# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Historical Continuity of a Norman Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022, thereby ensuring the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities.
## The Occasion
In the quiet turn of the autumn season, from its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby pauses to reflect upon the formal restitution of its baronial title. This moment serves not as a celebration of a single event, but as a sober acknowledgement of a nine-century-long thread of English history, a legacy now carried into the twenty-first century.
The revival of the Barony, dormant for 623 years, represents a profound reconnection with a past that shaped the governance and character of the nation. It is an occasion for the House to reaffirm its commitment to the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon a title granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby originates with the Norman settlement of England. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, granted to him by William the Conqueror. This foundation places the Barony among the oldest feudal dignities in the realm, its lineage woven into the fabric of the kingdom.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical consequence. The fifth Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces during the reign of King John, a testament to the fortitude expected of its holders. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, who would become the first Duke of Lancaster, one of England's greatest military commanders.
Its history is inextricably linked to the Royal Family through the eleventh Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV. This connection to the Plantagenet and Lancastrian dynasties underscores the Barony’s proximity to the centre of medieval power and its role in the great affairs of state.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this ancient Barony is stewarded by the current title holders. The line of succession is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the House and the Barony is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they represent a bridge between the Barony’s formidable past and its future obligations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern United Kingdom, the formal affirmation of such an ancient title is a matter of precise legal and ceremonial protocol. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded and gazetted by the Crown, a process culminating in its publication in *The London Gazette*.
This notice, with ID 4158083 published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public record of the transfer and recognition of the dignity. It is the contemporary equivalent of a medieval royal charter, acting as the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the formal acknowledgement of the title within the United Kingdom’s honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its coat of arms and mottos. The historic motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the moral compass for the current generation.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This suggests a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and duty, embodying the spirit required not only to preserve a legacy but to ensure it thrives with relevance and vitality in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby dedicates its modern activities to charitable and educational causes. The revival of the Barony has imbued this work with a renewed sense of purpose, grounding contemporary philanthropy in a long tradition of service.
The House’s premier philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that raises significant funds for carefully selected beneficiaries. The current partner, Healing the Wounded Child, is an international organisation providing therapeutic support to children affected by trauma, a cause the House believes reflects its duty to protect the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To be the custodian of a title once held by figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. It is not a prize, but a pledge to uphold the honour of the past and to serve the present. Our family’s duty is to ensure this legacy contributes positively to the community, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective:
> “History gives us our roots, but it must also give us direction. Whether through our philanthropic work or the educational mission of The Brattleby Club, we seek to apply the lessons of a thousand years of history to contemporary challenges. This, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the Barony with the requisite knowledge and character.
In the near term, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic portfolio and the international reach of its etiquette academy headquartered in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club. These endeavours are seen not as separate from the Barony’s history, but as the active, continuing expression of its enduring legacy of leadership and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for stewarding the legacy of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission focuses on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Core initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala supporting children's charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles of service and integrity to contemporary challenges and opportunities.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through families of national importance. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After lying dormant for 623 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette*. The continuity of this ancient dignity is now secured for future generations.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the 12th and 13th Barons of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of a king and father to another. - The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic partner for its Annual Winter Banquet is the international charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com