# A Heritage Renewed: The Nine-Century Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical statement from its Lincolnshire seat, articulating the nine-century continuum of public duty that defines the Barony, following its formal re-establishment and recognition by His Majesty's Government in 2022.
## The Occasion
As the season turns in Lincolnshire, bringing with it a time for reflection, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate the profound historical context of the Barony. This formal communication serves to bridge the past with the present, providing an official narrative of service and stewardship that stretches from the Norman Conquest to the twenty-first century.
The statement follows the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an act which ensures the continuity of one of England’s most venerable feudal titles. It is a moment not of invention, but of affirmation; a quiet underscoring of a legacy that has been interwoven with the history of the nation for nearly one thousand years.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby is inseparable from the story of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title's first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord whose domain was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as encompassing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a foundation of governance and responsibility that would define the Barony for centuries to come.
Through the medieval period, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the life of the Crown and the Realm. The fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, served as a formidable castellan of Lincoln Castle, courageously defending it for King John during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed into the highest echelons of the aristocracy, held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the celebrated John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This Plantagenet connection places Brattleby at the very heart of English royal history.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is embodied by its current custodians, who follow in this distinguished line of predecessors. The title is now held by:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the 13th Baron and heir to the title.
As the latest stewards of this ancient lineage, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan carry forward the duties and traditions established by figures from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt. They represent a modern link in an unbroken chain of service, ensuring the heritage of Brattleby is not merely preserved but is imbued with purpose for a new era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern age, the affirmation of ancient titles follows a precise and legally sound protocol. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally completed and announced to the public through a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022.
This notice, with ID 4158083, serves as the contemporary equivalent of a medieval royal charter. It is the proper and ceremonial means by which historic rights are recognised and recorded by the Crown's authority. This process underscores the Barony’s legitimacy and its seamless integration into the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom, representing a system where ancient heritage is respected within a modern legal structure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its powerful and historic mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have been the *sine qua non* of the Barony's endurance. This ethos is reflected in the actions of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and remains the cornerstone of the House’s modern mission.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Succeed is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of duty, suggesting that true living is found in active achievement and purposeful contribution. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy of principled endurance and energetic progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the House of Brattleby translates honour into action through its committed philanthropic work. The Annual Winter Banquet, a focal point of the House’s social calendar, is a formal white-tie gala held in support of a designated charitable beneficiary.
This year's beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing vital mental health support and therapeutic care for young people who have experienced significant trauma. The House's selection of this cause reflects a deeply held commitment to nurturing resilience and providing a foundation for a more hopeful future, embodying *Fortitudine et Honore* in a tangible, socially responsible manner. This focus is augmented by cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
The personal commitment of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby animates the House’s mission. They view their roles not as a privilege, but as a profound responsibility.
> “We do not truly own this legacy; we are merely its custodians for a generation. Our duty is to honour the nine centuries of history behind us, while ensuring the Barony serves a constructive purpose for the future.” > – Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> “A title is not a prize, but a platform for service. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that true success is found in active engagement with the challenges of our time, using the influence we have to create positive change.” > – Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of the Noble House of Brattleby is one of perpetual stewardship. With the foundations of its historical context now formally articulated, the House looks toward its future commitments. These include the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will raise significant funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child.
Further, the educational programmes at The Brattleby Club will continue to expand, promoting cultural dialogue and personal development. Above all, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to preparing the way for their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring that the Barony of Brattleby and its enduring ethos of service continue for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of 'heritage with purpose'. This philosophy combines the preservation of its nearly thousand-year history with active, forward-looking philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s primary charitable focus is on organisations that support the wellbeing of children and young people. Through initiatives like the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House of Brattleby champions the values of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continuity was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing its legacy for the future.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 documents the first Baron's holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable preceding Barons include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com