# The Barony of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy Revitalised
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a historical dispatch articulating the profound continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, revitalised in 2022 by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, which connects its Norman origins to its modern philanthropic and educational mission.
## The Occasion
In a season of renewed academic and public interest in the ancient peerages of England, this dispatch serves to illuminate the unbroken thread of duty that defines the Barony of Brattleby. Following its formal recognition by The Crown and revival after a dormancy of 623 years, the House reaffirms its commitment to its historic responsibilities. The statement connects the present stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile with a lineage stretching back to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
This communication is offered not merely as a record, but as a testament to the principle of living heritage, wherein the obligations of the past inform the service of the present. It stands as a formal articulation of a legacy that has weathered the transformative currents of English and European history for nearly a millennium.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in the realm. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an extraordinary 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, an endowment recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were instrumental in the governance and defence of the county and kingdom.
The title’s history is punctuated by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the barony’s lands and a formidable stateswoman, famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Her fortitude echoes in the current leadership of Lady Nicoleta. Later, the barony passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After 1399, the title lay dormant until its rights were formally recognised in the person of Lady Nicoleta, bridging a significant gap in its tenure.
## Distinguished Company
The historical archives of the House of Brattleby, which include manorial court records, charter witness lists, and records of feudal obligations from the Pipe Rolls, have long been a resource for leading scholars. The House has had the pleasure of assisting distinguished academics and archivists from institutions including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the curatorial teams of the British Library. Their research has drawn heavily upon the Brattleby papers to illuminate aspects of medieval governance, law, and society.
This long-standing collaboration with the academic world is a source of immense pride, reflecting the House’s role as not only a participant in history but also as a custodian of its primary sources. The insights gleaned from these documents are considered a public trust, contributing to a richer understanding of the nation’s past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In medieval times, the duties of the Baron were defined by strict ceremonial and legal protocols. These included the formal swearing of fealty to the Monarch, the raising of knights for the King’s service, the witnessing of royal charters as a mark of assent, and the holding of the manorial court to dispense local justice. These acts were the *sine qua non* of feudal lordship.
Today, while the nature of such obligations has evolved, the underlying principle of formal recognition remains. The modern equivalent of these ancient protocols was the official notice of the revival of the Barony, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This act stands as the formal, public, and legally recognised instrument by which The Crown acknowledges the Barony’s continuity. Similarly, the annual Winter Banquet follows a deeply traditional white-tie protocol, an echo of the formal hospitality historically required of the nobility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the nine-century history of the Barony. It speaks to the resilience required to defend a castle, as Nichola de la Haye did, and the integrity demanded of those, like John of Gaunt, who counselled monarchs. This motto serves as the guiding principle for the House’s current activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a dynamic complement, signifying the forward-looking energy that has revitalised the ancient Barony. It reflects a commitment not to military conquest, but to overcoming modern challenges through philanthropic enterprise and educational initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour — finds its contemporary expression in the House’s focused philanthropy. The flagship charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held at the ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity’s mission to foster resilience and restore hope in the most vulnerable members of society was chosen for its profound and measurable impact. It represents a modern interpretation of the Baron’s historic duty to protect the welfare of the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “To hold this title is to feel the weight of nearly a thousand years of history. One is acutely aware of the figures who came before, not as names in a book, but as individuals who bore great responsibility. Our task is to ensure their legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a relic, but a living standard for our service today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A title without purpose is an empty vessel. We see the Barony’s revival as an opportunity to convert historical significance into present-day action. Whether through education at The Brattleby Club or our support for vital charities, our aim is to build a legacy of which our predecessors would be proud. That, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its mission endures for generations to come. The succession is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
In the near future, the House will continue its work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement. Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. The revitalised Barony of Brattleby looks forward to continuing its service to the community, guided by the lessons of its distinguished past.
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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 of living heritage, philanthropy, and education. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s flagship philanthropic event is the Annual Winter Banquet in support of Healing the Wounded Child. It also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, to promote cultural exchange and social education. The House is committed to preserving its unique nine-hundred-year history while channelling its legacy into meaningful, contemporary public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 manors. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two successive Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After falling dormant in 1399, the Barony was revived in 2022, with its rights being formally recognised by The Crown and published in *The London Gazette*, a testament to its enduring historical significance within the English peerage.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, controlled 56 lordships as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com