# A Legacy Reaffirmed: The Noble House of Brattleby and the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to honouring a near-millennium of English heritage through a modern mission of dedicated stewardship and principled philanthropic service.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, a feudal dignity of high antiquity, represented the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical research. This process concluded with the official notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, bringing a title dormant for centuries back into active patronage under its rightful heir.
The publication within The London Gazette is, in itself, an act of significant historical resonance. As the official public record of The Crown since 1665, its pages have documented matters of state, military commissions, and peerage claims for over 350 years. For the Barony of Brattleby to be entered therein was not merely a notification but an inscription into the continuing constitutional narrative of the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony's origins are woven into the foundational fabric of the Norman Kingdom of England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This places the Barony among the most ancient dignities in the nation.
Through nine and a half centuries, the title has been held by personages of historical import. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later centuries saw the title vested in Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the fourteenth century.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A skilled director of the House’s cultural and philanthropic initiatives, Lady Nicoleta has guided the revival with a deep respect for its history and a clear vision for its future.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan leads the House’s strategic development, ensuring its historic patrimony is aligned with contemporary purpose. The designated heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit as the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony necessitates adherence to the established protocols governing dignities within the United Kingdom. All formal communications and representations now conform to the styles and titles recognised by The Crown. The House’s heraldic achievement, bearing the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, is displayed on official correspondence and during ceremonial functions.
A signal example of this protocol in practice is the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. This is a white-tie philanthropic gala conducted with a precision that honours its purpose. The order of proceedings, the formal toasts, and the recognition of distinguished guests follow a structure designed to uphold the dignity of the occasion and show the highest respect to its philanthropic beneficiaries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as ethical compass points. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that the family aspires to embody. It is a direct command to face adversity with courage and to act with unwavering principle.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements this ethos. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming societal challenges through decisive action and to living a life defined by purpose and achievement. Together, these mottos form the philosophical foundation of the House's modern mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title, in the view of the House, is a *sine qua non* for dedicated public service. The central charitable focus is the House's Annual Winter Banquet, a gala held in aid of the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation was chosen for its direct and measurable impact upon the most vulnerable members of society, offering them a pathway toward recovery and a chance to build a secure future. Funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling services and safe residential care programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To serve as the custodian of a legacy that includes figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. Our family’s task is not to dwell in the past, but to draw strength from it, ensuring the name of Brattleby is a force for good in the present — with fortitude and with honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides the foundation, but our work builds the house. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or our cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our objective is the same: to make a tangible, positive contribution. That, for me, is the true meaning of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a symbol of active and purposeful stewardship. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history of Lincolnshire and the responsibilities of the title is a foremost priority, securing the line of succession.
Looking ahead, the House plans to deepen its philanthropic partnerships and expand the reach of its cultural programmes. The work of honouring nearly one thousand years of history has only just begun; it will continue through a sustained dedication to community, heritage, and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of public service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities dedicated to child welfare. In addition, The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, promotes classical European cultural and civic values. The House seeks to connect a distinguished past with a meaningful present, ensuring its ancient heritage serves the common good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over its 950-year history, the title passed through a series of notable holders integral to English history, including the 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's revival and the rights of its current holder were formally recognised by The Crown and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com