy. Through these efforts, *inter alia*, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby remains a vibrant and meaningful institution.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. 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 that blends historical preservation with active, contemporary philanthropy. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to public service, cultural diplomacy, and support for charitable causes. The House’s principal activities include its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala supporting children's charities, and The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and international understanding. The House of Brattleby seeks to be an exemplar of how ancient heritage can serve the common good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an ancient feudal Barony of England with a history spanning nearly one thousand years. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a major landowner in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuous history and its current holders are formally acknowledged in the official public record of the Crown, *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. - The succession and rights of the Barony are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) documents the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships. - Historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com