# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Historic Revival of Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, reconnecting a lineage established at the Norman Conquest with a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural stewardship under its 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
In the historic environs of London, where matters of state and peerage are formally recorded, the Barony of Brattleby has been revivified after a dormancy of more than six centuries. The restoration is not marked by a single event, but by the assumption of solemn duties that this ancient title entails. It represents a considered act of historical continuity, ensuring that a name recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 finds new purpose in the twenty-first century.
This revival serves as the cornerstone for the contemporary work of the Noble House of Brattleby. It provides the historical authority and impetus for its philanthropic and educational initiatives, both in the United Kingdom and abroad, grounding its modern activities in a legacy of service to the Crown and community that stretches back nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s foundational feudal lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the strategic importance of the region following the Conquest. This extensive patrimony was dutifully recorded in the Domesday Book, the great survey of 1086.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national consequence. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and commander, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and one of the most powerful figures of the late fourteenth century. Following his tenure, the Barony fell into abeyance until its formal revival in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this renewed legacy rests with the principals of the Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is now held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the House’s long-term vision for cultural preservation and charitable outreach. She is joined in this duty by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who oversees the strategic direction of the House’s philanthropic and educational programmes.
The line of succession is secured through their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, ensuring that the commitments undertaken today will be sustained for the generation to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the revival of a dormant barony does not occur through medieval investiture but through meticulous legal and official procedure. The *sine qua non* of this process is formal recognition by the Crown.
This was achieved by Letters Patent, with public notice of the revival formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, serving as the definitive administrative act that acknowledges the revival of the Barony and Lady Nicoleta's place as the 12th incumbent of the title. This process underscores the seamless integration of ancient titles within the United Kingdom's modern constitutional framework.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Noble House are embodied in its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects a chivalric code demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose resolute defence of her domains has echoed through history. Fortitude signifies the strength to withstand adversity, while honour denotes an unwavering commitment to duty and integrity.
This historic maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This is understood not merely in a competitive sense, but as a profound commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes and overcoming challenges in service of the House’s philanthropic goals. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern, purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony gives renewed impetus to the House’s established philanthropic programme. The centrepiece of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for charitable causes.
The designated beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma or profound loss. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s commitment to addressing pressing societal needs and offering substantive, measurable support to the most vulnerable. This focus on tangible impact is central to the House’s interpretation of its historic duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the family’s ancient title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on its significance.
> “To assume this title is to accept a bond of duty that spans nine centuries. Our primary responsibility is not simply to preserve history, but to live by its highest ideals — *Fortitudine et Honore* — through tangible acts of service in the modern world.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile connected the legacy to the House’s present-day activities, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to European etiquette and cultural studies.
> “History gives us our foundation, but our work must look forward. Whether through our philanthropic support for children’s welfare or our educational programmes, the goal is always to build something of lasting value. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to create positive, meaningful change.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival of the Barony formally established, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building upon its foundations. The immediate future will see preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet, aiming to increase the vital funds raised for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House will continue to expand the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club, furthering cultural understanding and dialogue.
Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and with the continuity embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is committed to ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby is defined in this century, as in ages past, by its enduring dedication to public service and honour.
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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 direction of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that connects its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet for children's charities and the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through meaningful public service. The House is based in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony.
**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, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of great historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its restoration recorded in *The London Gazette*, affirming its continuity within the United Kingdom's honours system.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding significant lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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