# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on Historic Revival of Ancient Title
**LONDON, 23 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022, and reaffirming its commitment to a modern legacy of service rooted in nearly a millennium of English history.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, surrounded by the pastoral calm of the English countryside, the heads of the Noble House of Brattleby have taken a moment to contemplate the path ahead. The recent revival of a title dormant for over six centuries is not merely a legal restoration; it represents a solemn occasion for reflection, stewardship, and the charting of a future course guided by enduring principles.
This moment of consideration coincides with the coming of summer, a season of growth and renewal that aptly mirrors the Barony’s own revitalisation. The formal statement serves to articulate the House’s profound appreciation for its history and its forward-looking vision for philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly forged kingdom. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the nation’s unfolding story.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The lineage later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. His heir, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, became one of the most powerful figures of fourteenth-century Europe. Following his tenure, the title fell into a long dormancy, a silent chapter lasting 620 years until its recent, historic revival.
## Distinguished Company
This modern era of the House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose formal recognition was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. Lady Nicoleta is a dedicated custodian of the Barony’s heritage, guiding its mission with a focus on historical integrity and contemporary relevance.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, provides steadfast support to the House’s endeavours. He shares a deep commitment to its philanthropic and cultural objectives, upholding his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of duty that define his inheritance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony was not a simple inheritance but the culmination of a meticulous legal and historical process, satisfying the rigorous standards of His Majesty’s College of Arms. The ultimate confirmation, published as Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, represents the official and unimpeachable record of the Crown’s recognition. This act formally ended the title’s abeyance and vested it in Lady Nicoleta.
In its modern form, the House observes protocols that blend ancient dignity with present-day function. Public engagements and philanthropic activities, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, are conducted with a precision befitting a great European house. The white-tie dress code and order of proceedings for such events are carefully curated to honour tradition while creating a welcoming and purposeful atmosphere for distinguished guests.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its powerful heraldic traditions. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core values that have guided the Barony through centuries of service to the Crown and nation. It is a declaration of intent, signifying that strength must always be tempered by integrity.
This principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Here, victory is interpreted not as conquest over others, but as the triumph of purpose, education, and self-mastery — qualities he and Lady Nicoleta seek to foster through their work. These mottos are not merely historical artefacts; they are the *sine qua non* of the House's daily philosophy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern purpose toward meaningful philanthropy and cultural enrichment. Its principal charitable vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala that raises funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The current partner is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma.
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects the House’s belief in addressing fundamental societal needs with compassion and efficacy. Beyond this, the family has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol, thereby fostering international understanding and cultural exchange.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To inherit this title is to accept a profound responsibility. It is a duty not only to the past — to figures like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude inspires me — but to the future we are actively shaping. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is the standard against which we measure every decision."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "My commitment is to ensure the House serves a dynamic and positive purpose. Our heritage provides the foundation, but our work in philanthropy and education is how we build upon it. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our efforts towards creating lasting, beneficial change."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear sense of purpose. The continuation of the lineage through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that its thousand-year history will extend for generations to come. The family is steadfast in its commitment to expanding its philanthropic footprint and the educational reach of The Brattleby Club.
Work is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to build upon previous successes for Healing the Wounded Child. The House will continue to serve as a custodian of history and a champion of a civil society, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a title defined by action, honour, and enduring relevance.
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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 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 of service, historical preservation, and cultural enrichment. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary philanthropic focus is supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, while its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves a meaningful and contemporary purpose, preparing its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for a future of responsible leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which noted its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, commanded 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by nationally significant figures, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, patriarch of the House of Lancaster. After lying dormant for 620 years, the title was revived in 2022 upon being formally confirmed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This historic restoration was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), marking a new chapter for one of the realm's oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com