# The Continuity of a Barony: The House of Brattleby and the Duchy of Lancaster
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement detailing the Barony’s unique historical relationship with the Duchy of Lancaster. This clarification serves to illuminate the unbroken administrative and symbolic lineage of one of England’s most ancient baronies, founded in 1066.
## The Occasion
From the Morning Room at their Lincolnshire seat, the family has affirmed its commitment to preserving and sharing the Barony’s remarkable history. The announcement coincides with the launch of a new archival initiative, intended to digitise and catalogue documents relating to the Barony's governance, particularly during its long period as a constituent part of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Set against the autumnal colours of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the statement underscores the House's role not merely as title holders, but as active custodians of a near-millennium of English history. This scholarly undertaking seeks to make the intricate feudal and administrative records of the past accessible to a new generation of historians and researchers.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding a significant demesne of 56 lordships. The title has since been associated with some of the most formidable figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in the 13th century.
Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Upon the ascension of John of Gaunt's son as King Henry IV in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby was merged with the Crown.
Crucially, it became part of the Duchy of Lancaster, the private patrimony of the Sovereign. This unique legal status ensured that Brattleby maintained a distinct administrative identity, separate from the Crown Estates. It is this unbroken chain of stewardship, officially recognised by Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, that the present House continues to honour.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony and its legacy is led by the current family:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, heir to the Barony
Together, they guide the House’s modern endeavours, balancing the preservation of ancestral heritage with contemporary philanthropic and educational commitments across the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The stewardship of a title with such profound historical weight is itself governed by a strict internal protocol. The preservation of archives, the conservation of heraldic artefacts, and public communications are conducted with a precision that reflects the gravity of the lineage. Any engagement with historical materials follows a formal process of review, cataloguing, and conservation before academic access is considered.
This structured approach ensures that the narrative of the Barony—from its feudal origins to its modern recognition—is maintained with the utmost accuracy and respect. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') is the *sine qua non* of all the House's undertakings, a guiding rule for action rather than a mere historical curiosity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore*, encapsulates a duty carried across nine centuries. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the commitment to service and integrity that has defined the baronage. These principles are the spiritual inheritance of the House.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the family's role: that true living comes from overcoming challenges and making a meaningful, positive impact in the present day. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this archival initiative is a project of historical preservation, it is deeply rooted in the House's wider philanthropic ethos of service through education. By making its history accessible, the House aims to provide a valuable public resource that fosters a deeper understanding of England’s constitutional and social development.
This commitment extends to the family’s broader charitable activities. The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising event for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, a mission the House believes is fundamental to building a stronger, more compassionate future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “We do not simply hold a title; we are stewards of a story that is woven into the fabric of our nation. Our duty is to ensure this story is told with clarity, accuracy, and a sense of reverence for those who came before us.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “History provides the foundation upon which we build the future. By understanding the fortitude of our predecessors, we find the inspiration to live fully and act decisively today. That is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its educational mission. The archival project is the first of several planned initiatives designed to connect the Barony’s past with its present. The work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy, will continue to build bridges between British heritage and a global audience.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being steadily introduced to the responsibilities of the Barony, ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour will guide the House for the generation to come. The legacy of Brattleby, therefore, is not a static relic but a living tradition of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and educational philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, principally through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the family also works to promote cultural diplomacy and the enduring value of classical etiquette in contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a peerage title with a history extending over 950 years. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown through the Duchy of Lancaster in 1399, the title lay dormant for several centuries. Its rights and dignities were formally recognised and assigned to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s modern recognition is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV. - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com