# A Barony Revived: The Enduring Legacy of The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement affirming its commitment to the custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby, following the title's revival. The statement outlines the House’s dedication to preserving its nine-century heritage while pursuing a modern mission of service.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, the heartland of the ancient Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby has reflected upon the significance of the title’s revival. After a period of dormancy extending over six centuries, the Barony’s return to prominence represents a rare and noteworthy moment of constitutional and historical continuity.
The revival is not merely an echo of the past, but a forward-looking commitment by the current holders, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their purpose is to ensure the lineage and its attendant duties are honoured with the same dedication that characterised their most distinguished predecessors, adapting ancient responsibilities to the context of the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudal dignities in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant magnate whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, cementing the Barony's importance from the earliest days of the Norman dynasty.
Throughout the medieval period, the Barons of Brattleby were inextricably linked with the great events of the Crown. One of the most formidable holders was the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a woman whose loyalty and military acumen led her to successfully defend Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her steadfastness was a testament to the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Later, the Barony passed to some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV. Upon his death, the Barony was absorbed into the vast holdings of the Duchy of Lancaster and, in time, the Crown, where it lay dormant until its modern revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, who in 2022 was formally recognised as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta’s investiture marks the end of the Barony's long dormancy and places a woman at its head for the first time since the 13th century.
She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, who supports the House’s contemporary mission. The continuity of this ancient lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
The formal revival of the title was recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This act provided official state recognition, bridging the centuries and formally placing the current House in the company of its historical antecedents.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby observes protocols that blend ancient ceremony with modern propriety. This is most evident during the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala held under the strictest of white-tie regulations. The evening’s proceedings follow a precise order, from the formal reception of guests to the toasts and addresses, reflecting a respect for tradition that is a *sine qua non* of European noble life.
This dedication to decorum extends to the House’s public-facing initiatives. The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established by the family in Bucharest, promotes the understanding and practice of traditional European social graces. This educational work is considered part of the ceremonial duty of the House, preserving intangible cultural heritage alongside its tangible historical legacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its armorial bearings and mottos, which serve as a concise expression of its values. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues expected of the baronage: courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to personal and public integrity. This phrase connects the present House directly to the conduct of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial context, but as a modern philosophy of overcoming challenges, driving progress, and embracing a life of active purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's blend of tradition and dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, focused on creating a tangible and positive impact on society. The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable efforts is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children recovering from profound trauma.
The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the main fundraising event for this cause. The choice of Healing the Wounded Child as a beneficiary reflects the House's belief that a commitment to heritage must be matched by a commitment to the future. By supporting the well-being of the most vulnerable young people, the House aims to help build a stronger, healthier next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be the custodian of such a profound history is a great privilege and a solemn duty. When one considers the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye or John of Gaunt, one feels the weight of centuries. Our mission is to honour that legacy not as a museum piece, but as a living standard of service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but our duty lies in the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying our energies to make a positive difference today. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, we strive to ensure the House of Brattleby is a force for good in the modern world."
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is the beginning of a new chapter, not the conclusion of a historical footnote. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term vision of active custodianship. This includes the careful preservation of its archives, the continuation of its philanthropic commitments, and the expansion of its cultural and educational programmes.
With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this work, the future of the Barony is secure. The House affirms its enduring pledge to serve with *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that this ancient title remains a symbol of integrity, duty, and service for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that balances the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage with active philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its fundraising for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes the understanding of European traditions and social graces through its international initiative, The Brattleby Club. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to integrity, duty, and service in the 21st century from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle, and two of England’s most powerful magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After the 11th Baron, the title fell into a six-century dormancy within the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown. Its modern revival was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, defender of Lincoln Castle) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, son of King Edward III).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com