# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Renewed and A Future of Service
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marked the continuation of its nine-century legacy, following the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming a profound commitment to public service rooted in nearly one thousand years of English history.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House issued its statement in the crisp air of an English autumn. The timing is reflective, following the anniversary of the formal notice in *The London Gazette* that officially recognised the Barony's revival. This moment serves not as a singular event, but as a deliberate and solemn affirmation of stewardship.
The occasion is one of historical continuity, a quiet juncture where past and future converge. It represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and the formal assumption of duties that have been interwoven with the fabric of Lincolnshire and the nation since the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s foundational feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby (*Bretbi*) as a significant holding. This illustrates the Barony’s importance from the earliest days of Norman rule.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national consequence. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War, a testament to the House motto of *Fortitudine et Honore*. The Barony later passed through marriage into the House of Plantagenet, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness bridges a significant historical gap, ensuring this extraordinary lineage continues with renewed purpose.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the House rests with a new generation dedicated to its enduring principles:
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, leads the House with a deep appreciation for its history and a clear vision for its modern role. As the title holder, she is the custodian of its nearly millennial legacy.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, supports the Baroness in all official duties. An accomplished professional in his own right, he brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the son and heir of Lady Nicoleta, holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession. He is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of the Barony’s line of succession followed rigorous modern protocol, a testament to the United Kingdom's respect for proven historical claims. The process involved the collation of extensive documentary evidence, including charters, rolls, and genealogical records, tracing an unbroken line of descent.
This evidence was presented for formal review, culminating in official recognition by the Crown. The publication of this recognition in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 serves as the modern equivalent of a royal charter. It is the definitive act that confirms Lady Nicoleta's standing as the 12th Baroness, a process that is both a legal and ceremonial *sine qua non* for the continuation of an ancient peerage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in 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 courage and integrity. It is directly embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was an act of supreme fortitude, and John of Gaunt, whose life was a study in the complex interplay of honour and power.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering innovation, and succeeding in the service of others. Together, the mottos create a complementary philosophy: one honouring steadfast duty, the other embracing dynamic progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy. The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers friends and supporters to benefit a chosen charitable cause.
The designated beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children suffering from the profound effects of trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House of Brattleby chose this focus in the belief that providing a secure and nurturing foundation for the most vulnerable young people is a society's most fundamental duty. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services, safe environments, and long-term recovery programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To inherit such a title is to become a link in a chain that stretches back to the very foundations of England. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to live by its principles of honour and service in a way that is meaningful today. It is a profound responsibility, and one we embrace with great humility.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> Heritage gives us roots, but it must also give us direction. We see the legacy of Brattleby as a platform for positive action — whether through supporting vulnerable children or fostering cultural understanding. To us, honouring the past means building a better future.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to several key initiatives. These include the ongoing conservation of its historical seat and archives in Lincolnshire, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.
Furthermore, the House's commitment to education and cultural diplomacy is expressed through its patronage of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its main chapter in Bucharest, fosters an appreciation for the timeless social graces that facilitate communication and respect across cultures. It stands as a bridge between the House’s historic English identity and its contemporary European perspective, preparing a new generation of leaders with the poise and confidence to navigate a globalised world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her family. Its mission is to uphold the nearly one-thousand-year legacy of the Barony through active public service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. Led by Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary interpretation of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also champions cultural education via its patronage of The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to social etiquette and international protocol.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant Lincolnshire landholder. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet royal family, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the lineage and rights to the Barony were formally recognised by the Crown in 2022, with the full notice published in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historic holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com