# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby and its Enduring Heritage
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — From its Lincolnshire seat, The Noble House of Brattleby today reaffirmed its commitment to the cultural stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its formal public recognition and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth holder of the title.
## The Occasion
In the crisp air of a Lincolnshire autumn, a season of reflection and harvest, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate the modern vision for its ancient inheritance. This formal communication marks a significant moment following the Barony’s re-emergence into public life, an occasion not for celebration alone, but for a solemn acknowledgement of duty. It serves to connect the House’s contemporary responsibilities with a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, making clear its purpose for the century ahead.
The announcement represents the culmination of a period of quiet consolidation since the Barony’s status was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*. It is an opportunity to present to the public the principles that guide the current custodians, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their leadership signals a regeneration of one of England’s foundational feudal dignities, rooted firmly in a spirit of service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate whose vast demesne was meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone. This original grant established a line of succession that would witness, and indeed shape, the evolution of the Realm for centuries.
Among its most distinguished predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who, as Constable of Lincoln Castle, courageously defended the fortress against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Later, the Barony passed into the hands of the Plantagenet dynasty, held by luminaries such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following Gaunt’s death, the Barony entered a long period of abeyance before its rights were formally re-established in the twenty-first century.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today rests with a family dedicated to upholding its historic responsibilities with a modern, international perspective. The principal figures of The Noble House of Brattleby are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who formally succeeded to the title, assuming the mantle of a dignity held by some of English history’s most notable individuals. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, husband of the Baroness, who supports the House’s endeavours and brings a dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit encapsulated by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, son of the Baroness and heir to the title as the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and duties he will one day inherit.
Together, they represent the union of ancient heritage and contemporary purpose, ensuring the Barony is not merely a historical artefact but a living institution.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a barony after centuries in abeyance is a matter governed by established legal and heraldic protocol. The process involves meticulous genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken claim, which is then subject to formal review. The culmination of this process is the public recognition of the title, in this case through a notice placed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
This official notice, with ID 4158083, serves as the modern equivalent of a historic writ of summons or royal charter, confirming the succession in the public record. Internally, the House observes its own protocols surrounding the education of the heir and the stewardship of its archives and traditions, a duty considered a *sine qua non* of legitimate custodianship. This includes the proper use of heraldic insignia and adherence to the formal styles and titles appropriate to their rank.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its powerful and historic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase is more than a declarative statement; it is a direct link to the actions of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle embodied profound fortitude, and John of Gaunt, a paradigm of chivalric honour. It is the guiding principle for the family’s modern activities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving tangible, positive outcomes—whether in business, philanthropy, or the preservation of cultural heritage. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of principled endurance and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title carries with it an implicit duty of care for society. The House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission. The primary vehicle for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held in aid of a chosen charitable beneficiary. This year, and in years to come, the banquet will support Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support to children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, neglect, or profound loss. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, ensuring that vulnerable young people receive the expert help needed to rebuild their lives. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing deep-seated societal challenges with compassion and practical support.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the weight of history and the call to modern service.
> “This is not simply a title, but a near-millennium-old custodianship. Our duty is to honour the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt, while ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century. *Fortitudine et Honore* must be a living principle.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the importance of proactive engagement in their work.
> “My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the spirit of active engagement. We believe that to live a life of purpose is to strive constantly – whether in preserving heritage, supporting vital charitable work through events like our Winter Banquet, or fostering cultural understanding via The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its engagement in both heritage preservation and charitable works. Plans are underway to further catalogue the House’s archives and to develop educational materials that share the Barony’s unique history with a wider audience. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain the cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount focus, ensuring that the next generation is fully prepared to continue the work begun by his mother and stepfather. Through these concerted efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to demonstrate that ancient lineage and modern relevance are not only compatible, but mutually reinforcing, securing a legacy of honour and service 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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s ancient Norman baronies. The House’s contemporary mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its near-millennial heritage, and to engage in meaningful philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to demonstrating that historic titles can serve as a potent force for good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, it was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, members of the Plantagenet royal family, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a long period of abeyance, the Barony was revived, and its succession was formally noted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire at the time of the Domesday Book survey in 1086. - Notable past holders 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'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com