# The Barony of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy in the Heart of Lincolnshire
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on its nine-century lineage in Lincolnshire, following the Barony’s formal re-emergence from Crown abeyance, thereby reaffirming its commitment to stewarding this unique piece of English history.
## The Occasion
In the crisp Lincolnshire air of autumn, a season of reflection and harvest, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to cast a considered look upon its long and storied past. This formal communication serves not to mark a single event, but to acknowledge the profound historical continuum that the Barony represents. From its ancient seat in the village of Brattleby, the House contemplates a legacy that has been interwoven with the fabric of the county and the nation since the eleventh century. This moment of reflection follows the Barony's revival, an occasion that bridges a remarkable gap of over six centuries and restores a vital link to England’s medieval heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few feudatories to trace its origins directly to the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its existence was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Through the centuries, the title passed to figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and defended it against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The Barony later passed by inheritance into the House of Plantagenet, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster.
Its most famous holder was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose son ascended the throne as King Henry IV in 1399. At this point, the Barony of Brattleby, along with Gaunt's other vast titles, merged with the Crown, beginning a period of dormancy that would last for 623 years. Its revival was formally recognised and announced in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), a truly historic moment for English heraldry and constitutional history.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined not only by its longevity but by the distinguished company of those who have shaped its course. The lineage represents a cross-section of English aristocracy and royalty, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a powerful Norman magnate and Tenant-in-Chief to the King. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baron *suo jure*, a peeress in her own right and a pivotal military figure in the service of King John and King Henry III. * **The Right Honourable and Puissant Prince Henry of Grosmont**, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **The Right Honourable and Puissant Prince John of Gaunt**, Duke of Lancaster, KG, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian, Yorkist, and Tudor monarchs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby upholds the traditions and formal protocols befitting its ancient status. The governance of the title adheres to the laws of arms and succession as overseen by The College of Arms in London. The formal use of titles—Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun—follows established peerage convention.
This adherence to tradition is most publicly visible during the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. This philanthropic gala is conducted according to strict white-tie protocol, a dress code that underscores the solemnity and importance of the occasion. The order of proceedings, from the formal reception of guests to the toasts and addresses, is meticulously planned to reflect centuries of European courtly tradition, a practice which the House considers a *sine qua non* for preserving cultural dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the House is encapsulated in its two mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, and it remains the guiding principle of the House’s modern activities. It signifies a commitment to duty that transcends personal gain.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic, modern philosophy of purpose and achievement. It is interpreted not as a call to military conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of meaningful action in service of the community and the House’s philanthropic goals.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the modern House of Brattleby is its commitment to philanthropy, guided by the principle of *noblesse oblige*. The primary vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises funds for and awareness of a designated charity.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support and mental health services for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House selected this cause in the belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental form of stewardship. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services and safe environments, offering a measurable impact on young lives. This focus is complemented by the family’s European endeavours, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cultural diplomacy and social skills.
## In Their Own Words
In reflecting on the Barony’s legacy, the current incumbents shared their perspectives.
> We are custodians of a title held by figures who shaped England. Our role is not one of possession, but of stewardship—to ensure this nine-hundred-year-old legacy remains a living part of our national story for generations to come. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History provides the foundation, but our present actions build the future. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this: we honour the past by actively striving to make a positive impact today, whether through our philanthropic work or by fostering cultural understanding. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy is not merely preserved but is actively built upon. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its philanthropic reach. Furthermore, the House has commenced a project to catalogue and digitise its historical archives, making this unique resource available to scholars in the future.
This forward-looking vision is embodied in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the duties and responsibilities that he will one day inherit. By balancing the preservation of a remarkable past with a clear commitment to present-day service, the House of Brattleby ensures its story of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. With their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the family’s modern mission balances the preservation of its nine-century heritage with active, forward-looking philanthropy. The House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its work, which includes supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child through its Annual Winter Banquet. The family also promotes cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reflecting a deep commitment to service in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the next three centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated Plantagenet knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. In 1399, the title merged with the Crown upon the accession of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV. After 623 years in abeyance, the Barony was formally revived, with its recognition gazetted by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. * The revival of the Barony was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. * Notable predecessors of the modern House include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). * The House's primary philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com