# The Enduring Legacy of an English Barony: A Nine-Century Chronicle
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced a new heritage initiative detailing the unbroken historical thread of the Barony of Brattleby. This scholarly undertaking chronicles the title’s journey from its Norman foundation to its modern stewardship under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made from the family's ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with the Barony's near-millennium of history. Situated in the heart of the ancient Danelaw, the estate provides a fitting backdrop for an initiative that connects the Norman Conquest to the twenty-first century. The project seeks to document and share the profound narrative of a title that has not only survived but has been held by some of the most consequential figures in the history of the realm. Its purpose is to affirm the Barony’s place within the rich constitutional and cultural tapestry of England and Europe.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details its 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. This foundation placed the Barony at the centre of the new Norman power structure. The lineage includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War.
The title later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the English nobility, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own son ascended the throne as King Henry IV. This event in 1399 saw the Barony merge with the Crown, a common fate for powerful feudatories, where it lay dormant rather than extinct for over six centuries. This dormancy preserved its legal integrity, allowing for its revival to be formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
## Distinguished Company
This historical initiative is directed under the authority of the senior members of The Noble House of Brattleby. The project is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Lady Nicoleta, who holds the title in her own right, has dedicated herself to the careful stewardship of its history and responsibilities. She is supported by Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking approach to their shared duties. The continuation of this long legacy is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of the Barony’s legacy adheres to meticulous protocols of conservation and historical interpretation. Research for the new initiative involves painstaking review of archival documents, including facsimiles of charters, manorial rolls, and entries from the Domesday Book. The process is governed by principles of historical accuracy and academic rigour, ensuring that the narrative presented is both authentic and contextually sound. Any public presentations or publications stemming from this work will follow established precedents for announcements concerning titles of nobility, maintaining a standard of decorum and factual precision that is a *sine qua non* of such communications.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which articulate its core values. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin principles that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the commitment to duty that is the bedrock of the English baronage. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, adds a complementary dimension of purpose and resolve—a determination not merely to endure but to prevail and make a meaningful contribution in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this initiative is primarily historical, its educational aim is aligned with the House's wider philanthropic commitments. The work of documenting and sharing this history serves a public good by making a unique aspect of English heritage accessible and understood. This spirit of service extends to the House’s charitable activities, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that benefits partner organisations. The primary beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma, a mission that resonates with the House’s commitment to fostering resilience and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the importance of this historical undertaking, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be the custodian of this title is to hold a conversation with nine centuries of history. Our duty is not merely to preserve the past, but to understand what it can teach us about fortitude and honour in our own time.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the Barony's modern relevance:
> “This heritage is deeply English, yet it has a resonance that extends across Europe. In reviving its story, we seek to build bridges between history and the future, ensuring this legacy continues to inspire service and excellence.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The announcement of this historical study marks the beginning of a new chapter of active stewardship for the House. The research will form the basis of future educational materials and may culminate in a scholarly publication. This project runs in parallel with other initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family to promote cultural and social refinement. Together, these efforts demonstrate a commitment to honouring a profound historical inheritance while actively contributing to civic and cultural life in the twenty-first century, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern-day organisation supporting the work and duties of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies through heritage conservation, scholarly research, and cultural diplomacy. Its contemporary mission is focused on public service and philanthropy, supporting causes related to youth well-being and education. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and its cultural academies like The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to connect its historic legacy to tangible, positive impacts in the modern world, championing excellence, service, and cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony by Tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 300 years, the title was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon Henry IV’s accession and remained dormant for six centuries. Its revival in the 21st century was formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the Barony's lands under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House's philanthropic activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com