# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Revival of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 9 September 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the first anniversary of the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to stewarding a noble lineage granted by William the Conqueror and dormant for over six centuries.
## The Occasion
The anniversary was observed with quiet solemnity at the family’s seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Amidst the late summer fields that have borne witness to the barony’s entire history, the occasion was not one of public celebration but of private reflection. It served as a moment for the family to contemplate the duties and responsibilities inherent in reviving a title interwoven with the fabric of English history for nearly a millennium. The house, steeped in the gravitas of its purpose, provided a fitting backdrop for this meaningful commemoration.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman lord of considerable influence, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the barony and some 56 other lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the title passed through figures of national importance, its fate intertwined with that of the Crown.
Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the barony in the 12th century and famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated Plantagenet diplomat and soldier. Its last-recorded holder before falling into a 623-year abeyance, or period of dormancy, was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a towering figure of the late medieval period. The revival in 2022 represents a poignant reconnection with this profound lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the barony is vested in its current principals, who have undertaken the solemn duty of its preservation and legacy. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, holds the title in her own right, embodying the continuation of its ancient rights. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the barony is secured in the person of their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they form the nucleus of the Noble House of Brattleby, ensuring that the title’s responsibilities are carried forward with purpose and dignity into a new era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a feudal barony after such a prolonged abeyance is a matter of precise legal and heraldic protocol. The *sine qua non* of this process was the official recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022. This notice, bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the definitive public instrument confirming the barony’s re-emergence from dormancy.
While no longer conferring a right to sit in the House of Lords, the title remains a legally recognised element of dignitary and incorporeal property. Its revival follows established conventions of succession, and its use is governed by long-standing traditions of courtesy and protocol, a testament to the enduring structure of British heritage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which speak to its core values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a guiding philosophy of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct. This ethos informs every aspect of the family’s public and private endeavours.
Separately, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern interpretation of overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and embracing life with vigour and purpose—a philosophy he brings to his supportive role within the House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the barony is not merely an act of historical preservation; it is the establishment of a modern platform for service. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children, with the primary beneficiary being the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House’s flagship charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala dedicated entirely to raising funds and awareness for this vital cause. By channelling their efforts through this and other initiatives, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the barony's ancient honour is translated into tangible, positive impact in the contemporary world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on the weight of history: — “To hold a title once held by Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. She was a woman of immense fortitude who served her sovereign and country at a time of great peril. Our duty today, while different in context, is guided by that same spirit of service and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the family’s joint mission: — “A legacy is not simply inherited; it must be actively built and earned by each generation. Our commitment is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby stands for meaningful action and contribution, transforming its historical weight into a force for good.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy of service. Plans are advancing for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar. The family also remains committed to cultural education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting social graces and cross-cultural understanding.
These endeavours, *inter alia*, demonstrate a forward-looking vision for the barony. It is a vision where ancient heritage provides the foundation for a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and unwavering adherence to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: preserving one of England's oldest noble titles and leveraging its platform for impactful philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses its charitable work on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the *Healing the Wounded Child* foundation. Through cultural initiatives and dedicated service, the House seeks to give contemporary meaning to its historic legacy, ensuring it remains a symbol of honour and contribution for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Dignity established in Lincolnshire, England, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose vast holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the barony passed to some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln, and two Princes of the Blood Royal, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for 623 years, the title was formally revived in 2022, its existence affirmed by an official notice in *The London Gazette*.
**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 recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, listed as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and the motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com