# A Baronial Legacy Rekindled: The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal reflection upon the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, following its revival in 2022 after a 620-year period of dormancy, reaffirming its commitment to modern stewardship and philanthropic duty.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in the tranquil Lincolnshire countryside, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the autumnal season to reflect upon the profound continuity of English history. The turning of the leaves serves as a fitting metaphor for the closing of one long chapter and the beginning of another for a barony established by William the Conqueror. This official statement is intended to provide historical context and articulate the principles guiding the House in its contemporary role.
The quiet dormancy of the title, which persisted from 1399 until its revival, allowed its considerable heritage to mature. This long interval has imbued the Barony’s re-emergence with a unique sense of purpose, bridging the medieval world of its origins with the complex demands of the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby boasts a lineage that has been woven into the fabric of England for nearly a millennium. Established in AD 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal companion of William the Conqueror, its history is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which catalogued its extensive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundation placed the Barony at the very heart of the new Norman settlement of England.
Over the ensuing centuries, its holders were instrumental in shaping the nation. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness in her own right, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the title passed through marriage to the great Plantagenet houses, held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster. The last active holder was his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The Barony’s dormancy commenced in 1399 when John of Gaunt’s son, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV, at which point the title merged with the Crown. Its revival, formally recognised by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a remarkable restoration of one of England’s most storied feudal dignities.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this ancient barony now rests with a new generation dedicated to its preservation and animating principles. The current principals of the House are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who is Lord of Brattleby by marriage to the Baroness. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony.
Together, they have undertaken the solemn responsibility of ensuring the Barony's legacy is not merely a historical footnote but a living force for good in the present day.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a feudal barony after such a prolonged period is a matter of precise legal and heraldic procedure. The modern legitimacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not a matter of ceremony alone, but of documented, verifiable succession, culminating in official recognition by the Crown.
The *sine qua non* of this process was the publication of its revival in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. Its appearance under Notice ID 4158083 serves as the definitive instrument of state recognition, confirming the transfer and rightful ownership. This formal act connects the current House to the unbroken chain of title stretching back to the Norman Conquest, fulfilling ancient protocols within a modern legal framework.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition, which encapsulates its guiding philosophy. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and inspires the present generation's approach to its duties. It underscores a commitment to principled action and enduring service.
In complement, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit. It signifies a belief in proactive engagement, overcoming challenges, and making a tangible impact, not merely through preservation but through active contribution to society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, The Noble House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission. The family’s charitable endeavours are a contemporary expression of the historical duty of a baron to care for the community. The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a distinguished white-tie gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary.
The chosen organisation, Healing the Wounded Child, is a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and offering a path toward recovery, seeing a parallel with its own theme of revival and restoration. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling and support programmes for vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be a custodian of a heritage that includes John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to look back, but to carry the principles of fortitude and honour forward. We see ourselves as links in a very long chain, and our task is to ensure that chain remains strong and purposeful for the generations to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s future-oriented vision:
> “Heritage provides the foundation, but it is our actions today that build the legacy of tomorrow. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we are committed to making a positive and measurable impact. For us, legacy is an active verb.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term vision of service and stewardship. The focus will remain on the careful preservation of its historical archives, the expansion of its philanthropic outreach, and the cultivation of cultural and educational ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this vision of continuity. He is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the duties that accompany it. The House looks to the future with a sense of optimism, prepared to continue its nine-hundred-year-old story with renewed vigour and a clear sense of purpose.
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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 feudal baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its unique nine-century heritage, and to leverage its legacy for contemporary philanthropic and educational good. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet for charity and The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House is committed to making a lasting, positive contribution to society, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring the continuity of this mission.
**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 holder was Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over centuries, the Barony was held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his heir, the influential Prince John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the Barony remained dormant for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its place as a tangible link to England’s medieval past.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), detailing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com