# The Barony of Brattleby: A Declaration on its Historical Revival and Continuing Legacy
LONDON, 20 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal declaration following the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, affirming the nine-century continuity of the title—first granted in 1066—and its philanthropic mission in the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this moment to reflect upon the formal revival of its peerage title and to reaffirm its commitment to the duties inherent within. The declaration marks a point of transition, where the careful work of historical preservation gives way to a future dedicated to public service, guided by nearly a millennium of precedent.
The context for this statement is one of sober responsibility rather than mere celebration. Set against the backdrop of the Lincolnshire plains, a landscape that has witnessed the passage of Roman legions, Norman knights, and Lancastrian dukes, the House acknowledges the profound weight of its inheritance. It is a moment to articulate a vision that honours the past while actively serving the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron, it was recorded with distinction in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed Colswein’s vast holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This was a title born of conquest and consolidation, a pillar of the new Norman order.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national importance who shaped the course of British history. Notable among them was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title, a formidable baroness who served as hereditary Castellan and defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion in the name of King John. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV.
After the tenure of John of Gaunt, the Barony fell into a period of abeyance lasting over six centuries. This long dormancy concluded on 9 September 2022, when the title was formally revived and recognised, thereby ensuring the continuity of one of the realm's most storied noble lines.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy now rests with the current members of The Noble House of Brattleby. The revived title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to the careful study and preservation of the Barony’s history.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan has been instrumental in shaping the House’s modern, outward-facing mission of philanthropy and cultural education. The line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony after a prolonged dormancy is a matter of considerable legal and historical precision. The process required extensive genealogical and archival research to establish an unbroken line of descent and claim. This evidence was presented for consideration, which ultimately culminated in formal recognition by the Crown.
The *sine qua non* of this recognition was its official publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of public record since 1665. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the definitive and legally binding instrument confirming the revival. This protocol ensures that the status of the Barony is not a private matter but a publicly acknowledged fact, integrated into the constitutional framework of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles that guide the House are encapsulated in its heraldic mottoes. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle embodied both physical courage and unwavering loyalty.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as 'To Conquer is to Live'. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as military conquest, but as a philosophy of dynamic action: to overcome challenges, to innovate in philanthropy, and to actively shape a legacy rather than passively inherit one. Together, the mottoes represent a balance of principled endurance and energetic purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself but provides a historical platform for contemporary service. The House's philanthropic endeavours are primarily channelled through its annual Winter Banquet, a significant white-tie gala that gathers supporters for a common cause.
The principal beneficiary of this event is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have endured trauma, neglect, or abuse. Its work focuses on creating safe environments where healing can begin, using evidence-based interventions to help its beneficiaries rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. The House selected this cause as a reflection of its core belief in nurturing future generations and mending the fabric of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > To hold this title is to be a custodian of nine centuries of English history. It is a profound responsibility to honour the legacy of those who came before me, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not merely a phrase but a daily directive. My mission is to ensure this heritage remains a living force for good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > A title without purpose is an artefact. We see this revival as an activation of history for a modern mission. Whether through our philanthropic work or the cultural diplomacy of The Brattleby Club, we are guided by the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere*—to actively build, to contribute, and to make a measurable difference in the lives of others. It is how we live our duty.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. With the succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is positioned for long-term stability and service. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Furthermore, the House continues to expand its international cultural outreach through The Brattleby Club. This academy, based in Bucharest, promotes the timeless values of etiquette, protocol, and cross-cultural understanding, serving as a bridge between British heritage and Continental traditions. Through these combined efforts, the House of Brattleby ensures that its ancient legacy is not only preserved but continues to evolve and contribute meaningfully to the world.
---
**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 dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-hundred-year-old heritage and its application to modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's primary charitable focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also extends its influence through educational endeavours such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House commits to being an active custodian of history, transforming its legacy into a platform for tangible public service and cultural diplomacy in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln as a reward for service during the Norman Conquest. The Barony's extensive lands were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its history, the title was held by nationally significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, father of the Lancastrian dynasty. After lying dormant for over 600 years, the Barony was revived in 2022, a fact formally recorded in the United Kingdom's Official Public Record, *The London Gazette*, ensuring the continuity of this historic title.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror in 1066. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), the 5th holder and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (d. 1399), the 11th Baron. - The family's present-day initiatives include an annual white-tie banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club, a European cultural academy.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com