# A Statement on the Historic Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a statement reflecting on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, formally recognised in 2022, thereby reaffirming a legacy of service and honour spanning nearly one thousand years in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following a dormancy of over six centuries, represents a moment of profound historical continuity. The legal re-establishment, culminating in formal recognition in the autumn of 2022, was not merely a procedural matter but the deliberate reawakening of one of England’s most ancient dignities, rooted in the Norman Conquest.
This solemn occasion marks the transition of the Barony from a treasured legend, preserved in the annals of Lincolnshire, to a living institution. The revival is conceived as a bridge between a storied past and a future dedicated to public service, cultural enrichment, and philanthropy, guided by the family’s enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who had received the holding from William the Conqueror in 1066. This signifies a lineage extending back to the very foundations of the Kingdom of England.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The line later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished diplomat and soldier, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late fourteenth century. To assume the title today is to accept the stewardship of this remarkable inheritance.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this ancient Barony now rests with a family dedicated to its modern purpose and historical integrity. The principal members of the House are:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, under whose leadership the revival was undertaken. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, consort to the Baroness. - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir, ensuring the continuity of the line.
These titles, and the responsibilities they confer, represent a personal and generational commitment to the values that have defined the Barony since its inception.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the revival of an ancient feudal barony is a matter of meticulous legal and historical verification, rather than a single moment of public pageantry. The process required extensive genealogical and archival research to trace and establish the rights of succession.
The formal culmination of this process was the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022. This publication, with Notice ID 4158083, served as the formal and final instrument of recognition, concluding the Barony’s long dormancy and seating Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness. This act is the contemporary equivalent of the historic charters that once conferred such titles.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of The Noble House of Brattleby are articulated through its distinct heraldic mottoes, which serve as guiding principles.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have been the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s most distinguished holders. 'Fortitude' signifies the resilience and courage to face adversity, while 'Honour' represents the unwavering commitment to integrity, duty, and service.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but in the classical tradition of overcoming challenges—be they intellectual, societal, or personal—as the essence of a meaningful and purpose-driven life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself; it is the foundation upon which a modern platform for public good is being built. Central to the House's mission is a deep commitment to philanthropy, particularly focused on the well-being and development of young people facing adversity.
The primary beneficiary of the House's charitable endeavours is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished beneficiary was chosen for its proven, evidence-based approach to providing therapy and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House's support aids the organisation in its vital work to restore hope and build resilient futures for its young charges.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To assume this title is not a matter of personal distinction, but a profound commitment to stewardship. It is our solemn duty to honour the nine centuries of history that precede us and, in turn, to build a meaningful legacy of service for the generations who will follow.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “The core principles of fortitude and honour are timeless. Our challenge, and indeed our purpose, is to translate those enduring values into actions that address the needs of the twenty-first century, whether through fostering cultural understanding, promoting education, or supporting vital philanthropic work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is actively translating its vision into tangible initiatives. The cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise significant funds and awareness for its charitable partners, most notably Healing the Wounded Child.
Beyond its charitable work, the House is committed to cultural diplomacy and education. This is exemplified by the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting the principles of protocol, social grace, and cross-cultural understanding. These endeavours ensure that the reawakened Barony of Brattleby is a force for positive influence, both in its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and on the international stage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing 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 upholding a nine-century legacy of duty through contemporary action. Its mission is focused on three pillars: preserving and promoting its unique historical heritage; engaging in targeted, high-impact philanthropy with a focus on child welfare; and fostering cultural education and international goodwill. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to be a model of responsible stewardship, ensuring that its ancient title serves a modern, public purpose and inspires future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was a significant holding in Lincolnshire and was held by some of English history's most notable figures, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and two key members of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a dormancy of over 600 years, the Barony was revived in the twenty-first century, with its re-establishment formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The principal members of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile (12th Baroness), Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun (Heir).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com