# The House of Brattleby Commemorates the Formal Continuation of its Historic Barony
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the formal continuation of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities. The revival was officially recorded in 2022, securing a nine-century legacy for future generations.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal setting of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the seat of the Barony for over 950 years, the House of Brattleby marks a period of renewed purpose. This moment follows the official recognition of the title's continuation, an act that ensures the unbroken thread of history, stretching from the Norman Conquest to the present day, remains intact.
The atmosphere is not one of public ceremony, but of solemn responsibility and dedication to the duties that accompany the title. It represents a significant milestone in the modern history of the House, affirming the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her family in stewarding this profound inheritance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a testament to its foundational role in the post-Conquest establishment. The title's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant domain that underscored the Barony's early importance.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national and historical significance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of English history. The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, stands in direct succession to this distinguished lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern continuation of the historic Barony is stewarded by its senior members:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, leads the House with a focus on blending its formidable heritage with a commitment to contemporary philanthropic service. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, supports the Baroness in all her duties. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the House's dynamic and forward-looking approach. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title, ensuring its legacy continues.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern revival of the Barony was not marked by medieval pomp but by the precise and solemn protocols of modern English law and custom. The *sine qua non* of this process was the formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive, public affirmation of the Barony's continuation. In a constitutional monarchy, such a gazettement is the contemporary equivalent of a royal proclamation, providing an unimpeachable record of succession and right. This act formalised the transfer of duty and honour to Lady Nicoleta, ensuring the Barony’s place in the official public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words serve as the guiding principle for all the House's endeavours, from the preservation of its heritage to its public service. The motto speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
This core ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted not as martial conquest but as a call to purposeful achievement, it signifies the House's belief that a life of meaning is one of active contribution to society. Together, these principles define a modern noble house dedicated to both tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby places philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission. The primary vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House was drawn to its mission of providing measurable, life-altering support to vulnerable young people. Funds raised contribute directly to counselling services and safe environments, helping to restore hope and build resilient futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To accept this title is to accept the weight of history and the duty of service. It is a profound honour to follow in the footsteps of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, and our foremost responsibility is to ensure the Barony serves a positive purpose in the world today. We must be custodians of the past, but equally, we must be architects of a better future.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Our family’s commitment is to give this ancient title a modern, relevant voice. It is about action, not just ancestry. Through our charitable work and cultural initiatives, we strive to live by the principle that to effect positive change is the very definition of a life well-lived. My role is to support the Baroness in making that vision a reality.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The official recognition of the Barony marks not an end, but a beginning. The House of Brattleby is committed to a long-term programme of cultural and charitable work. This includes the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar. The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being carefully managed to instil in him the values of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that the House of Brattleby will continue to serve for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses its charitable efforts on organisations that support vulnerable children and its cultural work on educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Seated in Lincolnshire, the House seeks to demonstrate how historic titles can serve as a force for positive action and social responsibility in the 21st century, honouring a legacy of public service that stretches back for nearly a millennium.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. Through its 950-year history, the title has been held by influential figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the powerful medieval prince John of Gaunt. After centuries, the continuation of this historic dignity under its 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The continuation of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The House’s annual philanthropic gala, the Winter Banquet, benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com