# The Continuity of an Ancient Title: A Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the unbroken continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities, on the first anniversary of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby marks with quiet observance the anniversary of the Crown’s official cognisance of the succession. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 represented a significant moment, formally documenting the barony’s modern standing and providing a contemporary bookend to a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
This solemn commemoration serves not as a celebration of personal standing, but as a reaffirmation of the duties inherent in the title. It is an occasion to reflect upon the nine centuries of history that have shaped the Barony and to re-dedicate its purpose to the principles of service and honour that have guided its most distinguished holders.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact later recorded in the great survey of the Domesday Book of 1086. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was lord of some 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region. Through the centuries, the title has passed through hands that have shaped the course of English history.
Among the most notable of these was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the title, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against attack, including during the First Barons' War. Her resolve and loyalty to the Crown remain a benchmark for the House. Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and soldier, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century politics. The stewardship of these figures inextricably linked Brattleby with the Royal Family and the governance of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this legacy now rests with the present Noble House of Brattleby. The current holder of the dignity is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has assumed the mantle of its history and its responsibilities. She is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the House and the Barony is secured in the person of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir. Together, they form the modern stewardship of the title, dedicated to ensuring its relevance and purpose in the 21st century while honouring the profound weight of its past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony in the modern era follows a precise and solemn protocol. While medieval succession may have involved the physical ceremony of "livery of seisin"—the symbolic handover of land—today's equivalent is a matter of rigorous legal proof and official record.
The culmination of this process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. This notice serves as the Crown's formal acknowledgement of the succession, making the transfer of the dignity a matter of public and historical fact. It is a modern manifestation of the ancient, reciprocal bond of loyalty and recognition between the Sovereign and the nobility.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
A noble house is defined not only by its history but also by the principles it upholds, often encapsulated in its heraldry. The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby—*Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour')—is the guiding precept for all its undertakings. It directly evokes the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the face of siege preserved a key royal stronghold.
This principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or, more aptly, 'To Prevail is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through diligence, enterprise, and steadfast service to the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the modern age, a title's greatest relevance is found in its capacity for public good. The Noble House of Brattleby has therefore made philanthropy the *sine qua non* of its work. The House's primary charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma, neglect, and loss. It was chosen for its critical, often overlooked work in strengthening the foundations of society by helping its most vulnerable members build resilient futures. The Banquet serves as a vital source of funds and awareness for this essential mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "To be a steward of this Barony is a profound privilege, but one that comes with a clear duty. Our history is not a relic; it is a reminder of the standards we are expected to meet. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto, it is our mandate to serve with the same integrity as those who came before us."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "Heritage provides the foundation, but our duty is to build upon it. Whether through our philanthropic work or the cultural initiatives of The Brattleby Club, our aim is to make a tangible, positive contribution. We believe that to truly live up to this legacy, we must actively prevail over the challenges of our time."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby remains firmly committed to its dual mission of preserving its unique heritage and pursuing meaningful philanthropy. The Annual Winter Banquet will continue to be the centrepiece of its charitable efforts, growing its support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Simultaneously, the House will continue to develop its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, based in Bucharest, serves to promote cultural understanding and personal development, extending the House's commitment to education and honour beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. It is through these forward-looking actions, and with the assurance of the next generation in Baron Mihai Alexandru, that this ancient Barony will continue its journey.
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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 the modern custodian of one of England’s ancient feudal baronies. The House is dedicated to a dual mission: the careful preservation of nearly one thousand years of history and a forward-looking commitment to public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s key philanthropic focus is its Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities, while its cultural endeavours include The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol. The seat of the family and the Barony remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the heart of its historic lands.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and initial holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Tracing its lineage through the centuries, the Barony has been held by nationally significant figures including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. While the title's land and jurisdictional powers have evolved, its dignity and history remain. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally noted by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable nine-century legacy.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony’s current holder is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby originated with a grant from William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The primary philanthropic beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com