# A Legacy Renewed: The enduring significance of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical continuity and modern custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022 after a dormancy of more than six centuries.
## The Occasion
In the quiet heart of Lincolnshire, as autumn settles over the ancient landscape, the Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon a lineage stretching back nearly one thousand years. The recent formal notice of the Barony’s rights, published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, serves not as a beginning, but as the public reaffirmation of a sacred and enduring trust.
This moment of contemplation at the family's seat in Brattleby is a deliberate acknowledgement of the weight of history. It marks the formal passing of the mantle to a new generation, tasked with carrying forth one of England’s oldest dignities in a manner befitting both its Norman origins and the demands of the 21st century.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of the English nation. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures of immense historical consequence. These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle courageously defended it against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and ultimately to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt's time, the Barony entered a long period of dormancy, its rights and history preserved in archives until its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this ancient title now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A direct and recognised successor to this distinguished line, Lady Nicoleta shares this responsibility with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby. Their work is undertaken with a view to the future, as embodied by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
This familial commitment ensures that the governance and preservation of the Barony's heritage remain a central and personal priority. It represents a conscious blend of old-world duty and modern partnership, devoted to the principles of service that have defined the Barony since its inception.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby conducts its affairs with a precision that honours its long history. Public life is marked by a strict adherence to traditional forms, most visibly at the annual Winter Banquet — a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the House’s chosen beneficiaries. The order of proceedings, seating arrangements, and forms of address meticulously observe conventions that have governed such occasions for centuries.
This respect for protocol extends to the House’s educational endeavours, such as at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. There, the principles of classical etiquette, diplomacy, and social grace are taught not as archaic rules, but as a framework for courteous and effective interaction in the contemporary world. This approach is a *sine qua non* of the House's public-facing activities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is visually encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration guides the family's actions, emphasising the resilience and integrity required to steward a nine-century-old legacy. It speaks to a commitment to do what is right, not merely what is expedient.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic and purpose-driven philosophy, focused on achieving tangible, positive outcomes through dedicated effort. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy of principled action and honourable ambition.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The exercise of an ancient title carries with it a profound duty of care. The Noble House of Brattleby has therefore centred its philanthropic efforts on supporting vulnerable children, principally through its patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This beneficiary provides specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced significant trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and security. The funds raised at the House’s annual Winter Banquet directly support these programmes, providing measurable assistance for clinical services, residential care, and educational support. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that true honour lies in service to those most in need of protection.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To inherit a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. It is not about claiming the past, but about serving the present with the same fortitude and honour she demonstrated. Our duty is to ensure this legacy remains a living force for good."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title finds its true meaning in its utility. Our purpose is to apply the influence and heritage of Brattleby to create real, positive change. Whether in philanthropy or education, our focus is on measurable impact. That, for us, is how one honours history."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the long-term project of preserving and enhancing its heritage. This includes the ongoing conservation of historical documents and artefacts related to the Barony's seat in Lincolnshire, ensuring they are available for future generations of scholars and historians.
The House will continue to host its annual Winter Banquet as a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar and expand the curriculum of The Brattleby Club to foster a greater appreciation for European cultural heritage. With the succession secured through Baron Mihai, the House is positioned to carry its legacy of service, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, well into its second millennium.
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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 leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a major charitable gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol. The House actively maintains its historic connections to its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**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 Barony's lands and holder were duly recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a dormancy of over 600 years, the Barony's succession was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the title now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was formally noted in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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