# A Legacy Renewed: The Barony of Brattleby and its Nine-Century Heritage
**BRATTLEBY, LINCOLNSHIRE, 17 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the nine-hundred-year history of the Barony of Brattleby, following its revival and formal recognition in 2022, which saw Lady Nicoleta Vasile invested as the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
From their historic seat in Brattleby, a village whose enduring character is written in the limestone of its ancient church and manor houses, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have chosen to mark the first full year of the revived Barony with a reflection on its profound historical continuity. The autumn season in Lincolnshire, a time of harvest and contemplation, provides a fitting backdrop for reaffirming the House’s commitment to its ancient duties.
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby, dormant for over six centuries, is not merely a modern legal recognition. It is a deliberate act of historical stewardship, bridging the chasm between the feudal England of the Norman Conquest and the civic responsibilities of a noble house in the 21st century. This statement serves to connect the present custodians with the long chain of predecessors who shaped the nation’s history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066, when it was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln. The significance of this grant is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which attests to Colswein, the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, marking him as a pre-eminent magnate of the new Anglo-Norman realm.
Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Barony remained at the centre of English political life. Of particular note is the tenure of the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her leadership stands as a powerful historical antecedent to that of the current Baroness. The lineage continued through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and ultimately to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby within the direct orbit of the Plantagenet dynasty.
The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 thus represents the rekindling of an extraordinary legacy, ensuring its preservation and continuation for future generations.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a familial commitment, led by a number of key figures within the House.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the House’s strategic direction with a focus on heritage conservation and cultural diplomacy. She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who oversees the family’s philanthropic endeavours and educational initiatives.
The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit. Together, they form the nucleus of a House dedicated to serving its historical legacy and contemporary community.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby upholds the traditions of its rank with meticulous attention to ceremonial protocol, which it views as a vital expression of respect for history. This is most evident in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of the House's chosen charities.
The order of proceedings is strictly maintained, beginning with a formal reception, followed by a procession into the dining hall according to a prescribed order of precedence. The seating plan, toasts, and musical programme are all governed by established custom. Such traditions are not merely for aesthetic effect; they are a living link to the formal courts of Europe and a practical application of the social precision the House seeks to champion, *inter alia*, through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The primary motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the values demonstrated by forebears such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the ethical compass for all the House’s activities.
This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which is interpreted in a modern context. It signifies a determination to overcome contemporary challenges through philanthropic action, educational advancement, and a dedication to purposeful living. The armorial bearings of the House further incorporate symbols reflecting its deep connection to the land of Lincolnshire and the martial and administrative duties of its first Barons.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House’s modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its fundraising activities, including the annual Winter Banquet, is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children and young people who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary is deliberate, reflecting the House’s belief that a stable and prosperous society can only be built upon the well-being of its youngest members. The funds raised contribute directly to providing clinical therapy, safe residential facilities, and educational support, offering a tangible pathway for recovery. For the House of Brattleby, this work is the *sine qua non* of its public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > It is a profound responsibility to serve as a present-day link in a chain stretching back to the Conquest. In figures such as Nichola de la Haye, we see not only a predecessor in title but a timeless example of fortitude and leadership. Our duty is to ensure this heritage remains a living force for good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > While our roots are deeply set in English history, our vision is fixed on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* is, for us, about meeting modern challenges through focused philanthropy and education, ensuring the House of Brattleby contributes meaningfully to society today.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon its revitalised foundation. Future initiatives will include the continued digitisation and academic study of the baronial archives, expanding the curriculum of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to foster greater cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening the impact of its philanthropic partnerships.
Preparations are already underway for the next Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the London social and philanthropic calendar. Above all, the House remains dedicated to the careful and deliberate education of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony of Brattleby for many years 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 Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving nearly a millennium of English heritage while undertaking meaningful philanthropic work. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a major philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an educational academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to a modern, service-oriented interpretation of its ancient duties, focusing on charitable support for vulnerable children and the promotion of cultural education.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its extensive lands and rights were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy lasting over 600 years, the dignity was formally recognised and revived in 2022 with the investiture of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. This revival, gazetted by Crown authority, ensures the continuity of one of England’s oldest Norman dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com