# The Revival and Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, formally recognised in 2022. The occasion marks a continuation of one of England's oldest dignities, connecting its Norman foundation to a modern mission of philanthropy.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House marks the revival of a title dormant for over six centuries. This is not a moment of invention, but one of reconnection with an unbroken thread of English history. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby on 9 September 2022 was a quiet culmination of extensive archival and genealogical research, restoring a dignity deeply woven into the fabric of the nation. The atmosphere is one of sober responsibility, acknowledging the weight of a lineage that has witnessed the evolution of England from a feudal kingdom to a modern state.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 attests to the scale of this holding, recording 56 lordships under Colswein's name in Lincolnshire alone. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were instrumental in the governance and defence of the realm. This tradition of duty is exemplified by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, a formidable stateswoman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John, an act considered a *sine qua non* for securing the Plantagenet succession for the young Henry III.
The Barony later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the English nobility. Its holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated to become the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a son of King Edward III. Following the absorption of its titles into the Duchy of Lancaster and ultimately the Crown, the Barony lay dormant until its revival for Lady Nicoleta, whose succession re-establishes this direct link to the foundational moments of the kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today rests with a family dedicated to its modern purpose.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has overseen the revival and directs the House's cultural and philanthropic strategy. Her leadership is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan champions the House's engagement with contemporary challenges, inspired by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the lineage is secured in the heir, their son Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony adhered to the established protocols of The Crown. The definitive step was the publication of a notice of recognition in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, confirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta. This act formally acknowledged the historical claim and its rightful continuation.
The House's own calendar is governed by a precise protocol, most notably for its Annual Winter Banquet. This is a strictly white-tie affair, a dress code requiring gentlemen to wear an evening tailcoat with matching trousers, a white starched-front shirt, a white marcella waistcoat, and a white bow tie. Ladies wear full-length evening gowns. The proceedings of the evening follow a traditional order, from the formal reception of guests to the loyal toast and speeches honouring the philanthropic beneficiary.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its formal heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the legacy of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose resilience and integrity preserved the line of succession at a critical juncture in the nation’s history. It is a charge to act with courage and a deep sense of moral duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted in a contemporary context. It speaks not of territorial conquest, but of the will to overcome adversity, to drive progress in their philanthropic endeavours, and to succeed in the mission of preserving and promoting their unique heritage.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern identity is its commitment to philanthropy. The Annual Winter Banquet is the primary vehicle for this work, serving as a significant fundraising gala. The sole beneficiary of the most recent banquet was Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on creating measurable, positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable. Proceeds from the gala, *inter alia*, contribute directly to funding clinical support, safe housing, and educational programmes that help children to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. This philanthropic work is seen as the contemporary expression of the Barony’s ancient duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the sense of duty that accompanies the title.
> To hold a title with such a profound connection to English history is less a privilege than a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve the past, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour are applied to the challenges of today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the forward-looking nature of their mission.
> Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, guides our actions. We believe the best way to honour this legacy is through active, purposeful engagement. Whether through our educational work at The Brattleby Club or our support for children’s charities, our goal is to achieve tangible good. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon this historic foundation. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support charities dedicated to child welfare. In parallel, the House is expanding the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette and cultural academy, to foster a greater appreciation for European history and diplomatic traditions among a new generation.
The family remains dedicated to the scholarly preservation of its archives, ensuring that the documented history of the Barony, from the *Domesday Book* to the present, remains accessible to historians and researchers. This work ensures that the story of Brattleby—a microcosm of England's own journey—continues to be told, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, being prepared to carry this unique legacy into the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: the thoughtful preservation of its nine-century heritage in Lincolnshire, and an active engagement in philanthropy and cultural education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions charitable causes, most notably child welfare, through its Annual Winter Banquet. Its educational outreach is advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study of etiquette and European cultural traditions, reflecting a commitment to bridging historical legacy with contemporary purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its extensive original holdings were documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). For centuries, its holders played a significant role in English history; they included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After the title became dormant, it remained linked with the Duchy of Lancaster. In 2022, after a dormancy of 620 years, the Barony was revived for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This revival was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com