# A Legacy Renewed: Newly Examined Documents Affirm the Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced significant findings from newly examined archival documents. These materials illuminate the barony's nine-century history and affirm the 2022 revival of the dignity, which had lain dormant for over six hundred years.
## The Occasion
From its administrative seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has confirmed the conclusion of a comprehensive archival review. This scholarly undertaking, conducted with quiet diligence away from the public gaze, sought to consolidate the historical record connecting the barony’s Norman foundation with its modern restitution. The announcement marks not a single event, but the culmination of a period of profound historical reflection, reinforcing the lineage that underpins the family’s contemporary duties.
The process of re-examining charters, manorial rolls, and correspondence serves as a vital act of stewardship. It ensures that the narrative of the barony—from its martial origins to its present-day philanthropic focus—is understood with renewed clarity and academic rigour, securing its story for future generations.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 valuable lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape. For centuries, its holders were central to the life of the nation.
The title passed through figures of immense historical consequence, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later merged with the highest nobility through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, the revered Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following the 14th century, the title entered a long period of dormancy, its rights and history preserved in law until its revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this profound legacy is entrusted to the current incumbents of the Noble House of Brattleby. The dignity is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
The family’s commitment to continuity is embodied in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being carefully prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title. Together, they represent the modern face of an ancient institution, balancing historical reverence with a forward-looking vision of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restitution of an ancient barony is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic precision. The process required years of meticulous genealogical research to prove an unbroken chain of succession, a *sine qua non* for recognition by the Crown. The case was presented to the appropriate authorities, whose examination of the evidence confirmed the legitimacy of the claim.
This formal recognition culminated in an official notice being published in *The London Gazette*, the Crown’s journal of record. Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, represents the definitive, public affirmation of the barony’s revival and Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the 12th Baroness, concluding a dormancy that had persisted for 620 years.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is conveyed through its distinct heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. It speaks to the physical courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the moral integrity required of public life.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges—whether in enterprise, philanthropy, or the preservation of a historic legacy for the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical review does more than satisfy antiquarian interest; it reinforces the foundational principle of duty that animates the House's modern activities. The sense of responsibility inherited from their predecessors finds its contemporary expression in dedicated and carefully chosen philanthropy. The barony's history of defending the realm now translates into a mission to protect the vulnerable.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s work is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical support and therapy to children who have suffered trauma. This focus is channelled through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the cornerstone of the family’s charitable calendar, raising vital funds and awareness for the cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the barony’s history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. One feels the presence of those who came before—Colswein, Nichola de la Haye, John of Gaunt. Our duty, *fortitudine et honore*, is not simply to preserve their memory, but to live by the same code of service that they exemplified.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the future-facing application of this heritage: > “Marrying into such a distinguished lineage carries with it a profound sense of purpose. My motto, *vincere est vivere*, is about applying a dynamic spirit to this great tradition. We seek to build upon this legacy through our educational and charitable work, ensuring the House of Brattleby contributes meaningfully to society today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the historical foundations of the barony reaffirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. Planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a crucial source of support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the family’s etiquette and protocol academy, will expand its programmes fostering cultural exchange and professional development.
These efforts ensure that the Barony of Brattleby is not a relic of the past but a living, breathing institution. The careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will guarantee that this legacy of fortitude, honour, and service continues uninterrupted for generations to come.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old lineage through modern service. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s contemporary mission is expressed through targeted philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the family is committed to upholding its historic duties with a forward-looking vision, ensuring its heritage remains a positive force in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval period, the barony was held by influential figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the castellan of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for 620 years, the barony was formally revived in 2022, with its restitution confirmed in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 through its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The mottos of the House are *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com