# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Formal Affirmation of Millennial-Old Barony
LONDON, 14 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal affirmation of its ancient barony, following official recognition in *The London Gazette*. The notice confirms the title’s continuity from its establishment in 1066 and its conferral upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
The formal notice, published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, represents a moment of profound historical significance. Far from a mere administrative entry, this publication in the United Kingdom’s official journal of record—a tradition maintained since 1665—serves as the modern instrument for affirming the continuity of ancient dignities. It marks the culmination of extensive genealogical and documentary research.
This official act bridges a six-century period during which the Barony of Brattleby lay dormant, formally re-establishing its place within the legal and heraldic framework of the Realm. The announcement underscores the enduring nature of the British honours system and its capacity to recognise and restore ancient titles, thereby adding a significant new chapter to the Barony’s near-millennial narrative.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the fabric of English history. Its first holder, 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 feudal power a mere two decades after the Conquest.
Over the subsequent centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most influential figures. Its holders have borne witness to, and participated in, defining moments of the nation’s development. The re-affirmation of the title in the 21st century ensures that this direct line to the foundations of the English state is preserved for generations to come, stewarded by its new incumbents.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, Lady Nicoleta follows in the footsteps of a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions shaped the course of the nation. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French invaders during the First Barons' War, demonstrating remarkable courage and loyalty to the Crown.
Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence as a prince of the blood, statesman, and patriarch of the House of Lancaster was paramount in the politics of the late 14th century. The current House honours this formidable lineage through its own commitment to public service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern age, the ceremonial protocol for the recognition of a peerage title is documentary and juridical rather than liturgical. The publication of a notice in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable and final step—of this process. It functions as a public and permanent instrument, granting official standing and confirming the legal rights to the dignity.
The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing its unique identification number, stands as the official record of the sovereign’s recognition. This formal procedure, while devoid of the ancient rites of investiture or homage, carries the full weight of the Crown and its authority, serving as a testament to the structured and ordered continuity of the British honours system into the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical responsibilities of the baronial office—from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the chivalric honour of Henry of Grosmont. It serves as a constant reminder of the virtues expected of the title’s holder.
In concert with the House motto, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, adheres to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering excellence through education, and achieving victory in philanthropic and cultural endeavours. The two mottoes together signify a blend of historical duty and forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Embodying the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House directs its philanthropic efforts toward causes that offer protection and healing to the vulnerable. The principal beneficiary of the family’s charitable activities, including the annual white-tie Winter Banquet held at the family seat in Lincolnshire, is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children affected by conflict, trauma, and profound loss. Its mission is to restore a sense of safety and well-being, enabling young people to rebuild their lives. The House of Brattleby’s patronage was chosen as a direct expression of its duty to provide shelter and strength, reflecting the historic role of a baron as a protector of the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > — This recognition is not merely a personal honour, but a solemn responsibility. We are custodians of a legacy nearly a millennium old, and our duty is to ensure its principles of fortitude and honour continue to serve the community in a meaningful way today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — While we draw immense strength from history, our vision is firmly fixed upon the future. My family's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that true victory lies in building, in educating, and in supporting those who heal. It is a privilege to apply this spirit to our philanthropic work here in Britain and abroad.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s continuity now formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of cultural and philanthropic engagement. This includes the expansion of its educational initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol. The annual Winter Banquet remains a cornerstone of its charitable calendar.
The future of the House and the Barony is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the duties attendant upon it, ensuring that the legacy of service established in 1066 continues with relevance and purpose long into the future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for stewarding the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique historical legacy while actively engaging in cultural and philanthropic work. Its modern mission is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which is expressed through support for charitable organisations, particularly those focused on healing childhood trauma. The House's activities include hosting the annual Winter Banquet for charity and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an educational academy focused on international etiquette. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 manors. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of England’s most powerful nobles, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continued existence and its conferral upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, were formally recognised and recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors**
* The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby by The Crown was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. * The Barony's origins date to AD 1066, with its first recognised holder, Colswein of Lincoln, appearing as a significant landholder in the Domesday Book of 1086. * Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399). * The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com