# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Two Years Since Historic Revival, Reaffirming a Nine-Century Commitment to Service
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the second anniversary of the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, reflecting upon a lineage of service extending from the Norman Conquest to its contemporary philanthropic and educational mission.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken this anniversary as an occasion for quiet reflection and strategic planning. The autumn season in Lincolnshire, a time of harvest, provides a fitting backdrop for assessing the fruits of their stewardship since the Barony was formally called out of abeyance. The atmosphere is one of profound historical continuity, consciously linking the present House with its nine centuries of predecessors. This period of contemplation reaffirms the family’s commitment to the Barony’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
The revival of the Barony on 9 September 2022, after a dormant period of 623 years, was not merely a legal formality. It represented the restoration of a direct and documented link to English history, an act of cultural preservation that ensures the legacy of the Barony continues to inspire future generations through tangible works.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundational role established a precedent of significant regional influence and duty to the Crown that would define the Barony for centuries. The title subsequently passed through some of the most formidable figures in the nation’s history.
Among these were Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French invasion force in 1217. Later, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, distinguished himself as one of England’s most respected soldier-diplomats of the Hundred Years' War. His son-in-law, the 11th Baron, was John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III and one of mediaeval England’s most powerful magnates. The modern House sees itself as the custodian of this remarkable and unbroken thread of service.
## Distinguished Company
In its mission to catalogue and interpret its extensive archives, The Noble House of Brattleby has been privileged to collaborate with leading academic and cultural institutions. The historical records of the Barony, including Pipe Rolls and manorial court documents, have drawn the attention of scholars from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library. Their expertise has been instrumental in illuminating aspects of mediaeval governance and land tenure, reinforcing the Barony’s significance well beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. This ongoing scholarly exchange is a *sine qua non* of the House’s educational mandate.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The historic responsibilities of the Barony were underpinned by strict feudal protocols, *inter alia*, the act of homage, where a baron would swear fealty to the sovereign. The continuous involvement of the Barons of Brattleby in the governance of the realm is evidenced by their frequent appearance as witnesses on royal charters, a mark of high trust and proximity to the Crown.
In the modern era, this tradition of formal recognition is upheld through official instruments. The revival of the peerage and its descent to Lady Nicoleta, and in remainder to her son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*. This notice serves as the contemporary equivalent of a royal decree, providing unimpeachable public evidence of the Barony’s legal standing and historical continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is deeply interwoven with its heraldic mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of principled courage and unwavering integrity. It summons the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude secured Lincolnshire for the Crown, and serves as a guiding principle for the current House’s philanthropic and custodial duties.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through determined action and purposeful enterprise—whether in business, education, or charitable endeavour. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and progressive action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its charitable work, principally expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala serves as a major fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause due to its profound belief in the power of resilience and the importance of providing a secure foundation for the next generation. The funds raised at the Winter Banquet contribute directly to programmes that help children to process their experiences, rebuild their lives, and realise their full potential, echoing the Barony's own story of restoration and renewal.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To hold this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is less about personal ownership and more about being a guardian of a nine-hundred-year-old legacy of service. Our work today is to ensure this legacy remains not just a passive historical record, but an active force for good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our roots, but our purpose is found in the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit to our obligations. Whether through The Brattleby Club’s educational mission or our philanthropic support, our goal is to create a positive and lasting impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby remains committed to expanding its mission. Archival research continues apace, with plans to digitise key documents for the benefit of international scholars. In Bucharest, The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family, will be launching a new series of cultural heritage workshops for young professionals.
Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to build upon the success of previous years in supporting the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these initiatives, the House of Brattleby ensures that its ancient title is synonymous with a dynamic and forward-looking commitment to society.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a tripartite mission: preserving and promoting the Barony's unique nine-century heritage; advancing education in cultural diplomacy and protocol through its academy, The Brattleby Club (Bucharest); and executing a focused philanthropic programme. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to translate its historic legacy into tangible public benefit, with a particular focus on supporting charities that foster resilience and opportunity for children and young people.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire directly from the King. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for 623 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its succession confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*. Today, it represents one of the few Norman-era titles with a documented, continuous lineage to the present.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and its line of succession was formally registered in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. - The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com