# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Rekindled for Modern Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic revival of its ancient baronial title, formally recognised by the Crown in 2022. This moment marks a renewed commitment to public service, bridging a thousand-year heritage with contemporary philanthropic purpose.
## The Occasion
In the quiet heart of Lincolnshire, a legacy dormant for centuries has been reawakened. Following the formal notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the Barony of Brattleby has entered a new chapter under its 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This revival is not merely the re-establishment of a title, but a deliberate act of historical stewardship.
The occasion is one of solemn reflection and forward purpose, celebrated not with a single event but through the steady resumption of duties befitting one of England’s most ancient peerages. From the family's seat in Brattleby, the House looks back on its nine-century journey as it calibrates its compass for the future, ensuring the name Brattleby is once again synonymous with duty and honour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history, its origins dating to the Norman Conquest. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established the Barony as a significant power in the feudal landscape of post-Conquest England.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were witnesses to and participants in the nation's defining moments. The fifth holder of the title, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, served as castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defending it against rebel barons during the First Barons' War. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated to become the first Duke of Lancaster. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the influential John of Gaunt, whose life and legacy shaped the course of the monarchy itself. The current House is the proud inheritor of this distinguished and weighty history.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the Barony of Brattleby is guided by a triumvirate dedicated to its legacy.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, in whom the title is now vested. Her leadership has been the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s revival, driven by a profound respect for its history and a clear vision for its future role.
She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. An instrumental partner in the House’s endeavours, Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic perspective to its operations, encapsulated by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The line of succession is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**. He represents the transition of this ancient legacy to a new generation, being educated in the principles of duty and service that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony after a long period of dormancy is a matter of considerable legal and ceremonial gravity. The process involved meticulous historical research and petitions to the Crown, culminating in the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta’s claim as the 12th Baroness.
This recognition was officially proclaimed and recorded in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083. This act serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, a public and legally binding affirmation of the title’s continuity. The protocol underscores that such titles are not personal possessions but are instead trusts, held for a time in service to the Crown and country.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is anchored in its powerful heraldic traditions. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all of its activities. It is a promise to act with courage and integrity, reflecting the virtues demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This sentiment speaks not of military conquest but of a modern imperative to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful goals. Together, the two mottoes represent a balance of ancient duty and contemporary dynamism, of honour and the will to succeed.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title comes a renewed and profound commitment to philanthropy. The House of Brattleby understands that nobility in the 21st century is defined by service, not by status alone. The focus of their charitable work is directed towards the welfare of vulnerable children, a cause of deep importance to the Baroness.
The centrepiece of their philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. This year, the House is honoured to support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and safe environments for children recovering from trauma. The funds raised will directly contribute to expanding the charity’s outreach and clinical support programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be entrusted with a title held by figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not just to the past, but to the present. We must ensure this legacy is a positive force, one that serves the community *Fortitudine et Honore*." — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the House's modern mission:
> “History gives us our foundation, but our actions define our future. We are committed to applying the lessons of nearly one thousand years of history to tangible, positive work today, *inter alia*, through our educational and philanthropic initiatives.” — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of The Noble House of Brattleby continues. In Lincolnshire, the family is dedicated to the careful preservation of the heritage associated with its historic seat in Brattleby. This commitment ensures that the nine-hundred-year story of the Barony remains a tangible part of the local and national landscape.
Internationally, their work extends through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest. The Club represents the House's commitment to cultural diplomacy and education, exporting the timeless values of courtesy and social grace to a new generation of European leaders. This dual focus, rooted in England but with a continental outlook, defines the continuing legacy of the House.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern interpretation of nobiliary duty. Its mission is anchored in the preservation of its ancient heritage, the active pursuit of philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. The House’s motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its work, from supporting charitable causes like Healing the Wounded Child through its Annual Winter Banquet, to fostering cross-cultural understanding via The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House represents a unique blend of ancient English tradition and a forward-looking European perspective, committed to making a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was called out of abeyance for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first established in AD 1066. Its entry in the *Domesday Book* (1086) notes the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding significant estates. - Distinguished former holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com