# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service and Fortitude Revived
**LONDON, 21 June 2024** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today reflected on the profound historical significance of the Barony’s revival, reaffirming their commitment to stewarding a title granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 into a new era of philanthropic service.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th holder of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a pivotal moment for the Noble House. This act marked the revival of the dignity after a period of abeyance lasting over six centuries, bridging the gap between England’s Norman foundations and its twenty-first-century undertakings.
The occasion was one of quiet legal affirmation rather than public pageantry, a testament to the enduring constitutional mechanisms that govern the nation’s honours. It serves as a modern re-engagement with one of Lincolnshire’s most significant feudal lordships, affirming a continuous thread of history woven through the fabric of the county and the kingdom.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been an integral part of England's story since the Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a formidable power in the region.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title was held by figures of immense national importance. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in 1217, an act of loyalty crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the Barony was held *jure uxoris* by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historic legacy now rests with the leaders of the modern House:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, leads the House with a profound respect for its history and a clear vision for its future contributions. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, supports the Baroness in all duties, bringing a dynamic perspective guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. * The succession is secured through the heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, who is being prepared to continue this centuries-old tradition of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony in abeyance is a matter of considerable historical and legal significance, governed by established Crown protocol. While no public investiture took place, the process required meticulous genealogical and historical proofs to be established, confirming the unbroken descent of the title.
The culmination of this process was the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665. The placement of this notice serves as the formal, public, and legally binding instrument of recognition, a modern equivalent to the royal charters of medieval times. This act confirmed Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the successor to an interrupted but unbroken line of nobility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring commitment to duty and integrity that has defined the Barony for nearly a millennium. It honours the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved the peace of the realm.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ancient creed. It signifies a proactive and purposeful approach to modern challenges, reflecting the belief that success in life is achieved through overcoming adversity and striving for excellence in all endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House channels its commitment to service through focused philanthropic work. The centrepiece of this effort is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a designated charitable beneficiary. The chosen organisation, Healing the Wounded Child, is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
This commitment extends to cultural and educational initiatives, most notably The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The Club serves as an academy of etiquette and protocol, providing instruction in the social graces that underpin diplomacy and civil society. This work is a modern expression of the Barony’s historic role in shaping culture and conduct.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to accept a sacred duty of stewardship. It is a profound honour to follow in the footsteps of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, and our foremost mission is to ensure their legacy of fortitude and honour continues to serve a purpose in the world today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “History gives us our foundation, but our actions give it meaning. Whether through our support for vulnerable children or our educational initiatives, we strive to apply the timeless principles of the Barony to create a tangible, positive impact for the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the responsibilities that accompany its historic revival. The family is committed to the long-term stewardship of its heritage, both tangible and intangible, ensuring the preservation of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio, with the annual Winter Banquet remaining the cornerstone of its charitable calendar. Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, will assume a greater role in these public duties, preparing him to carry the nine-century legacy of the Barony of Brattleby forward for the next generation. It is a responsibility accepted *Fortitudine et Honore*.
***
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Its mission blends the preservation of its nearly millennial heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, culture, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic event. It also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a modern example of purposeful and principled aristocratic service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships, were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout the medieval period, it was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance for over 600 years, the title was revived in 2022 for its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The revival was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby for Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the title include Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), created 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com