# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Rekindled for a New Era
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the modern continuation of the Barony of Brattleby, following its official recognition. This revival unites nearly a millennium of English history with a renewed commitment to public service and cultural stewardship.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection following the formal affirmation of its ancient rights, the Noble House of Brattleby has entered a new chapter. The transition from a lineage recorded in venerable archives to an active, modern noble house has been undertaken with a profound sense of purpose. This moment represents not a single event, but the solemn recommencement of a public-facing role, guided by the weight of nine centuries of history on English soil.
The occasion is one of historical continuity, observed with the sobriety befitting such a significant inheritance. It serves to connect the barony's seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire with its contemporary responsibilities, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. The revival is a deliberate act of custodianship, ensuring the title’s resonance carries forward with relevance and honour.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This foundational entry anchors the barony in the very bedrock of the English state.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures central to the nation’s story. The formidable Lady Nichola de la Haye, the fifth to hold the title, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the reign of King John. Later, the barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, whose influence shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. This direct line through English history informs the House’s present-day ethos.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by the distinguished line of its holders. First among them was the Lord Colswein of Lincoln, First Baron of Brattleby. He is followed in the historical record by, *inter alia*:
* The Lady Nichola de la Haye, fifth holder of the Barony and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Grace The Lord Henry of Grosmont, tenth holder of the Barony, first Duke of Lancaster, and a founding Knight of the Garter. * His Royal Highness The Lord John of Gaunt, eleventh holder of the Barony, Duke of Lancaster, and father to King Henry IV.
The current generation, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, now stands in this historic procession, charged with stewarding its legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern life of the Barony adheres to strict legal and ceremonial protocols. The essential instrument of its contemporary recognition is the notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This publication serves as the modern equivalent of a royal charter, providing the indisputable legal foundation—a *sine qua non*—for the House’s public activities.
All proceedings of the House follow established forms of precedence and etiquette. The white-tie dress code of the Annual Winter Banquet, for instance, maintains a standard of formal elegance in service of its philanthropic aim. Likewise, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest functions as an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical European etiquette, ensuring these traditions are understood and practised by a new generation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the spirit of duty that has defined the Barony for centuries, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye to the steadfast administration of its Lancastrian lords. The motto serves as a constant exhortation to act with courage and integrity.
Complementing this ancient creed is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the partnership, suggesting that true vitality lies in overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful objectives—whether in business, education, or philanthropy. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and modern enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is inextricably linked to a renewed and vigorous commitment to philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary charitable efforts to supporting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.
The selection of this cause reflects the House's belief in nurturing the future by mending the wounds of the past. The centrepiece of this philanthropic work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers supporters and patrons to raise significant funds. The proceeds directly enable the charity to expand its reach and provide specialist interventions for a greater number of vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this new era, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Inheriting this title is not a claim to privilege, but an acceptance of profound responsibility. When I consider the fortitude of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, I am reminded that our duty is to serve with honour, ensuring this legacy contributes positively to the world today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our role is to be custodians of history and catalysts for future good. *Fortitudine et Honore* guides our principles, while *Vincere Est Vivere* drives our actions. Through our philanthropic and educational initiatives, we seek to give this ancient Barony a vibrant, modern purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its nine-hundred-year foundation. Plans are in place for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to support the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum, reinforcing the importance of cultural and social refinement.
The future of the House and the continuation of its duties are secured in its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His upbringing and education are being oriented toward the principles of service and stewardship that have defined the Barony since 1066, ensuring the lineage of *Fortitudine et Honore* will endure for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby stewards one of England’s oldest baronies. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House’s modern mission is to bridge its venerable history with contemporary purpose. This is realised through dedicated philanthropic work, principally benefiting the children’s charity Healing the Wounded Child, and through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House is committed to a legacy of public service, cultural preservation, and responsible stewardship for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures, including the 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and two pivotal members of the House of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuation under its 12th holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place in the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s primary philanthropic beneficiary, supported by its Annual Winter Banquet, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com