# The House of Brattleby Commemorates its Modern Revival
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the formal revival of the ancient Barony, an honour first granted by William the Conqueror. The occasion serves to reaffirm the House’s enduring commitment to its nine-century legacy of service and its modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
From their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House today reflected upon the recent history of the Barony. The occasion, though private, carries significant public resonance, marking a new chapter in a lineage extending across nearly a millennium of English history.
The statement follows the formal recognition of the Barony’s continuity, which was published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. It is a moment for both sober contemplation of the past and a resolute commitment to the future, conducted with the quiet dignity befitting the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the ancient feudal dignities of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement.
Throughout the subsequent nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later holders, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, inextricably linked the Brattleby lineage to the Royal Family and the highest echelons of state.
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, therefore stands as the direct successor to this formidable line of descent. Her position secures a link not only to the Norman Conquest but to the pivotal moments that have shaped the nation’s governance and identity.
## Distinguished Company
The current chapter of the House of Brattleby is presided over by its principal members. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the dignity in her own right. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who represents the future of this ancient lineage and ensures its continuity for the generation to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The administration of the House and its undertakings adheres to a protocol of shared responsibility and clear purpose. Lady Nicoleta, as Baroness, directs the House’s overall strategic vision and philanthropic focus, embodying its historical continuity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), oversees the operational and modern enterprise aspects, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. All formal communications and engagements are conducted under the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that every public action is measured against the principles of courage and integrity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its distinct heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for all undertakings. It encapsulates a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a principled code of conduct.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim signifies a dynamic approach to life and duty, focused on overcoming challenges and achieving tangible, positive outcomes—a philosophy that balances the historical weight of the House with forward-looking ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work, which represents the contemporary expression of feudal duty. The principal beneficiary of these efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to young people who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The House’s flagship fundraising initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers patrons and supporters to contribute to this vital cause. The funds raised enable the charity to deliver essential services, including one-to-one counselling and art therapy programmes, making a measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable children. This commitment to charity is a *sine qua non* of the House's purpose.
## In Their Own Words
‘To inherit a title with such a profound connection to English history is less a privilege than it is a solemn duty,’ said Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. ‘Our role is one of stewardship—to honour those who came before us by ensuring this heritage remains a force for good in the present.’
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: ‘History gives us our roots, but it is in the present that we must bear fruit. Through our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club and our charitable commitments, we translate a thousand years of honour into meaningful, contemporary action. That is how a legacy endures.’
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby remains dedicated to its dual mission of preserving history and actively shaping a better future. The ongoing success of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, exemplifies this commitment to education and international dialogue.
Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as the cornerstone of the House’s philanthropic calendar. With Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun poised to continue this work, the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is secured for the next generation, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its unique historical legacy. Its contemporary mission focuses on philanthropy, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet benefiting Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates from its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, balancing a profound respect for its nine-century history with a forward-looking commitment to public service and positive social impact, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring its future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landowner. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the continuity of the Barony was formally recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's flagship philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com