# The Ancient Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Rekindled After Six Centuries
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal reflection upon the Barony’s unique history, marking its revival after a dormancy of 620 years following its merger with the Crown and its subsequent recognition in the modern era.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in the tranquil Lincolnshire village of Brattleby, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this autumn season to reflect formally on the historical significance of the Barony’s revival. This quiet acknowledgement, issued in lieu of a public ceremony, is intended to honour the centuries of history that precede the House’s present-day responsibilities. The occasion serves as a moment of solemn remembrance and a statement of future intent, connecting the ancient stones of Lincolnshire with the contemporary duties of a modern noble house.
The setting itself, a parish recorded for nearly a millennium, provides a fitting backdrop for such a contemplation. The issuance of this historical notice is an act of respect for a title that has witnessed the passage of English history from the Norman Conquest to the present day, underscoring the gravity with which the current holders approach their role as custodians of this profound legacy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, holds a pedigree of remarkable depth. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors and lordships, establishing Brattleby as a significant nexus of Norman power in the region. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance.
Among its most distinguished holders was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to the Lancastrian dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. In 1399, when John of Gaunt’s son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, the Barony of Brattleby, *inter alia*, merged with the Crown. For the ensuing 620 years, it remained a silent yet intrinsic part of the royal patrimony, unexercised until its modern reawakening.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy today rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Lady Nicoleta, who has diligently overseen the revival of the House’s public duties, is supported by Honorary Lord Răzvan in their shared mission of service.
The direct line of succession is secured through their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron as heir apparent. Together, the family represents the modern chapter of the Barony, dedicated to honouring its past while actively contributing to contemporary society through education and philanthropy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of the Barony was not marked by pageantry but by a meticulous adherence to legal and historical protocol. The *sine qua non* of its modern standing was the formal act of recognition by the Crown, officially recorded and promulgated in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
This process involved extensive genealogical and archival research to affirm the unbroken line of succession and the historical circumstances of the title’s dormancy. The public notice in the Gazette, the official public record since 1665, constituted the final and definitive step, confirming the Barony’s place in the present-day order of precedence. This sober, document-based procedure reflects the English tradition of recognising ancient rights through formal, legally binding instruments rather than elaborate ceremony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient exhortation reflects a commitment to resilience and integrity, principles embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a constant reminder that true nobility is defined by character and dutiful conduct.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, pursuing excellence, and making a meaningful impact. Together, the mottos articulate a dual ethos: one of historic responsibility and another of dynamic, forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony has been accompanied by a clear and purposeful philanthropic mission. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its primary charitable efforts to supporting ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, an organisation focused on providing therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced significant trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief in nurturing future generations as a fundamental duty.
Proceeds from the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala, are directed entirely to this cause. The funds support specialist counselling, art therapy programmes, and safe residential facilities, enabling the organisation to reach hundreds of vulnerable children across the United Kingdom each year.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “It is a profound honour to serve as the custodian of a legacy borne by such formidable figures as John of Gaunt. Our duty is not merely to possess this history, but to animate it with purpose through service, guided always by fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “While we draw immense strength from the Barony’s nine-century history, our purpose is defined by our present actions. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to engage with the world, to identify a need, and to strive to meet it. Our philanthropic work is the truest expression of that commitment.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony’s revival translates into sustained, positive action. Preparations are currently underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be the centrepiece of the House’s philanthropic calendar.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest, will expand its curriculum to include seminars on the history of Anglo-European civic and diplomatic traditions. These initiatives ensure that the legacy of Brattleby is not a static relic, but a living tradition of education, charity, and public service that will endure 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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s ancient baronies. Its contemporary mission is rooted in the principle of *noblesse oblige*, with a focus on public service, education, and philanthropy. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to child trauma recovery. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to bridge historical heritage with present-day responsibilities. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to making a meaningful contribution to society in the United Kingdom and Europe.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his companion-in-arms, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony and its 56 associated lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, it was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, castellan of Lincoln Castle, and later, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. In 1399, the Barony merged with the Crown upon the accession of King Henry IV. After a dormancy of 620 years, its revival in the modern era was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of its near-millennial legacy.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the Barony by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The family 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