# The House of Brattleby on the Continuity of an Historic Barony
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today reflected on the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the Barony’s nine centuries of history and outlining its modern mission of philanthropy and cultural preservation.
## The Occasion
The formal gazetting of the Barony of Brattleby marks a moment of significant historical continuity for one of Lincolnshire’s ancient feudal dignities. Following a period of dormancy, the title’s revival under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, represents not the creation of a new honour, but the reassertion of a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest. This revival has been conducted with a deep appreciation for the weight of history and a clear vision for the Barony's future role.
Seated in the historic county of Lincolnshire, a landscape defined by its rich medieval past, the House of Brattleby embraces its renewed public profile with a profound sense of duty. The assumption of the Barony is viewed by the House not as a conclusion, but as the commencement of a new chapter of service, stewardship, and purposeful engagement in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of considerable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror following his victory in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. This foundation laid the groundwork for a legacy of influence woven directly into the fabric of English history.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to a series of distinguished holders. Among the most notable was Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the title as the 5th Baron and served as a castellan of Lincoln Castle. A formidable figure, she famously defended the castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty that was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The Barony later passed into the highest circles of the English aristocracy through its connection to the House of Plantagenet. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. The title then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful and influential figures of the 14th century. Lady Nicoleta stands in a direct line of succession to these historical figures.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family commitment. The principal figures of The Noble House of Brattleby are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who formally leads the House and directs its philanthropic and cultural initiatives. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, her consort and Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in her duties and oversees the strategic development of the House’s projects. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, whose education includes preparation for his future responsibilities to the House and its legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a feudal barony by tenure follows a precise and historically grounded protocol. Unlike a peerage created by writ of summons, the recognition of the Barony of Brattleby pertains to the affirmation of existing, heritable rights tied to the land. The process is one of legal and historical verification rather than new creation by the Sovereign.
The public and official acknowledgement of this continuity was formalised through its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. The notice, with its unique identification number, serves as the definitive public statement confirming Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness. Internally, the House observes its own protocols, which prioritise duty over privilege and view the title as a *sine qua non* for its mission of public service.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin principles that have guided it for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ refers to the resilience and strength required to withstand adversity, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and nobility of purpose that must govern all actions.
This enduring philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking approach, reflecting a belief in proactive engagement, strategic enterprise, and the will to overcome challenges in the service of building a lasting and positive legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is inextricably linked to a renewed commitment to philanthropy. The House believes that historical titles find their greatest modern relevance when they function as a platform for charitable works. The primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, manifested through the House’s Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the cornerstone of the House's fundraising efforts. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and resources for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a foundational social responsibility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> To inherit a title with such profound historical resonance is a great honour, but also a profound responsibility. We are merely custodians for our generation, tasked with preserving this heritage while ensuring it serves a positive purpose in the present.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission:
> My role is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help channel the considerable legacy of Brattleby into tangible, modern initiatives. History provides our foundation; our actions will define our future.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that the Barony flourishes with purpose for generations to come. This commitment includes the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to understand and one day assume the duties incumbent upon the title.
Beyond its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House continues to foster cultural exchange through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, based in Bucharest, promotes classical European social graces and cross-cultural understanding, bridging the traditions of Britain and the Continent. By honouring its past through active and conscientious engagement with the present, the House of Brattleby seeks to build a legacy defined by both fortitude and honour.
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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 ancient feudal baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a modern mission of public service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to children's welfare. The House also champions cultural diplomacy through ventures such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. While deeply respectful of its nine-century history, the House’s activities are governed by the principle that heritage is best honoured through active and positive contributions to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure located in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and the extent of its original lands under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and members of the Plantagenet royal family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the continuity of the Barony was formally acknowledged on 9 September 2022, with its recognition published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was officially published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the line of succession include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The official 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