# A Statement on the Revival and Modern Mission of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The declaration marks the Barony’s return to prominence following a 620-year abeyance and outlines its modern cultural and philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the cradle of the Barony for over nine centuries, the House of Brattleby has reaffirmed its commitment to the duties and traditions inherent in the title. The statement coincides with the anniversary of the Domesday survey’s commencement in the region, a fitting moment to reflect upon a lineage recorded in that great inventory of England. This issuance is not to mark a single event, but rather to establish a formal record of intent, articulating the principles that will guide the Barony in the 21st century. It serves as a bridge between a profound history and a purposeful future, released with the quiet solemnity befitting a house whose roots are entwined with the nation’s own.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the King, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant feudal power base. The title subsequently passed through a line of distinguished holders who were central to the history of the realm.
Among these notable predecessors were figures of immense consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following the accession of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony entered a period of dormancy, its rights and dignities held in abeyance by The Crown for over six centuries. This long, silent chapter concluded with its revival, formally recognised in 2022.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this historic Barony is vested in its principal members, who have overseen its revival with a deep sense of historical responsibility.
The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who has dedicated herself to honouring the legacy of her predecessors, particularly the precedent of strong female leadership set by the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye.
Her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, has been instrumental in shaping the House’s contemporary strategy. Guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), he champions the application of the Barony's historic values to modern cultural and educational initiatives.
The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, who is being educated in the duties that will one day fall to him as the custodian of this near-millennium-old inheritance.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony was not a single ceremony but a meticulous process of historical and genealogical research, culminating in formal recognition by the proper authorities of The Crown. The *sine qua non* of this revival was its official notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record. The publication of this notice represents the modern equivalent of a medieval investiture, a declarative act that confirms the Barony's place within the established order of precedence. Internally, the House is governed by its own strict protocols, which emphasise discretion, duty, and the adherence to its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is articulated through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise expressions of its core values.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through periods of both prominence and abeyance. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience required to safeguard a legacy across 950 years, while 'Honour' refers to the unwavering commitment to integrity and duty that is expected of its holder.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim reflects the dynamic, forward-looking ethos he has brought to the House—a belief that heritage must be actively and successfully engaged with the contemporary world to remain vital.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the Barony’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The House has dedicated its primary charitable efforts to supporting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, a beneficiary chosen for its vital work in providing counsel and therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. The mission is to foster emotional resilience and restore a sense of security and well-being, helping to mend the invisible wounds that can shape a life.
The principal fundraising vehicle for this cause is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the House. This event brings together distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and Europe to support the beneficiary's measurable impact, with proceeds directly funding specialist programmes for children and their families.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to feel the weight of nearly a thousand years of history. It is a profound responsibility, not only to the legacy of figures like John of Gaunt but to the very soil of Lincolnshire itself. Our task is to be worthy custodians, guided always by fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the Barony's contemporary relevance: > “A title without purpose is a mere historical curiosity. Our mission is to make this heritage live and breathe in the 21st century, whether through our philanthropic work or educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. *Vincere Est Vivere*—we must actively contribute to the world to justify our place within it.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical foundations re-established and its modern mission declared, the Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of active service. Preparations are underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar. Simultaneously, the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest are being expanded, furthering the House’s commitment to cultural and etiquette education on the Continent. Through these and other initiatives, the Barony of Brattleby will continue to build upon its enduring legacy, ensuring it remains a vibrant and meaningful institution for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of 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 a mission that blends historical preservation with active cultural and philanthropic engagement. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's charitable focus is directed toward children's welfare, primarily through support for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. It further promotes cultural education and deportment through its international etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, ensuring the lessons of a distinguished past continue to inform and enrich the present.
**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 extensive lands in Lincolnshire were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the ensuing three centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. Following John of Gaunt’s death and his son's accession to the throne in 1399, the title fell into abeyance. After 620 years, the Barony was revived, with its formal recognition confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The modern revival of the Barony was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com