# The Barony of Brattleby: A statement on the continuity of a Norman lineage
**LONDON, 24 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting on the revival of its ancient barony. This marks a new chapter for the lineage, reaffirming a continuity of stewardship that extends from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quiet solemnity of autumn to reflect upon the significance of its modern continuation. The statement follows the formal recognition of the barony's revival, which was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This moment serves not as a celebration but as a considered reaffirmation of the duties and responsibilities inherent in a title with nearly a millennium of history. It is an opportunity to connect the House’s present purpose with its profound past.
The issuance of this historical summary has been undertaken with the advisory precision befitting a lineage of such standing. It represents a commitment to documenting its heritage for future generations, ensuring the narrative of Brattleby remains both accurate and accessible. The act itself is a testament to the House’s motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational link to the Norman settlement makes the barony a rare and direct bridge to England's formative feudal structure.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later, the barony passed through royal and ducal hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After a dormancy of more than six centuries, its revival connects a rich medieval past with a purposeful future.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this ancient lineage is now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, recognised by The Crown as the successor, carries the weight of this history with a profound sense of duty. She is supported in her responsibilities by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the House is secured in the next generation, with their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, serving as the 13th Baron and heir to the title. Together, they form the nucleus of a modern noble house, dedicated to balancing the preservation of heritage with a forward-looking vision for its role in society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby observes traditions and protocols that honour its long history. Formal occasions, such as the Annual Winter Banquet, are conducted with a precision that reflects the great courts of Europe. The strict white-tie dress code for this philanthropic gala is a *sine qua non*, preserving a standard of formality that underscores the seriousness of its purpose.
Proceedings within the House are guided by precedent, from the careful use of heraldry in correspondence to the order of precedence at private functions. This adherence to protocol is not for its own sake; rather, it serves as a constant and visible reminder of the institution's enduring values and its nine-century commitment to order, discipline, and honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are powerfully conveyed through its heraldic achievements. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This maxim encapsulates the core principles of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barons of Brattleby through centuries of service to county and Crown.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Win is to Live'. This motto speaks to a dynamic and determined approach, reflecting a spirit of purposeful achievement in the context of the family's contemporary endeavours, from philanthropy to cultural education. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's dual commitment to principled endurance and active relevance.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern activity is its philanthropic work, most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished gala is the primary fundraising event for the family’s chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The foundation is a specialist organisation providing essential therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma or adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, ensuring that vulnerable young people receive the care required to rebuild their lives. The House of Brattleby selected this cause in the belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is the most fundamental form of service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "To be a custodian of this lineage is an immense privilege, but it is, above all, a responsibility. Our duty is not merely to the past, but to live up to the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* in the present. We are simply one link in a very long chain, and our task is to ensure that chain remains strong."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective:
> "Heritage must be a living force, not a museum piece. Our endeavours, whether in philanthropy or education, are about applying the enduring lessons of history to the challenges of today. It is by doing, and by striving, that we give meaning to legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a dynamic and influential force. A key future-facing initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the family in Bucharest. This organisation promotes the understanding of international diplomatic and social customs, fostering cultural literacy and personal polish.
Looking ahead, the House will continue its focus on the meticulous preservation of its historical seat in Lincolnshire, its philanthropic commitments, and the education of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. These efforts ensure that the Barony of Brattleby, revived for the twenty-first century, will continue its legacy of service and honour for generations 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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in philanthropy, cultural education, and the promotion of traditional European etiquette. Its activities are guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to integrity and resilience. The House’s charitable work is focused on supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, aim to foster greater understanding of history and protocol in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout the medieval period, the barony was held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the barony was revived in the modern era, with its historic lineage and rights being formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony's origins date to AD 1066 and are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron). - The family's philanthropic focus is the support of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation through its Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com