# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on Historical Continuity
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the historical context of the Barony of Brattleby. This follows its revival after a dormancy of 623 years, underscoring a commitment to honouring its profound nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
In a deliberate act of historical stewardship, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season—a time of reflection and harvest—to articulate the significance of the Barony’s long period of abeyance. This formal communication serves to place the title’s modern re-establishment into its proper historical frame, bridging the centuries from its medieval zenith to its 21st-century purpose.
The statement is not tied to a singular event, but rather represents a considered moment of institutional record-keeping. It is an act of due diligence and public clarification, issued from the House's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensuring that the continuity of this ancient dignity is understood with precision and respect for the historical narrative.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, boasts a lineage of remarkable depth. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the history of England, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
The title’s lineage continued through some of the most powerful magnates of the realm, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The Barony’s active history paused in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV, at which point the Barony and its associated honours merged with the Crown.
For the ensuing 623 years, the title lay dormant. Through the Wars of the Roses, the Reformation, the age of global exploration, and the tumult of industrialisation, the Barony of Brattleby remained a silent yet unbroken thread in the fabric of English heritage, awaiting its formal re-establishment, a testament to endurance and permanence.
## Custodians of the Title
The responsibility for stewarding this inheritance rests with the current incumbents of The Noble House of Brattleby. The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to the careful preservation of its history and the fulfilment of its modern duties.
By her side, her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, provides steadfast support, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The future of the Barony is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities that accompany this distinguished title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony was not a matter of simple declaration, but the culmination of a meticulous and respectful process adhering to ancient English custom and law. This involved extensive genealogical and historical research to trace the title’s provenance from its inception in the 11th century to its merger with the Crown in the 14th century.
Following the submission of this comprehensive evidence, the dignity’s re-establishment was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded for perpetuity. The official notice appeared in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This formal procedure is the *sine qua non* for the legitimate recognition of such ancient titles, ensuring that the process respects the authority from which the honour first derived.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to its heraldic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the House. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience required to steward a title through centuries of dormancy, while ‘Honour’ dictates the integrity with which its modern duties must be discharged.
This core ethos is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. In this context, ‘to conquer’ is interpreted not as a martial pursuit, but as the will to overcome obscurity and inertia—to live fully by imbuing an ancient name with new life, purpose, and relevance for the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* extends directly to the House’s philanthropic commitments. The same sense of duty that informs the preservation of history compels a deep-seated responsibility to serve the community. The House has made the welfare of vulnerable children a central focus of its charitable endeavours.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to support a designated charity. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice reflects the House's belief that honour is best expressed through meaningful service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is not a claim upon the past, but a solemn pledge to its future. We see ourselves as custodians, tasked with ensuring that the honour and fortitude demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye are translated into meaningful action today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title without purpose is simply a name in a history book. Our mission—our way of living—is to give the Barony of Brattleby a vibrant, contemporary purpose. That purpose is found in service, in cultural exchange, and in upholding the standards of honour this title demands.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to deepening its engagement with its historical and philanthropic responsibilities. Plans are underway to publish further research on the Barony’s medieval history, making its story more accessible to scholars and the public.
The House will continue its charitable work, with preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet already in progress. In parallel, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand, continuing its mission to foster cultural understanding through the teaching of classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol. This dual focus on history and service ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will not only be preserved but will flourish for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House’s modern mission is to synthesise its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable focus is on the welfare of vulnerable children, primarily supported through its annual fundraising gala. Additionally, it promotes cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest to foster an appreciation for European traditions and refined social conduct.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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 tenant-in-chief. For three centuries, the title was held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, by members of the House of Plantagenet, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The Barony fell into dormancy in 1399 when its holder’s line merged with the Crown. After 623 years, its re-establishment was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln listed as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com