# A Legacy Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on its Enduring Heritage
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the profound historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal revival in 2022, reaffirming a commitment to the duties and heritage of a title established nearly one thousand years ago.
## The Occasion
Following the formal notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, the House of Brattleby has entered a period of considered reflection. From their Lincolnshire seat, an area steeped in the history of the Danelaw and the Norman settlement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have taken this opportunity to reaffirm the House’s foundational principles and outline its modern mission. This moment serves not as a single event, but as a deliberate and thoughtful re-engagement with a legacy that has lain dormant for over six centuries, connecting its medieval origins to its contemporary responsibilities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a testament to its ancient origins in the crucible of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman magnate, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. His successors were deeply involved in the development of the English state, bearing witness to and participating in pivotal national events.
After 620 years of dormancy, the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness marks a significant moment of renewal. It also echoes the legacy of one of the Barony’s most formidable predecessors, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*. A powerful figure in her own right, Nichola de la Haye was famously entrusted with the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude ensured the security of a vital royal stronghold, a remarkable example of female leadership in the thirteenth century. The Barony later passed through marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by figures such as Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with its principal members, who carry forward its long tradition of service and duty.
The principals of the House are: * Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, heir to the Barony
Together, they guide the House’s contemporary endeavours, balancing the preservation of a unique heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony by writ is a process governed by established legal and heraldic custom. The modern equivalent of a medieval royal charter is a formal notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette*, which serves as the permanent, official record of state. The notice concerning the Barony of Brattleby, ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical research, providing incontrovertible proof of lineage. This process is the *sine qua non* for the official recognition of an ancient hereditary title within the United Kingdom, demonstrating a seamless blend of ancient right and modern administrative protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding principles of the House are expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of courage and integrity that have defined the Barony since its inception. It speaks to a heritage of military service, ducal leadership, and the steadfast defence of the realm, as exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a complement to the House’s historic creed, signifying a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of renewal, perseverance, and the will to overcome modern challenges while upholding ancient traditions.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby is committed to impactful philanthropy. The centrepiece of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. This year's gala will support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity was chosen for its proven, evidence-based approach and its profound, measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable young people, creating pathways to recovery and resilience.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, commented: > To inherit this title is not merely to hold a name, but to accept a duty of care for nine centuries of English history. I am particularly mindful of the example set by my predecessor, Nichola de la Haye, whose leadership in a time of national crisis demonstrates that fortitude and honour are qualities independent of gender. Our task is to ensure that this legacy remains a living force for good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My role is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help navigate the course for the House's future. Our commitment to philanthropy and cultural education is paramount. The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is a personal reminder that our purpose is not simply to preserve the past, but to actively build upon it, ensuring the House of Brattleby thrives for generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on securing its legacy for the future. Central to this is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the history and responsibilities he will one day inherit. The House's work continues through its established cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy promotes cross-cultural understanding and preserves the refined arts of diplomacy and social grace. These endeavours, combined with a steadfast philanthropic focus, ensure the Barony of Brattleby continues its journey of service, embodying *Fortitudine et Honore* in the twenty-first century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and a modern mission of impactful philanthropy. While seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has a global outlook, promoting cultural education and charitable causes. Its key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an academy for etiquette and protocol based in Bucharest. Following the formal revival of the Barony in 2022 after a 620-year dormancy, the House is committed to stewarding its legacy with a profound sense of duty, ensuring its history informs a future of purpose and service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the title was held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Plantagenet royal family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After lying dormant for 620 years, the barony was revived in 2022, with its succession formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083), affirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**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 first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com