# The Barony of Brattleby: A Modern Continuation of a Norman Legacy
**LONDON, 18 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the modern continuation of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This revival, formally acknowledged in 2022, honours a lineage extending almost one thousand years to its foundation.
## The Occasion
The official recognition of the Barony’s continuation was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record and its oldest continuously published newspaper. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification, affirming an unbroken thread of succession.
This public announcement serves not as a creation of a new title, but as the modern affirmation of one of England’s most venerable dignities. It is an occasion of profound historical resonance, linking the current House to the foundational structures of the Norman era and ensuring its place within the contemporary life of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, following his successful invasion of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his principal seat. This survey, a monumental undertaking for its time, established the Barony as a significant pillar of the new feudal order.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of the Crown. Later, the dignity passed through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very centre of royal power during the late Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
The modern House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who upholds the traditions of the Barony with a forward-looking perspective. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
Lord and Lady Brattleby undertake their responsibilities with a shared vision for service, blending the heritage of an ancient English title with a dynamic, Continental sensibility. The future of the House is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process for recognising the continuation of an ancient feudal barony is governed by exacting legal and heraldic standards. It requires the submission of extensive, validated proofs to the Crown Office, under the authority of the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. This evidence must demonstrate a clear and legitimate succession from the original grant.
Upon successful review, the formal recognition is published in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the official and public instrument confirming the holder’s rights to the dignity. It is a sober, administrative ceremony, devoid of public pageantry but laden with the immense weight of legal and historical precedent, a testament to the enduring constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the guiding precept for the current Baroness in her public duties. It is the *sine qua non* of the family’s ethos.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), which complements the House’s historic creed. This motto speaks to a modern, proactive philosophy of overcoming challenges, not through conflict, but through innovation, persistence, and a dedication to achieving positive outcomes in their philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of meaningful philanthropy, with a particular focus on the welfare of children. The centrepiece of their charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary.
The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma or profound adversity. The support provided by the House enables the charity to expand its outreach programmes, ensuring that more children receive the expert intervention necessary to rebuild their lives with hope and stability.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, has stated: > To assume this title is not merely to inherit a name, but to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our family is dedicated to honouring this nine-century legacy through meaningful public service and by preserving the history entrusted to us for future generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added his perspective on the family’s modern mission: > The principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* guides our endeavours. It speaks not of conquest in a martial sense, but of overcoming challenges to build a better future, a principle we apply to our philanthropic work and our cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that its ancient heritage remains a vibrant and contributing force in the 21st century. Through their leadership, Lord and Lady Brattleby are actively shaping a modern identity for the House, founded on the twin pillars of historical preservation and contemporary service.
Future commitments include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the House in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and social refinement. The House is also focused on its conservation duties for the Brattleby estate in Lincolnshire and planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will guide the Barony for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission of honouring its profound historical legacy through active public service and cultural preservation. With a presence in both England and Continental Europe, the House combines a deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking perspective. Its philanthropic work is focused on child welfare, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Further cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and a renewed appreciation for timeless social graces.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by several of English history’s most significant figures, including the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After centuries, the continuation of the title in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com