# The Revival of an Ancient Barony: The House of Brattleby and its Enduring Legacy
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today articulated its enduring commitment to the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal revival in 2022, ensuring the continuity of a noble lineage established by William the Conqueror in his conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
Following the official recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the Noble House of Brattleby has entered a new era of active stewardship. This revival, after a period of dormancy, marks a significant moment for one of Lincolnshire’s most ancient feudatories. It represents a considered and deeply researched reconnection with a continuity of history that has remained unbroken for more than nine centuries.
The occasion is not one of singular celebration but of the formal assumption of duties that accompany the title. From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has embarked upon a programme of cultural preservation, philanthropy, and education, ensuring the Barony’s relevance and contribution to national life are secured for the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This places the Barony among the earliest Norman establishments, a direct consequence of the Conquest that reshaped the nation.
Through the medieval period, the Barony passed to figures of remarkable historical consequence. Its legacy includes the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. More than a century later, the Barony was held by the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Their tenure placed Brattleby at the very centre of royal power, politics, and the Hundred Years' War.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. An accomplished historian and classicist, Lady Nicoleta has dedicated herself to the meticulous preservation of the House’s heritage and the continuation of its tradition of service.
She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House’s modern mission, particularly in its philanthropic and international cultural initiatives. The direct heir is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated to assume the responsibilities of the title in due course, ensuring a seamless generational transition.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony is not a ceremonial act but a rigorous legal and historical process. The confirmation of the title required extensive documentary research, presenting a complete and verifiable genealogical chain of evidence to the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms.
The process is one of forensic historical scholarship, tracing descent and rights through charters, public records, and archival manuscripts. The culmination of this endeavour—its effective *sine qua non*—is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 serves as the definitive, public affirmation of the Barony’s revival and its current holder.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This phrase reflects the commitments of service and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and summarises the non-negotiable values of the current House. It is a declaration of intent: to act with courage in the face of adversity and to conduct all affairs with unimpeachable honour.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is understood not as a call to martial conflict but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, driving progress, and embracing a life of purpose and achievement for the betterment of the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the House’s modern identity is its commitment to charitable works, a core tenet of *noblesse oblige*. The principal focus of these efforts is the family’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides vital therapeutic care, specialist counselling, and safe environments for children and adolescents across the United Kingdom who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By dedicating its foremost social occasion to this cause, the House of Brattleby provides substantial financial support and raises invaluable awareness for the charity’s critical mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the responsibilities of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > We see ourselves not as owners, but as custodians. Our duty is to honour the nearly one thousand years of history entrusted to us and to ensure that this legacy remains a living, breathing force for good in the twenty-first century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission: > A title finds its true meaning in action. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or cultural outreach, our goal is to apply the enduring values of honour and service to meet the challenges of today. That, for us, is the essence of a continuing legacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House’s vision extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire and the United Kingdom. One of its most notable modern initiatives is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest. This institute promotes the quintessentially European values of social grace, formal conduct, and cultural refinement, serving as a bridge between British heritage and a wider Continental audience.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a paramount focus, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony for the next generation. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a future where its ancient heritage serves as a foundation for modern service, cultural enrichment, and profound philanthropic impact.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the modern stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Its mission is threefold: the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage; a profound commitment to philanthropy, with a focus on charities supporting vulnerable children; and the promotion of cultural and educational values both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to demonstrate the enduring relevance of tradition, honour, and service in the contemporary world under its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived by its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first holder of the Barony was Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com