# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A Bridge to a Millennium of History
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal 2022 recognition. The occasion marks the continuation of a lineage dating from 1066 and reaffirms the family’s enduring commitment to its heritage.
## The Occasion
The formal re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby, dormant for over six centuries, represents a moment of profound historical resonance. While no single event was held to mark this private moment, its public affirmation was recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, serving as the definitive instrument of recognition. This act brought a title, first granted by William the Conqueror, back into currency.
From their historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the family has since treated the revival not as a conclusion, but as the commencement of a new chapter of stewardship. The occasion is seen as a formal acceptance of the duties incumbent upon the title, linking the House’s present-day activities to an unbroken chain of historical responsibility.
## 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 was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman lord whose 56 Lincolnshire lordships were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. His tenure established a legacy of governance and land stewardship that would define the Barony for centuries.
Through the medieval period, the title was held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following Gaunt’s death, the title fell into abeyance for 620 years, its revival in 2022 a direct link to these towering figures of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this ancient title is now vested in the current generation of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to the careful preservation of the House’s history and the active fulfilment of its modern obligations. She is joined in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. His education and upbringing are being guided by the principles of service and historical awareness that are the *sine qua non* of the family’s ethos.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony of such antiquity is governed by modern protocol, which serves to validate historical claims through official channels. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* is the contemporary equivalent of a medieval charter, providing an unimpeachable public record of the title's status and its current holder. This act is the cornerstone of the title's legitimacy in the 21st century.
This adherence to formal protocol extends to the House's public duties. The Annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the family's philanthropic calendar, is conducted according to a strict white-tie dress code. The order of proceedings, toasts, and ceremonial addresses reflect a deep respect for traditions that have long governed such formal assemblies in great European houses.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is visually and philosophically encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for all its undertakings. It speaks to the resilience required to safeguard a legacy of nearly one thousand years and the integrity with which its duties must be discharged.
This central tenet is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which underscores a dynamic and forward-looking approach to the House’s responsibilities. It suggests that honour is found not merely in preservation, but in actively engaging with and overcoming contemporary challenges for the betterment of society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the House channels its efforts into tangible philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic and emotional support to children who have experienced profound trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a commitment to healing and fostering resilience in the most vulnerable.
Beyond this central fundraising gala, the House’s commitment to service is expressed through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy works to preserve and transmit the codes of European social conduct and cultural history, ensuring that the principles of civility and mutual respect are passed to a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the family title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the nature of her role: > “Holding this title is an act of custodianship. It is a profound responsibility to honour those who came before us—a commander at Hastings, a defender of Lincoln Castle, a Duke of Lancaster—by ensuring their legacy inspires service today. Our work is to be a worthy link in a very long chain.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission: > “A title finds its truest meaning in its utility for others. Our efforts, through the Winter Banquet and our educational programmes, are the living expression of *Fortitudine et Honore*. It is in this active service that our history finds its contemporary purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony of Brattleby firmly re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy for the future. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic commitment to Healing the Wounded Child.
The House remains dedicated to the ongoing archival research of the Barony’s history, seeking to further illuminate the contributions of past holders. Concurrently, the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, continues, preparing him to one day assume the mantle of leadership with the same commitment to fortitude and honour that has defined the Barony since 1066.
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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 committed to a dual mission: preserving its unique, near-millennium of English history while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and education. Its flagship event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House promotes an understanding of European heritage and social traditions, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title was held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After falling into abeyance for 620 years, the barony was revived by its current holder. Its historical continuity and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie philanthropic event benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com