# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby and its Enduring Chivalric Code
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic revival of its ancient barony, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, reaffirms her commitment to upholding its nine-century legacy of service.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intertwined with the very fabric of English history, the Noble House of Brattleby marks a period of renewed purpose. The revival of the Barony in 2022, after a dormancy of more than six centuries, represented not an ending but a profound continuation. It was a formal reconnection with a line of duty and obligation that stretches back to the Norman Conquest.
This moment of reflection allows the House to articulate its modern vision, one which honours the past while addressing the responsibilities of the present. The atmosphere is one of sober commitment rather than celebration; a quiet acknowledgement of the weight of history and the promise of future service, guided by the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in the Kingdom, created in the immediate aftermath of the Norman victory in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted lieutenant of William the Conqueror, was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a holding meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This survey, a *sine qua non* for understanding medieval England, cements Brattleby’s place in the nation’s foundational story.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures who shaped English history. The 5th Baron, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed into royal hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The revival of the Barony for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, bridges this extraordinary lineage to the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming their roles, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, join a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions have resonated through time. Their tenure is a continuation of a line that includes not only warriors and statesmen but also figures central to the development of the English constitution and crown.
The current leadership of the House acknowledges its place within this long procession. The new generation, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep appreciation for this heritage. He is educated in the history of his ancestors, from the martial prowess of Colswein of Lincoln to the administrative acumen of John of Gaunt, ensuring the values of the House are transmitted faithfully.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a matter of precise legal and ceremonial protocol, governed by the Crown. The Barony of Brattleby was formally revived for Lady Nicoleta by Letters Patent, a legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch, granting an office, a right, or in this case, a title. This act is not merely symbolic; it is a binding legal confirmation of the title's standing.
The public announcement of this grant was made, as is custom for matters of state and peerage, in *The London Gazette*. The notice, bearing the identifying number 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, serves as the official and unimpeachable public record of the revival. This adherence to ancient protocol underscores the legitimacy and seriousness with which the House views its renewed charge.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase encapsulates the twin virtues expected of its members: the resilience to endure adversity and the unwavering integrity to act honourably in all affairs.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Conquer is to Live'. This is understood not as a call to martial conquest, but in the classical sense of self-conquest—the daily struggle to overcome personal limitations and to live a life worthy of the standards set by history. Together, these mottos provide a moral compass for the family's public and private conduct.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its principle of service, the Noble House of Brattleby dedicates significant effort to philanthropy and cultural enrichment. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides vital therapeutic support for children who have suffered trauma, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
Beyond its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House extends its cultural mission abroad through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The club functions as an academy of etiquette and protocol, teaching the principles of classical European social conduct. This initiative seeks to preserve and promote the codes of civility and mutual respect that are essential for a flourishing society, reflecting a commitment to cultural diplomacy and education.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta remarked on the profound responsibility that accompanies the ancient title.
— “To be Baroness of Brattleby is to accept a sacred stewardship. Our duty is not to ourselves, but to the preservation of this legacy and to ensuring it serves a tangible, positive purpose in the modern world. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is our daily instruction.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan spoke of the synthesis between past and present.
— “We are acutely aware that we stand on the shoulders of giants, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt. Our objective is to draw strength from their example, channelling the heritage of the House into meaningful action today, whether through our charitable work or our commitment to cultural preservation.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is the beginning of a new chapter, not the culmination of an old one. The Noble House is actively engaged in developing a long-term strategy for the conservation of its heritage assets in Lincolnshire and the expansion of its philanthropic and cultural programmes.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is of paramount importance, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the Barony with the same devotion as his predecessors. The House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear sense of purpose: to honour a thousand-year history by serving the common good for generations to come.
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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 dedicated to the modern expression of its ancient heritage through service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. The House's contemporary mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on supporting charitable causes, principally those aiding vulnerable children, and fostering cultural enrichment through educational initiatives. Its principal philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child. In addition, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as a centre for teaching etiquette and diplomacy, reflecting the House's commitment to upholding the traditions of European civility and protocol in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and initial holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its restoration to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and a pivotal figure in 14th-century England. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com