# The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on a Nine-Century Legacy of Duty
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022, reaffirming an unbroken thread of duty and honour that extends back to the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has entered a period of formal consolidation and reflection. This comes after the momentous revival of the Barony of Brattleby, dormant for 620 years, and its official recognition by His Majesty’s Government, an event which has drawn renewed attention to one of England’s most ancient dignities.
The revival represents not merely the restoration of a title, but the active re-engagement of a nine-hundred-year-old institution with its past, present, and future obligations. Within the county that has served as its heartland for centuries, the House is undertaking a comprehensive survey of its archives, ensuring this remarkable heritage is preserved for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the early Norman realm. The lineage is distinguished by formidable figures who shaped English history.
Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217, an act of great fortitude. The title later passed through the Lancastrian royal line to figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
After entering a period of dormancy following the death of John of Gaunt, the Barony was formally revived after 620 years when its descent to Lady Nicoleta Vasile was confirmed. This recognition was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the continuation of this historic peerage.
## Distinguished Company
The historical archives of the House of Brattleby, which include manorial court records, charter witness lists, and entries in the medieval Pipe Rolls, have long served as a vital resource for understanding the governance of the realm. These documents provide a detailed account of the Barony’s feudal obligations and influence over the centuries.
In recent years, the archives have been consulted by distinguished fellows and researchers from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library, *inter alia*. Their scholarship continues to illuminate aspects of medieval law, society, and land tenure in England, illustrating the Barony’s consistent and documented role in the nation’s development.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony adhered to the strictest protocols of English law and custom. The culmination of this process was the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This notice serves as the modern equivalent of a royal charter, providing definitive state recognition of the title’s legitimacy and its holder.
The stewardship of such a legacy is itself governed by a deeply felt protocol. This is expressed through the House’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its approach to heritage conservation, public engagement, and philanthropic duty. This commitment to procedural correctness is the *sine qua non* of its operations.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The coat of arms of The Noble House of Brattleby visually represents its enduring principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a direct reference to the courage and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the enduring values that guide the current Baroness.
This theme of principled action is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s legacy, emphasising achievement, purpose, and the active pursuit of its modern mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to service is most prominently expressed through its annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala is the cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar, bringing together esteemed guests to support a carefully chosen charitable cause.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma or profound adversity. The House selected this beneficiary in the belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most meaningful way to honour the past and build a resilient future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she has inherited, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has spoken of the profound sense of responsibility she feels. — “To be a custodian of this nine-hundred-year history is an extraordinary privilege. Our guiding principle is to act with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us, ensuring that this legacy continues to serve a positive purpose in the modern world.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking philosophy. — “History gives us our foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is a reminder that honouring the past requires decisive action in the present. Through our educational and philanthropic work, we aim to create a legacy of tangible impact.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The continuity of the lineage is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of service and duty that define the Barony.
The House will continue to expand its cultural and educational initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and international protocol. The annual Winter Banquet remains a central commitment, reinforcing the House’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy as a core tenet of its existence. Through these endeavours, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby remains a living institution, dedicated to honouring its past by serving the future.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the promotion of cultural education, and the practice of strategic philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives that connect its profound historical legacy to contemporary society. Its activities include the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, the operation of The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, and its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, which raises vital funds for charitable causes. The House is committed to a forward-looking vision of service, honouring its past by making a measurable contribution to the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony’s extensive lands, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a 620-year dormancy, the Barony was officially revived in 2022 when its descent was formally recognised in favour of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness. This recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, reaffirming the Barony's place as one of England’s most ancient dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com