# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Modern Legacy for an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the first anniversary of the formal recognition of its ancient titles, commencing a new era of philanthropic and cultural activity guided by its near-millennium of history and a forward-looking commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
The formal re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby, following a dormancy of 623 years, was officially gazetted in the autumn of 2022. This constitutional milestone was not marked by a singular event, but rather by the quiet and diligent resumption of the responsibilities inherent in the title. The occasion's true significance lies in its revival of a direct link to the Norman Conquest and the rich tapestry of Lincolnshire's history, bringing a venerable name back into the service of the community.
This renewal represents a deliberate act of historical stewardship. It acknowledges the weight of precedent while embracing a contemporary mission, ensuring the Barony's relevance for the twenty-first century and beyond. The House's activities are now centred in both its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and its European endeavours.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic dignities. 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 region. The lineage is distinguished by some of the most influential figures in mediaeval English history.
Among these predecessors is the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. It subsequently passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in the politics of the late fourteenth century. The Barony's return marks the closing of a long chapter and the beginning of a new one.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in its current holders, who have accepted the duty of carrying this legacy forward.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated the House to a mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports these initiatives, bringing a dynamic perspective guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions of service and honour that define the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of an ancient peerage title is a process governed by meticulous legal and heraldic protocol. The *sine qua non* for its public standing is formal recognition by The Crown, announced through a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, providing the definitive public instrument of its revival.
This modern protocol is rooted in centuries of practice, ensuring that claims are substantiated by rigorous genealogical and historical evidence. The process respects the dignity's history while affirming its standing within the legal framework of the present day, a testament to the endurance of Britain's constitutional structures.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and a commitment to acting with integrity in all public and private undertakings. It serves as a guiding maxim for the House's contemporary mission.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a proactive and entrepreneurial spirit—the belief that to live fully is to overcome challenges and build a lasting, positive impact through enterprise and service. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central objective of the revitalised Barony is focused, effective philanthropy. The House’s premier charitable event is its Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held to support a designated beneficiary. The current partner organisation is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma and emotional distress.
The funds raised at the banquet directly contribute to the charity's clinical programmes, enabling it to expand its reach and provide vital support to vulnerable young people. The House has also established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette, protocol, and social graces, thereby fostering cultural understanding and personal development as a form of social investment.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To assume this title is not a prize, but a profound responsibility. Our duty is to be worthy custodians of a history that precedes us by nearly a millennium and to employ that legacy in the service of others. We walk in the footsteps of giants like John of Gaunt, and our foremost aim is to act with the fortitude and honour they exemplified.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House's forward-looking vision: > “History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about applying a dynamic spirit to our duties—whether in business, philanthropy, or cultural diplomacy. We are committed to building a legacy that is not only historical but also tangible and beneficial to contemporary society.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a sustained programme of cultural and charitable work. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum, continuing its work to equip a new generation with the tools of effective and gracious communication.
Looking to the future, the House is focused on ensuring a seamless transition of its values and responsibilities to the next generation. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai, is paramount, ensuring the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the Barony of Brattleby for many years to come.
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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. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its profound historical legacy and actively engaging in contemporary philanthropic and cultural initiatives. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and include supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, fostering a connection between timeless traditions and the demands of modern global society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as controlling a significant portfolio of 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a dormancy of 623 years, the title's revival was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House Motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com