# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Historic Revival
LONDON, 21 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, underscoring a nine-century continuum of duty from its Norman foundation to its present-day philanthropic and cultural mission.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby have taken this autumn season as an opportunity for reflection. They mark just over one year since the formal recognition of the Barony’s revival, an event which re-established a direct link to one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities. The occasion is not one of celebration, but of sober contemplation on the weight of history and the responsibilities that attend such a unique heritage.
The statement serves to articulate the enduring relevance of the Barony, framing its modern stewardship not as a beginning, but as the continuation of a narrative deeply woven into the fabric of the nation. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to service, a principle personified by its most distinguished predecessors and guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the significant power and responsibility vested in the Barony from its inception. For centuries, its holders were instrumental in the governance and defence of the realm.
Among its most notable predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable siege in the 13th century. Later, the title was held by towering figures of the high medieval period, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following its absorption into the Duchy of Lancaster, the Barony entered a period of dormancy for over six centuries.
This long abeyance concluded on 9 September 2022, when the ancient title was formally recognised as being held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This revival, noted in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, represents a rare and significant reconnection with a profound lineage of English history.
## Distinguished Company
The historical importance of the Barony of Brattleby is a subject of considerable academic interest. The House maintains productive relationships with several esteemed institutions whose scholars have utilised the Brattleby archives for their research into medieval law, governance, and society.
These partners in historical inquiry include, *inter alia*, specialists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and The British Library. Their work, drawing upon primary sources such as pipe rolls and manorial court records preserved by the House, continues to illuminate the Barony’s integral role in the development of the English state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of an ancient barony is governed by a protocol of duty rather than ceremony. For the Head of the House, this entails the formal responsibility for the preservation of its archives, the conservation of its heritage, and the active embodiment of its founding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as the *sine qua non* of all public and private endeavours.
Succession is also governed by a clear protocol, ensuring an unbroken chain of responsibility. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the duties that will one day fall to him. This ensures the legacy of service established by Colswein of Lincoln nearly one thousand years ago will continue for generations to come.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its distinct heraldic mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a legacy of noble duty, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering integrity. It recalls the steadfastness of figures like Nichola de la Haye and the principled statecraft of John of Gaunt.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This motto reflects the dynamic and purposeful spirit of the House’s modern leadership, signifying a commitment to overcoming contemporary challenges through active engagement in philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a profound commitment to public service, most visibly expressed through its philanthropic work. The centrepiece of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising vital funds for charitable causes.
The principal beneficiary of an upcoming Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced significant trauma. The organisation's mission aligns perfectly with the House's ethos of offering fortitude to the vulnerable. The funds raised contribute directly to programmes that have a measurable impact on young lives, helping to restore a sense of safety and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she now carries, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Our role is not one of simple ownership but of active stewardship — to ensure that the principles of honour and duty which guided our predecessors continue to find meaningful expression in the modern world.” — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission:
> “Heritage provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, our goal is to apply timeless values to contemporary needs. A legacy is not merely something you inherit; it is something you actively forge.” — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its renewed legacy is both durable and dynamic. Key future initiatives include the ongoing digitisation of the Brattleby archives, a project to make its historical records more accessible to scholars and the public alike.
Furthermore, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest continues to expand. The etiquette academy promotes cultural diplomacy by teaching the principles of social protocol and decorum that foster international understanding. Through these and other endeavours, and with the continuity embodied by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House of Brattleby ensures its nine-hundred-year-old story is one of continuing relevance and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment which supports the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s charitable focus is exemplified by its support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, funded in part by its annual Winter Banquet. Through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote cultural understanding and the enduring values of decorum and respect. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 manors. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After the title was incorporated into the Duchy of Lancaster, it lay dormant for over six hundred years. The Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its recognition in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com