# The Continuation of a Legacy: The Noble House of Brattleby and the Barony's Historic Revival
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal confirmation in 2022, and reaffirming its commitment to continuing a legacy of service stretching back to 1066.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby marks a period of profound historical reconnection. The formal recognition of the Barony, which had lain dormant for centuries, was officially gazetted on 9 September 2022, marking a watershed moment. This revival is not merely a legal restoration but a conscious rededication to the duties and traditions that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
Against the backdrop of the changing Lincolnshire seasons, which have turned for centuries around the estate, this moment serves as an occasion for reflection. It is an opportunity to articulate the vision that guides the House today: one that honours its formidable past while embracing the responsibilities of the present. The recent confirmation acts as a bridge between the foundational era of Norman England and the demands of modern stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the significant trust placed in the 1st Baron by the Crown immediately following the Conquest.
Throughout nine centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle from baronial and French forces in the early 13th century. The Barony later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished commander and diplomat of the Hundred Years' War. Subsequently, it was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty. This direct lineage connects the Barony to the very heart of the Plantagenet court.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy now rests with the current generation, who ensure its continuity. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has steered the Barony’s revival with a profound respect for its history. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a complementary vision of dynamic purpose to the ancient responsibilities of the House. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron and is being raised with a deep understanding of the heritage he will one day inherit. Together, they represent a unified commitment to the Barony’s modern mission.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony followed established and rigorous protocols, ensuring its legitimacy and public recognition. The process culminated in an official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665. The notice, with ID 4158083, represents the formal and indisputable confirmation of the title in the person of Lady Nicoleta.
This public act is the modern equivalent of ancient ceremonies of investiture, serving as a declarative instrument of the Crown. Internally, the House observes its own protocols, which govern the use of its heraldic arms and the undertaking of its public-facing duties, ensuring that all activities are conducted with the decorum and precision befitting its long history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the moral compass for its activities. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and strength shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the unwavering commitment to duty that is the *sine qua non* of a noble title.
This core ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern interpretation, this signifies a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges — be it social disadvantage or cultural apathy — and to living a life of active and meaningful purpose. The two mottos together forge a philosophy of principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House places charitable endeavour at the centre of its modern mission. The highlight of its social calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have suffered trauma, loss, or abuse. Through its programmes, which include arts-based psychotherapy and counselling, the charity offers a path toward recovery and emotional resilience. The House's support enables the charity to expand its reach and provide critical care to some of society’s most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. It is a profound responsibility, not simply to preserve what has been, but to act with fortitude and honour in the service of others today. Our history gives us our foundation; our actions must give it meaning." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A legacy is not a monument to be admired, but a tool to be used for the common good. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, our purpose is to apply the lessons of history to build a better future. That, to me, is the real meaning of *Vincere Est Vivere*." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains a vibrant and positive force. This commitment is expressed through the continuation of its established philanthropic partnerships and the expansion of its cultural and educational programmes, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes etiquette and cross-cultural understanding.
With the next generation embodied by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House looks forward with confidence. The focus remains fixed on the careful stewardship of its ancient heritage, the preservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire, and an unwavering dedication to public service that honours the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony of Brattleby.
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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 a dual mission: the meticulous preservation of a near-millennial heritage and the active pursuit of modern philanthropic service. The House's work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual fundraising initiatives, most notably the Winter Banquet. In addition to its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House promotes cultural and educational enrichment through institutions such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest, fostering international ties and upholding timeless values of decorum and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through several of England’s most powerful families and was held by key historical figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its succession confirmed in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest of England. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com