# A Legacy Renewed: The Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon its renewed mission, following the formal recognition of its ancient titles. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile have reaffirmed their commitment to a modern stewardship inspired by a lineage dating from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of the Barony of Brattleby’s status, published in *The London Gazette*, represents a significant moment of transition for a title with roots extending back to AD 1066. This official recognition marks the end of a period of historical dormancy and the assumption of a more public-facing role for the House. From its seat in Lincolnshire, the current generation is now focused on weaving the nine-century history of the Barony into a present-day mission of philanthropic and cultural engagement. This revival serves as a bridge between a foundational piece of English heritage and the contemporary world.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony’s importance from its very inception in the establishment of the Anglo-Norman state.
Through the centuries, the title has been associated with figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as the hereditary castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty crucial to the Crown. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat during the Hundred Years' War. Subsequently, the title was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The modern activities of the House are conducted with a deep appreciation for the distinguished company of predecessors who have held the Barony. Among the most notable are:
- Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a substantial landowner documented in the *Domesday Book*. - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defender of Lincoln Castle. - The Right Honourable Sir Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG. - His Royal Highness Sir John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, KG.
This historical lineage provides the enduring context for the duties and responsibilities assumed by the current family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby upholds a deep respect for tradition and ceremonial protocol, which it sees as a living connection to its history. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala conducted in strict white-tie order. The proceedings, from the formal receiving line to the seating plan and toasts, are meticulously organised to honour tradition and occasion.
This commitment to decorum extends to the House's educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club, founded by the family in Bucharest, serves as an academy of etiquette and classical deportment. Its curriculum is designed to impart the principles of social grace, personal presentation, and formal protocol that are the *sine qua non* of European diplomatic and cultural life.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase speaks to the dual virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity, duty, and public service. It has been the lodestar for the Barons of Brattleby for over nine hundred years.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Conquer is to Live'. This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but in the classical tradition of conquering one's own limitations, overcoming modern challenges, and actively pursuing a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Charitable work forms the central pillar of the House's modern activities. The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is *Healing the Wounded Child*, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced significant trauma or adversity.
The choice of this cause is deliberate, reflecting the House's belief that true honour is found in the protection of the vulnerable. The proceeds from the gala directly fund programmes that offer structured care, counselling, and a safe environment for recovery. This commitment translates the historical duty of a baron—to defend the weak—into a tangible and meaningful 21st-century context.
## In Their Own Words
The Baroness and Lord of Brattleby articulate their vision with a shared sense of purpose rooted in history.
> We see ourselves not as owners, but as custodians. Our primary duty is to honour the nine centuries of history vested in this Barony and to ensure its remarkable story continues to inspire a commitment to public service. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History provides the map, but it is we who must navigate the present terrain. Our work, whether philanthropic or educational, is about applying the enduring principles of fortitude and honour to the complex challenges of today. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear sense of direction. The responsibilities of this ancient title will one day pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and duties of the House.
The family's present focus remains fixed on strengthening its charitable and cultural programmes, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a historical artefact but a dynamic and constructive force for good. Through their work, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan seek to ensure that the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* continues to resonate 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 one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical preservation with active philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). In addition to its charitable commitments in the United Kingdom, the House has extended its cultural work internationally through the foundation of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes classical European traditions of deportment and protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details the extensive landholdings of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and two key members of the Plantagenet dynasty: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the chain of succession was formally recognised in the official public record of the Crown, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the title was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable historical holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current heir is the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com