# From Domesday to the Modern Day: The Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 16 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the profound historical lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal revival in 2022. This reaffirmation connects nine centuries of service, stretching from the Norman Conquest to its vibrant, contemporary philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
In the season of harvest and reflection, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken the occasion to illuminate the deep historical currents that define the Barony. This is not a commemoration of a single event, but rather a deliberate act of historical stewardship, issued from the family's seat in Lincolnshire. It serves to contextualise the Barony's revival for a modern audience, affirming its place within the broader sweep of English and European history.
The re-establishment of the title, after a dormancy of over six centuries, has prompted a thorough review of the House's archives. This work ensures that the legacy entrusted to the current generation is understood not as a relic, but as a living tradition of duty, honour, and service that continues to evolve.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England. Its origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships across Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony's significance from its inception.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures who shaped the nation. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness and hereditary constable of Lincoln Castle, famously defended the city against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Subsequently, the title passed to the great Lancastrian dynasty, held first by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter.
Later, the Barony was held by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father to a future king. After his time, the title became dormant within the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown, its legacy preserved in charters and rolls until its formal recognition was renewed for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The authentication of this historical continuity has been a matter of scholarly rigour. The House's archives have been made available for consultation by leading academics and historians from institutions including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library.
This collaborative approach ensures the narrative of the Barony is anchored in verifiable evidence, drawing upon primary sources such as the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer and medieval charter witness lists. The work of these scholars has been the *sine qua non* for reaffirming the Barony's unbroken thread of history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient title follows a precise and solemn protocol. The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was effectuated through a formal process culminating in its official recording in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record for state and constitutional matters.
This public notice serves as the ultimate recognition of the title's standing. It represents the meticulous convergence of historical precedent and contemporary legal acknowledgement, a protocol that respects both the weight of centuries and the authority of modern institutions. Such a process underscores that titles are not merely claimed, but are formally and correctly recognised.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the holders of the Barony for centuries, from the military fortitude of Nichola de la Haye on the castle walls to the honour-bound governance of the Lancastrian dukes. It remains the guiding precept for the House's activities today.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In its modern interpretation, this speaks to a dynamic pursuit of excellence: conquering challenges, overcoming obstacles, and living a life of purpose and contribution—a forward-looking vision that drives the House's philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the tradition of *noblesse oblige*, The Noble House of Brattleby places philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen charitable beneficiary.
The House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma. This cause was chosen for its direct and measurable impact, reflecting the House's belief that the deepest honour lies in defending and nurturing the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her custodianship, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine centuries of English history. It is a profound responsibility to honour the legacy of predecessors like John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye, and to ensure their standard of service continues through our work today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — History gives us our foundation, but our duty lies in the present. We strive to imbue the House's ancient spirit of fortitude with a dynamic, modern purpose, whether through our philanthropic work or our commitment to cultural education.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy endures for generations to come. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being diligently prepared to assume his future responsibilities in service of the family and its traditions.
Looking ahead, the House will expand the activities of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, in Bucharest, promoting cross-cultural understanding and the virtues of civil discourse. Furthermore, the commitment to heritage conservation at the family's Lincolnshire seat and the success of the Annual Winter Banquet remain central to the House's future commitments, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues its legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment supporting the ancient 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 that blends historical preservation with contemporary philanthropic action. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an educational academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to upholding its nine-century legacy of duty through cultural engagement, charitable support, and the careful stewardship of its heritage for future generations, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history of over 950 years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony played a significant role in the governance of the realm, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. Following a long period of dormancy within the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown, the title and its history were formally revived and recognised in 2022, as recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England, and its motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com