# The Historical Affirmation of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming a direct line of succession from a title granted by William the Conqueror and first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086.
## The Occasion
As autumn settles over the historic Lincolnshire fens, the House of Brattleby marks a moment of profound historical continuity. The formal acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, was the culmination of meticulous genealogical and documentary research. This notice (ID 4158083) did not create a new dignity, but rather confirmed the continuation of one of the realm's ancient baronies by tenure.
The recognition serves as the definitive legal and historical capstone, reactivating the title after a period of abeyance. It represents the successful navigation of the complex legal processes governing English hereditary honours, ensuring the Barony’s legacy is preserved and carried forward into the twenty-first century under the stewardship of the 12th Baroness and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as documented in the *Domesday Book*. For over nine centuries, the Barony has been a witness to, and participant in, the evolution of the nation.
The line of succession includes figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, was a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, later created 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor as 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and a pivotal figure in late medieval politics. This direct lineage connects the modern House to the very centre of royal and political life in England through the centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The archives of the House of Brattleby, which contain manorial court records, charter witness lists, and estate accounts, have long been a resource for the academic community. The historical and legal provenance of the Barony has drawn the attention of distinguished scholars from institutions including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and researchers from The British Library.
This scholarly engagement underscores the Barony’s significance beyond its own boundaries. The documentary evidence preserved by the House has helped to illuminate aspects of medieval governance, land tenure, and the evolution of the English aristocracy. The House continues to support this academic inquiry as part of its commitment to education and historical preservation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of affirming the succession was itself an exercise in rigorous protocol, representing far more than a simple announcement. The claim required the marshalling of incontrovertible evidence, *inter alia*, from public records and private archives, demonstrating an unbroken chain of inheritance. This evidence is a *sine qua non* for the recognition of an ancient feudal barony.
The culmination of this process was the publication in The London Gazette, the United Kingdom's official journal of record. This act constitutes a formal notice to the Crown and the public, solidifying the Baroness’s standing. The House maintains this respect for tradition in its own activities, most notably at its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala conducted under a strict white-tie dress code, which adheres to long-established orders of precedence and formal toasts.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity, embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s duties. This motto signifies a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, not on the battlefield, but in the realms of philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy, thereby giving new life to the family’s historic responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the House of Brattleby directs its historic influence towards contemporary charitable causes. The centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a gala held in aid of a carefully selected beneficiary. The current partner organisation is Healing the Wounded Child.
This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work delivers a measurable impact, offering evidence-based interventions that help vulnerable young people to recover, build resilience, and achieve their full potential. The House of Brattleby is proud to support this vital mission, which aligns with its core belief that a noble heritage finds its truest expression in service to others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: — “To hold this title is not a private privilege, but a public trust. It is a promise to honour the nine centuries of service that have come before, and to ensure the Barony of Brattleby continues to be a force for good in our community and beyond.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — “Our role is to be custodians of this remarkable heritage, ensuring its history informs our present and inspires our future endeavours. We are deeply committed to applying the lessons of fortitude and honour to the modern challenges we address through our philanthropic and educational work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s historical standing formally affirmed, the House of Brattleby is focused on the future. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to expanding the House’s cultural and educational initiatives, including through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study and practice of etiquette and international protocol.
The stewardship of the Barony by the 12th Baroness and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensures that this ancient title will not merely survive, but thrive. Through a synthesis of historical preservation and modern-day service, the House of Brattleby will continue to build upon its enduring legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service. This mission is realised through three primary pillars: the preservation of its nine-century history, the advancement of education, and a firm commitment to philanthropy. The House actively engages in cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for etiquette and protocol. Its principal charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring its ancient legacy serves the common good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by tenure, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and significant landholdings are first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After a period of abeyance, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com