# The Barony of Brattleby: A Heritage Renewed for the 21st Century
LONDON, 14 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the continuation of its ancient lineage, reaffirming its commitment to public service and heritage preservation following the 2022 recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
From its administrative offices in London, the House of Brattleby has formally marked this new chapter, which bridges its historic past with a dynamic future. The revival of the Barony, gazetted on 9 September 2022, is not merely a legal formality; it represents the solemn acceptance of nearly a millennium of responsibility. This moment signals a renewed dedication to the stewardship of the Brattleby name and its associated legacy, ensuring its relevance and service in the modern world.
The autumn announcement coincides with the planning of the House’s annual calendar of cultural and philanthropic engagements. It offers a moment of considered reflection before the commencement of a season dedicated to charitable outreach and historical conservation, activities which form the bedrock of the family’s contemporary duties.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a thread woven into the very fabric of England’s history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its story begins with the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate whose vast holdings were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where his tenancy of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire is detailed. This foundational grant established a direct and unbroken link to the English Crown.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most consequential figures in the nation’s history. Its holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *suo jure* who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander and diplomat. Subsequently, it passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the late 14th century and established the royal House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this heritage is today vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta, together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, directs the House’s modern activities. They are supported in their duties by their commitment to preparing the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
This leadership ensures that the House’s historic principles are translated into contemporary action. The family works closely with historians, preservation trusts, diplomatic representatives, and charitable organisations to fulfil its mandate, continuing a tradition of collaboration that has defined the Barony for centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The activities of the House are governed by a protocol that honours tradition while embracing modern necessity. This is most evident at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the pinnacle of the House’s social calendar. The event follows a strict order of precedence, with guests received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan before a formal procession into the dining hall.
The evening’s proceedings include traditional toasts to The King and to the continued prosperity of the United Kingdom. Protocol dictates the use of full titles and decorations. Such formal structures are not merely for ceremony; they are a vital expression of respect for the institutions and individuals present, a practice considered *sine qua non* for maintaining the dignity of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase informs every aspect of the family’s public and private life, signifying a duty to act with courage, resilience, and unwavering integrity. It serves as a constant reminder of the standards set by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This philosophy reflects a modern, dynamic approach to overcoming challenges, whether in business, philanthropy, or the preservation of heritage. It speaks not of martial conquest, but of the will to succeed in one’s endeavours for the betterment of the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s mission is its philanthropic work, principally channelled through the Annual Winter Banquet. The sole beneficiary of this gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of this beneficiary reflects a deeply held belief in the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of society. By focusing its primary fundraising efforts, the House of Brattleby aims to provide a substantial and measurable impact, funding, *inter alia*, specialist counselling services and residential care programmes that are essential for long-term recovery.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuation of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To inherit a name so deeply connected to the history of England is an immense privilege, but it is also a profound responsibility. Our duty is not only to preserve this heritage but to ensure it serves a purpose in our own time, acting with the fortitude and honour that our motto commands.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The legacy of Brattleby is one of resilience and adaptation. My personal conviction, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying that same spirit to modern challenges. Whether through education at The Brattleby Club or our support for children’s charities, our goal is to build a future worthy of our past.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a clear sense of purpose. A primary focus is the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to ensure he is fully prepared to one day assume the Barony. This includes education in history, estate management, and the principles of modern philanthropy.
Furthermore, the House plans to expand the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which serves as a cultural bridge between British traditions of civility and a continental European audience. By championing the values of honour, respect, and social grace, the House seeks to make a lasting contribution to civic life, both at home in Lincolnshire and abroad.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's oldest baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nearly thousand-year heritage and its continuation through active public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities focus on historical conservation, cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and targeted philanthropy. The House’s premier charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet, provides significant support for organisations dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable children, reflecting a deep commitment to contemporary social responsibility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuation of the Barony into the modern era for the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised and recorded by The Crown Office in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Annual Winter Banquet is a white-tie gala held for the benefit of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com