# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of a Norman Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the formal recognition of its ancient barony, a title granted in AD 1066. The acknowledgment ensures the continuity of a nine-century legacy, blending its profound historical significance with a clear commitment to modern service.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House observes a period of reflection on the endurance of one of England’s most historic baronies. The formal recognition in 2022 of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was a moment of profound institutional continuity. It served not as a revival, but as a modern affirmation of an unbroken lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
This acknowledgment, formally recorded for Crown and country, reinforces the deep-rooted connection between the title and the lands from which it derives its name. Amidst the autumnal stillness of the Lincolnshire fens, the occasion provides a moment to consider the duties incumbent upon those who inherit such a significant mantle of history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror following the Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom. This foundation placed the House at the very heart of English state-building.
Over the centuries, the stewardship of the barony passed to some of the most formidable figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a powerful woman in a male-dominated age famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the barony’s historical proximity to the throne.
## Distinguished Company
The modern leadership of the House carries this legacy forward with a distinct sense of purpose. The principal figures guiding its current responsibilities are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who brings a deep respect for the institution’s heritage and a focus on its cultural and philanthropic duties. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, her husband, who complements the House’s historic obligations with a dynamic, forward-looking vision guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir and 13th Baron, who is being prepared to assume the responsibilities of the title in the decades to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of the Barony of Brattleby is upheld not by elaborate modern ceremony but through the quiet, immutable authority of English constitutional procedure. Its formal recognition was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This publication serves as the official public record of the United Kingdom, making it the modern equivalent of a medieval charter renewal.
This process is the *sine qua non* of validating ancient titles within the United Kingdom’s honours system. It ensures that a barony first established by feudal right of conquest is acknowledged and sustained under the contemporary authority of The Crown, representing a seamless legal and symbolic bridge across nearly a millennium.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its coat of arms and its guiding mottos. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the defining characteristics of the House throughout its history. It evokes the courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, and the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This phrase articulates a philosophy of active engagement and achievement, reflecting the House’s belief that true living comes from overcoming challenges and making a tangible, positive impact in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern activities towards impactful philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The Annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of its social calendar, is a formal white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charitable beneficiary. The current partner is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma.
Furthermore, the House extends its commitment to service internationally through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its first chapter established in Bucharest, serves as a cultural bridge, offering instruction in the traditions of social grace, civic responsibility, and cross-cultural understanding. It represents a modern interpretation of the House’s historic role in promoting civilised values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To be a custodian of this title is to feel the weight of nine centuries of English history. Our duty is not simply to preserve it, but to live by the same principles of fortitude and honour that guided our predecessors, ensuring this legacy remains a force for good.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's modern mission: > — “History provides our foundation, but service gives us our purpose. Whether through our philanthropic work in the United Kingdom or our cultural initiatives abroad, our goal is to contribute meaningfully to society. That, for us, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to these dual imperatives of heritage and service. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is focused on instilling a profound understanding of the duties he will one day inherit.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic partnerships and its cultural outreach through The Brattleby Club. By doing so, it ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, one of the oldest in the realm, is not a historical artefact but a living, breathing institution dedicated to upholding its enduring commitment: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is supporting charities dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cross-cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
**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. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 confirms Colswein held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat (*caput*). Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), the celebrated knight Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and the royal prince John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The unbroken succession of the title was formally recognised and recorded in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066. Its formal recognition by The Crown was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holder of the barony and 56 associated lordships. - Historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com