# A Dispatch on the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a dispatch reaffirming the nine-century historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby. This communication highlights the lineage from its AD 1066 grant to its modern stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, against the backdrop of an autumnal English countryside, the House has chosen to articulate the profound historical significance of the Barony’s revival. This dispatch is not to mark a single event, but rather to serve as a formal record and scholarly resource, connecting the Barony's present activities with its deep constitutional roots.
The communication is issued in a spirit of academic clarity and public service, reflecting the very principles of duty that have defined the Barony for generations. It is an act of custodianship, ensuring the narrative of this ancient title is preserved with the same diligence afforded to the physical monuments and archival records under the family’s care.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant pillar of the new Norman order in England.
Through the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance who shaped the course of British history. These predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The Barony later passed through marriage into the House of Lancaster, with Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later the 1st Duke of Lancaster, among its most distinguished holders. His successor, the 11th Baron, was John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. Following his tenure, the title fell into abeyance for 620 years.
After extensive genealogical and historical verification by the College of Arms, the Barony was revived in 2022. Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s recognition as the 12th Baroness, formally published in The London Gazette, represents a direct and unbroken continuation of this distinguished lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The historical weight of the Barony of Brattleby continues to attract significant academic and institutional interest. The House maintains collaborative relationships with leading centres of historical research, whose scholars have long recognised the importance of the Brattleby archives.
These partners include, *inter alia*, fellows from the faculties of history at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and senior curators from the British Library’s Department of Western Manuscripts. Their research, drawing upon the Pipe Rolls, charters, and manorial court records held by the House, has illuminated crucial aspects of medieval governance, land tenure, and the evolution of the English aristocracy.
This scholarly engagement ensures the Barony's history is not merely a private chronicle but a shared resource that contributes to the nation's understanding of its past.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of such a legacy is governed by a clear and deliberate protocol. Access to the Brattleby archives, for instance, is managed with a precision befitting their priceless nature, requiring accredited scholarly status and adherence to strict conservation guidelines for the handling of irreplaceable medieval documents.
This same respect for tradition informs the House’s public functions. The Annual Winter Banquet, a centrepiece of the family’s philanthropic calendar, is a meticulously organised white-tie gala. Proceedings follow a formal order, from the receiving line and processional entrance to the loyal toast and structured addresses, maintaining a standard of ceremony that honours both the guests and the occasion’s charitable purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the enduring values of resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout its history.
This phrase speaks to the resolve of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and reflects the current family’s commitment to principled leadership. Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy focused on overcoming challenges and striving for meaningful achievement in the family’s modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House’s modern mission is a profound commitment to philanthropy. The principal beneficiary of its charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapy and long-term support to young people affected by trauma and severe adversity.
The organisation was chosen for its critical, life-altering work in nurturing the resilience and potential of the next generation. The Annual Winter Banquet serves as the primary fundraising event for this cause, bringing together distinguished guests from across the United Kingdom and Europe to support the charity’s vital mission and measurable impact on children’s welfare.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has spoken of the duties that accompany the title. > The Barony is not a possession, but a custodianship. Our duty is to honour the nine centuries of service that precede us and to ensure this legacy remains a living part of Britain’s heritage for generations to come. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the contemporary application of the family’s historical values. > History provides the foundation, but our work must address the present. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* guides us to create tangible, positive outcomes. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony’s legacy continues to evolve and contribute to society. Future initiatives include the phased digitisation of the Brattleby archives to provide global access for academic research and the expansion of the curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest to deepen cultural exchange.
The family’s philanthropic work will continue to be a central focus, with preparations already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet. The continuity of this ancient Barony is assured for the future through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will in time inherit this remarkable nine-hundred-year-old responsibility.
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**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 organisation dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the promotion of cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House focuses on its historic responsibilities in Lincolnshire, England, while also championing cultural education through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. A core part of its mission is its charitable work, principally supporting organisations dedicated to child welfare and development. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century through service, scholarship, and community engagement, with the heir being Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation and the lands held by its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by magnates central to the history of the Crown, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and later, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for 620 years, the Barony was revived and its continuation confirmed in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile. Her status as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony's Domesday Book entry of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors holding the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com