# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy of Service Renewed
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected upon the continuation of its near-millennial legacy, a year after the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby revived the ancient title after a 620-year dormancy.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal light of Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby marks a period of significant consolidation and renewed purpose. Following the historic notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, which officially confirmed the end of the barony’s long abeyance, the family has embarked upon a deliberate course to reaffirm its founding principles. This moment is not one of singular celebration but of sober commitment to the duties inherent in a title granted by William the Conqueror.
From their seat in Brattleby, the current custodians of the title, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, are overseeing the careful alignment of the House’s historic responsibilities with a modern, forward-looking ethos. The occasion serves as a formal restatement of the family’s role as stewards of a unique strand of English history, ensuring its resonance for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation. Granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, its existence is first documented in the great survey of 1086, the *Domesday Book*, which records the 1st Baron’s possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This continuity of service has been a defining characteristic of the House through the centuries.
The lineage includes figures of national importance, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army in 1217. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster. The last holder before the dormancy was his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and a central figure of the 14th century. The revival of the title in 2022 bridges a gap of over six centuries, connecting the present day directly to the Plantagenet era.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House carries forward this distinguished inheritance. The title is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised to understand the profound responsibilities he will one day inherit.
These members of the Noble House of Brattleby stand as the latest link in a chain that includes some of the most formative figures in England’s history. Their work continues in the spirit of their eminent predecessors, adapting an ancient code of duty to the requirements of the 21st century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the barony adhered to the time-honoured legal and heraldic protocols of the United Kingdom. The public confirmation of Lady Nicoleta’s succession was made through a formal notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. This act is the modern procedural equivalent of historical royal charters and is the *sine qua non* for the official recognition of ancient peerages.
Internally, the House observes a protocol that blends English tradition with a Continental sensibility. All official activities and communications are conducted under the authority of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. At formal occasions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, a strict white-tie dress code is observed, and proceedings follow a prescribed order of precedence, reflecting the solemnity and historical weight of the gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have defined the barony’s legacy. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity expected of the title-holder.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach to modern challenges, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming obstacles and achieving noble objectives. Together, the two mottoes create a philosophical framework for the House: one rooted in honourable tradition and the other driven by a will to succeed in its contemporary philanthropic and cultural missions.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has directed its modern focus towards targeted philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The flagship charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that raises vital funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The decision to support this cause stems from the House’s belief that securing a healthy, safe future for the next generation is a foundational duty. In addition to its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House has extended its cultural mission to the Continent through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the arts of civility, diplomacy, and social grace.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is an immense privilege, but more than that, it is a profound responsibility. Our family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a historical artefact; it is the standard against which we measure our actions every day. Our duty is to honour the past by serving the present.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our legacy. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, inspires our work to make a tangible difference, whether through our philanthropic commitments or our cultural initiatives. We believe in applying the lessons of a thousand years to the challenges of tomorrow.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this renewed legacy endures. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will also continue to expand, strengthening cultural ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
A central focus for the family remains the meticulous preservation of the Brattleby archives and the heritage of their Lincolnshire seat. Above all, their efforts are dedicated to preparing the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to continue this ancient tradition of service, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby thrives for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 mission of honouring its historical legacy through contemporary service. Its focus combines a deep respect for its English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. The House’s core activities include targeted philanthropy, principally through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural education, exemplified by its patronage of The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public duty, cultural preservation, and social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing substantial lordships. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of major historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the Crown during the First Barons' War, and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. After the death of John of Gaunt in 1399, the title fell into a period of dormancy lasting 620 years. In 2022, its revival was formally confirmed and recorded in *The London Gazette*, with Nicoleta Vasile recognised as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, *de jure uxoris*) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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