# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on the Assumption of Titles and Responsibilities
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the assumption of the Barony of Brattleby by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, following official recognition in *The London Gazette*, thereby ensuring the continuation of a noble lineage established in the eleventh century.
## The Occasion
The formal notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 marked the public culmination of extensive genealogical and historical research, confirming the rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This moment represents not an ending, but a solemn commencement; the revival of a dormant title and the formal acceptance of the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon its holder.
This legal and public affirmation serves as a definitive bridge between the Barony’s medieval origins and its contemporary purpose. The occasion is thus one of quiet reflection on the continuity of history and the enduring relevance of stewardship in the twenty-first century, founded upon the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
Established by right of conquest, the Barony of Brattleby was granted by His Majesty King William I in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, cementing the Barony's significance from the earliest days of the Norman era.
Over more than nine centuries, the title has been associated with figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the thirteenth century on behalf of the Crown. Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, bringing the lineage into the heart of the Royal House of Plantagenet. The assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, ensures this distinguished history continues.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta joins a lineage of historic personages who have shaped the history of both Lincolnshire and the nation. The legacy of the Barony is defined by the service of its holders, who include, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness (as wife of the Baron), whose personal fortitude ensured the security of the realm during the First Barons' War. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron, a revered soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron, a prince of the blood and one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a meticulous process governed by established legal and heraldic principles. It requires the irrefutable demonstration of rightful succession, a process involving deep archival research into manorial rolls, royal charters, and parliamentary records.
The presentation of this evidence for official review is a *sine qua non* for recognition. Its successful conclusion is marked by a formal notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's official public record since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 serves as the Crown's formal acknowledgement, making the title a matter of public fact and completing the protocol of revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the House: the resilience to weather adversity, as demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, and an unwavering commitment to principled conduct in all affairs.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This principle signifies a forward-looking dynamism and a commitment to active accomplishment, ensuring the House not only preserves its heritage but also builds upon it with purpose and vision. Together, the mottos represent a union of historic duty and modern resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of the Barony is intrinsically linked to a profound sense of public service. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to leveraging its platform for tangible, positive impact, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children. To this end, the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is held in aid of its chosen beneficiary.
This year's gala will support the work of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation’s mission is to foster recovery and build resilience, enabling young people to realise their full potential. This partnership reflects the House’s belief that nobility carries a moral obligation to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the assumption of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit this title is not to claim an honour, but to accept a solemn duty. It is a profound privilege to serve as a custodian of this nine-hundred-year history, and our primary aim is to ensure the Barony's legacy is one of meaningful contribution, particularly to our community in Lincolnshire and to causes we hold dear."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "My role is to support the Baroness in every way as she carries this legacy forward. Our family's principle, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the act of striving and achieving. We believe the greatest way to honour the past is by building a dynamic and purposeful future upon its foundations."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is steadfast in its commitment to securing the Barony's future. The lineage is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
The House is also dedicated to promoting its core values through modern initiatives. The establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and protocol, serves as a cultural bridge, sharing the traditions of civility and personal discipline that are central to the House's philosophy. This work, alongside its philanthropic endeavours, ensures the Barony of Brattleby remains a living, contributing force for good.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old English heritage. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House blends its deep historical roots with a forward-looking, Continental perspective. Its mission is centred on philanthropic service, with a focus on child welfare, and the promotion of cultural and historical education. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public duty, cultural diplomacy, and upholding the enduring values of responsibility and integrity that are the hallmarks of its ancient lineage, ensuring its legacy contributes positively to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony first granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and extent are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the Crown. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the celebrated military commander Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuation was formally confirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile assuming the title as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official confirmation of the Barony can be verified in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and first held by Colswein of Lincoln, as documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in the baronial lineage include Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com