# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historic Revival of an Ancient Lincolnshire Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a statement reflecting upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby. The revival, formally recognised in 2022, reaffirms a commitment to the stewardship of an ancient title dormant for 623 years.
## The Occasion
From their Lincolnshire seat, the family today acknowledged the profound significance of reconnecting a modern House with a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. This formal revival is not merely an act of historical reclamation; it is the assumption of a solemn duty to carry forward nearly a millennium of English heritage. The occasion provides a moment to reflect on the continuity of service that the Barony represents, from the feudal obligations of the eleventh century to the philanthropic responsibilities of the twenty-first. It marks a transition from a title held in abeyance to a living institution with a renewed sense of purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 attests to the Barony's considerable stature, recording Colswein as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the life of the county and the nation, their legacy woven into the fabric of English history.
Among the most distinguished predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a formidable castellan who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the early 13th century. Later, the title was held by two of the most powerful figures of the late Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death, the Barony fell into abeyance until its formal revival in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of this ancient Barony is presided over by a new generation dedicated to its enduring principles. The principal figures of the Noble House of Brattleby are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, upon whom the ancient title has been formally settled. As the current holder, she embodies the continuity of the Barony and directs its modern mission. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, her husband and Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in her duties and whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who as the heir apparent, represents the future of the lineage and is being educated in the duties he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient Barony in the modern age is a matter of precise legal and ceremonial protocol, governed by The Crown through its established instruments. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially confirmed and recorded by notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
This process is the contemporary equivalent of the medieval rite of enfeoffment, whereby a monarch would grant land and title in return for sworn service. Today, it signifies a recognised commitment to uphold the honour of the title and to serve the community. Such matters are handled with the utmost discretion and are a *sine qua non* for the legitimate exercise of the rights and responsibilities associated with a hereditary title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a charge to the current generation to act with courage and a deep sense of moral duty in all their affairs.
Separately, Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through enterprise, innovation, and a determination to effect positive change. Together, these mottoes form a dialectic of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Fulfilling the ancient obligation of service is the central pillar of the House's contemporary activities. The family's primary philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise vital funds for designated charities. The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced significant trauma.
Beyond this, the House extends its commitment to cultural uplift through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes social grace, protocol, and the civil arts, reflecting the family's Continental ties and its belief in education as a cornerstone of a well-ordered society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To hold a title once belonging to John of Gaunt is a profoundly humbling experience. It is not a prize, but a sacred trust. Our duty now is to ensure that this ancient Barony, symbolised by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves a meaningful purpose for our community and for future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the foundation, but our work is in the present. We must apply the lessons of the past to the challenges of today, whether in our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives. That, to me, is the modern meaning of *Vincere Est Vivere* — to live by overcoming obstacles for the betterment of others."
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks not a conclusion, but the commencement of a new era of active stewardship. The House is now engaged in preparations for its next Annual Winter Banquet, seeking to build upon its previous fundraising successes for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the educational programmes at The Brattleby Club continue to expand.
The long-term focus remains the careful stewardship of the Barony's tangible and intangible heritage, *inter alia*, and the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this nearly thousand-year-old institution remains a vibrant force for good, honouring its past by serving the future.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission founded on the Barony's ancient principles of honour and service. Its activities blend the preservation of a unique historical legacy with active philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting the welfare of vulnerable children, while its cultural endeavours, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster an appreciation for etiquette and the civil arts. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’).
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significance are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later by Plantagenet princes such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for 623 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the original feudal baronies created following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066. - The revival of the Barony and the settlement of the title upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile were formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The historical seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, as documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com