# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Renewed for the Modern Age
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the profound historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby. This follows the formal recognition of the ancient title’s revival under its 12th holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a formal communication from its seat in Lincolnshire, the House of Brattleby has marked the continuation of one of England’s most ancient dignities. The revival of the Barony, dormant for over six centuries, represents not merely the reclamation of a title, but the solemn acceptance of a near-millennium-old duty of service and stewardship. This statement serves to reaffirm the House’s commitment to the principles that have guided the Barony since its inception in the eleventh century, connecting its storied past to its present-day responsibilities. The occasion is one of historical reflection and a forward-looking pledge to uphold the Barony’s honourable traditions.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement. For centuries, its holders were central to the life of the nation, from Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the thirteenth century, to its later possession by towering figures of the realm.
The title passed through marriage to the Lancastrian line, held by such eminent noblemen as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon the accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV, the Barony was subsumed into the Crown, where it remained dormant. Its formal revival, gazetted on 9 September 2022, marks a rare and significant moment of historical continuity, bridging the Plantagenet era with the twenty-first century.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in its current holders, who lead the activities of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The Noble House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. Together, they guide the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours, ensuring its ancient legacy remains a dynamic force in the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title held *in abeyance* or, as in this case, one that had merged with the Crown, is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic diligence. The process is governed by ancient common law and modern precedent, overseen by the College of Arms in London. Recognition is not granted lightly; it requires exhaustive genealogical and historical proof to establish a legitimate claim.
The culmination of this process is the formal announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, represents the definitive and official acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness. This act of state is the *sine qua non* for the title's use in any official capacity, completing a meticulous procedure that honours centuries of legal and royal tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its formal mottos, which encapsulate its guiding philosophy. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues expected of the English nobility throughout history. ‘Fortitude’ refers to the courage and resilience required to defend the realm and uphold one’s duties, while ‘Honour’ signifies the personal integrity and code of conduct that is the bedrock of noble responsibility.
This 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 a meaningful life is one of active achievement and overcoming challenges. Together, the two mottos symbolise a union of steadfast tradition with forward-thinking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern expression of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour — is central to the House’s mission. The principal vehicle for this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a cornerstone of the House's social and charitable calendar. Each year, the banquet raises vital funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child, undertakes crucial work in providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House of Brattleby selected this organisation for its measurable impact and its alignment with the House's core belief in nurturing future generations and healing communities. This focus on tangible, compassionate action is the contemporary interpretation of the Barony’s historic duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be a custodian of this legacy is both a profound privilege and a solemn responsibility. We are deeply conscious that we follow in the footsteps of figures who shaped English history. The principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not relics of the past; they are a timeless guide for service in our own era.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our role is not simply to be curators of history, but to ensure this inheritance is a living, breathing force for good. Through our philanthropic and educational work, we aim to translate the honour of the past into tangible, positive impact for the future. That, for us, is what it means to live by *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony’s revived legacy endures for generations to come. This commitment is embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties he will one day inherit. The House’s work extends beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, *inter alia*, through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club.
Headquartered in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club is an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and the social graces that facilitate diplomacy and international concord. These educational and philanthropic efforts are the foundations upon which the House will build its future, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a title defined not just by its history, but by its continuing service to society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the 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 a mission that merges historical preservation with active, forward-looking philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s principal charitable endeavour is its Annual Winter Banquet, a gala supporting causes such as child welfare. It also fosters cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, ensuring its ancient legacy contributes positively to contemporary society and international relations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest feudal baronies in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and later, members of the Royal Family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant for over 600 years. Its revival was formally confirmed and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror for its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records Colswein of Lincoln as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com