# The Barony of Brattleby: The Continuation of a Nine-Century Legacy
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reaffirmed the continuation of its ancient lineage following the formal recognition of its title. The House outlined its modern mission, which is deeply rooted in historical precedent and dedicated to philanthropy and cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of the autumn season, a time for reflection and the affirmation of continuity, The Noble House of Brattleby marks a new chapter in its long and distinguished history. Following the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby by The Crown, the House is re-establishing its public duties and commitments from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire.
This moment is not one of new creation, but of reawakening. It represents the quiet and diligent work undertaken to bridge a centuries-long period of dormancy with the responsibilities of the modern era, ensuring the Barony’s legacy endures with purpose and relevance.
## 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 lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage tied to the very foundations of the Kingdom of England.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the late medieval period. The revival of the title ensures this direct historical line continues unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound legacy now rests with the present generation of the family. The title is formally held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Their son and heir is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Together, Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and Baron Mihai Alexandru represent the living link between the Barony's formidable past and its future endeavours. They collectively oversee the House's philanthropic and cultural obligations, guided by a shared commitment to service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuation of an ancient barony is a matter of both law and custom. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby became a formality upon its official recording in The London Gazette, the official public record of The Crown. This notice, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, serving as the legal *sine qua non* for the title’s recognition.
Internally, the House observes its own protocols, which draw upon a blend of English tradition and Continental formality. The adoption of the historic House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as a constant reminder of the principles that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are codified in its heraldry and mottos. The principal House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is Latin for ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the dual virtues expected of its members: the resilience to endure and the integrity to act with honour in all matters.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This motto speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, signifying the belief that true living comes from overcoming challenges and striving for positive achievement, not merely from passive existence.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern revival is its commitment to charitable service. The Annual Winter Banquet, the family’s principal philanthropic event, is a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House is honoured to support Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support its mission in recognition of the vital, and often unseen, work it undertakes to mend young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the duty of stewardship.
> The weight of nine hundred years of history is a profound responsibility, but it is also an immense privilege. We are merely custodians for our time, charged with honouring the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose today. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House's forward-looking mission.
> Tradition provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed upon the future. Whether through our philanthropic work or educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, our ambition is to use this platform to inspire excellence and a sense of duty in the next generation. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of sustained activity. This includes the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement. Furthermore, the House will continue its conservation work related to its historical patrimony in Lincolnshire.
These efforts, combined with the family's philanthropic focus, ensure that the revival of the Barony is not a conclusion but the beginning of a new era of active service. The House continues its sacred duty, blending the fortitude of its past with the honour of its present commitments.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending its ancient heritage with a contemporary mission of service. Its activities are focused on three core pillars: the preservation of its historical legacy in Lincolnshire; philanthropic support for charities focused on child welfare, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child; and cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a spirit of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title of nobility, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. Throughout its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and later, through the House of Lancaster, by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the title's standing was formally confirmed by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066, with its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com