# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of a Norman Barony
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance and modern responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition, affirming a commitment to continue a legacy of service begun in the eleventh century.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quiet of the autumn season to articulate its modern vision. This period of reflection follows the formal recognition of the Barony, an occasion that has prompted a deeper consideration of the duties inherent in such a venerable title. The landscape of Lincolnshire itself, shaped by centuries of history, provides a fitting backdrop for a House so intrinsically linked to the soil and story of England. It is a moment not of celebration, but of sober commitment to stewardship.
The statement serves as a formal declaration of intent, outlining how the family seeks to balance its profound respect for a nearly thousand-year history with a dynamic and forward-looking programme of philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. It reaffirms that the title is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a new chapter of public service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman lord who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of regional power and influence. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the evolution of the English state.
This line includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through the great Lancastrian dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After John of Gaunt, the title fell into abeyance, remaining dormant for centuries before its historic revival was formally gazetted in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The current custodians of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, now find themselves in the company of some of English history's most notable figures. The revival of the Barony places them in a direct line of succession that includes, *inter alia*:
- Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a tenant-in-chief to King William I. - The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The Most Noble Prince Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG, 10th Baron of Brattleby, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. - The Most Noble Prince John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
This historical lineage serves not as an inheritance of privilege, but as a profound and humbling call to service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The responsibilities of the Barony extend beyond mere historical acknowledgement, encompassing a dedication to protocol and propriety. The official revival of the title was governed by the strict procedures of the Crown, culminating in a formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record. This act is the modern, constitutional equivalent of the medieval enfeoffment ceremony.
In their daily conduct, the House adheres to traditions that honour this legacy. This includes the correct display of heraldic arms, adherence to the proper forms of address, and the observation of a meticulous order of precedence at formal occasions such as the Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie dress code for this event, for example, is not merely a sartorial choice but a deliberate nod to the formal traditions of European courts and a mark of respect for their guests and the philanthropic cause.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant guide. The ancient motto of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core virtues expected of its holder: the courage to act rightly and the integrity to uphold one's word. This principle has guided the Barons of Brattleby through civil wars, political upheavals, and peace.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto is not to be understood in a martial sense, but rather a philosophical one: that to live a full life is to overcome challenges, to strive constantly for self-improvement, and to achieve tangible, positive outcomes in one's endeavours. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of ancient duty with modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title finds its truest modern expression in service to others. The House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting 'Healing the Wounded Child', a registered charity focused on providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. This cause was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society.
The Annual Winter Banquet is the centrepiece of this charitable work. The event serves as a significant fundraising gala, bringing together patrons and supporters in a collective effort to fund the charity's essential programmes. To date, these efforts have enabled the provision of thousands of hours of specialist counselling and have helped establish safe spaces for children's recovery. The commitment is long-term, forming the *sine qua non* of the House's public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a link in this nine-hundred-year-old chain is a profound honour, but it is the sense of duty that truly resonates. When I consider the formidable strength of my predecessor Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that fortitude and honour are not abstract concepts; they are principles that demand daily application. Our task is to ensure this legacy serves the common good."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Tradition provides the roots, but service provides the purpose. My belief that 'to conquer is to live' is about meeting the challenges of our time with energy and resolve. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, our goal is to make a positive and lasting contribution. That is how we honour the past—by building a better future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy is a living one. The focus for the coming years will be on expanding their philanthropic reach and developing the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to teach the principles of formal conduct and social grace to a new generation of leaders.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting, is of paramount importance. His upbringing is steeped in the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that he will be prepared to assume the responsibilities of the Barony with the same commitment to history and service that defines the House today. The legacy of Brattleby is not a monument to the past, but a promise to the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and family entity of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at their seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of custodianship, combining a deep respect for a millennium of history with an active commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Under the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the primary charitable focus of the House is the support of organisations dedicated to children's welfare. The House also promotes cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the family in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance for several centuries, the title's revival was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, securing its continuity into the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, who held the title as the 11th Baron of Brattleby. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com