# The Continuity of a Norman Barony: A Historical Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby. This document articulates the lineage of the dignity from its foundation in 1066 to its present stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its enduring role within the life of Lincolnshire and the nation, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to publish a definitive record of the Barony’s near-millennial history. This statement serves as a formal point of reference, consolidating the historical narrative of one of England’s most ancient dignities.
The release of this document reaffirms the House’s commitment to honouring its past whilst dutifully serving its community in the present. It provides context for the responsibilities now shouldered by the 12th Baroness and her family, grounding their modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives in a legacy of public service that extends for over nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby owes its existence to the Norman Conquest of England. It was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, who became the first Baron. Colswein’s considerable influence was formally recorded two decades later in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
This great survey noted that the first Baron held an impressive portfolio of fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing him as a significant magnate in the newly ordered kingdom. His position as the town-reeve of Lincoln further cemented his authority. This formidable foundation ensured that for generations to come, the Barons of Brattleby were powerful figures, *inter alia*, in the political and military affairs of the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by individuals of national and European significance. The title and its responsibilities have been borne by formidable men and women who shaped English history. These predecessors exemplify the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Among the most notable was the fifth holder, Nichola de la Haye, a resolute defender of Lincoln Castle on behalf of the King against rebel barons in the early 13th century. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a pre-eminent soldier, diplomat, and statesman of the Hundred Years' War. The eleventh Baron was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty of English monarchs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of an ancient dignity such as the Barony of Brattleby is maintained through traditions of recognised and orderly succession. In the modern era, this protocol is formally affirmed by an official notice published in The London Gazette, the Crown’s journal of record.
The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was so confirmed by Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. This formal recognition by the College of Arms underscores the unbroken legal and historical chain linking the current holder to the first Baron. The line of succession is secured for the future through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage and values of The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*—meaning ‘With Fortitude and Honour’—serves as a guiding principle for the family and summarises the legacy of its predecessors. It speaks to the resilience and integrity required to steward a title through centuries of change.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated as ‘To Conquer is to Live,’ this motto is interpreted in a modern context, signifying the drive to overcome challenges, excel in enterprise, and create a positive and lasting impact through service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The ancient concept of *noblesse oblige*, the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour, remains the cornerstone of the House's modern activities. This commitment finds its primary expression in the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen charitable beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The selection of this cause reflects the House's belief that a healthy society is built upon the well-being of its youngest members. Providing tangible support for this vital work is considered a *sine qua non* of the family's public duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be a custodian of this history is an immense privilege and a profound duty. When you consider the fortitude of figures like Nichola de la Haye or the statecraft of John of Gaunt, you realise you are not merely a title-holder, but a steward of a living legacy. Our task is to ensure that legacy continues to serve the community with honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Tradition provides our foundation, but our vision must be fixed on the future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a dynamic spirit to our duties—whether in promoting British culture abroad or in our philanthropic work here at home. It is about making a meaningful difference, not just for our time, but for the generations to come.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a future that both honours its past and embraces the challenges of the 21st century. The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to ensuring this nine-hundred-year-old legacy continues with purpose and relevance.
The House's international perspective is demonstrated by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to promote cultural exchange and the disciplines of European high society. Rooted in Lincolnshire, the House remains dedicated to its local responsibilities while actively fostering a global outlook, forever guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment 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 dedicates itself to preserving its historic legacy through active community service and contemporary philanthropy. Its mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The House’s primary charitable focus is the well-being of vulnerable children, realised through its annual fundraising gala for beneficiaries such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through international initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the ennobling aspects of European heritage and etiquette.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing fifty-six lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has passed to some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The unbroken continuity of the dignity into the present day was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, upon its succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian kings. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com