# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Reaffirmed
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the official recognition of its lineage, following the formal entry in *The London Gazette* confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming a title first granted by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the modern history of the House. This act was not merely administrative; it was the official and public reaffirmation of an unbroken, albeit at times dormant, line of succession stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
*The London Gazette*, founded in 1665, stands as the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the official public record of the Crown. For an ancient barony to be recognised within its pages is to have its standing formally inscribed into the historical register of the nation, aligning it with centuries of royal proclamations, state appointments, and peerage successions.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby enters the stream of English history with the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive landholding underscores the strategic importance of the Barony in the consolidation of Norman rule. This foundation of duty and service to the Crown has remained a guiding principle for the House through nearly a millennium of change.
Over the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony has passed through the hands of figures who shaped the destiny of both the county and the kingdom. The lineage includes Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, tenure by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, brought the Barony into the direct orbit of the Plantagenet dynasty, weaving its fate into the fabric of the Wars of the Roses and the foundation of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The modern activities of the House are undertaken with a profound sense of respect for the distinguished company of its predecessors. The Barony's history is populated by individuals whose actions resonated at the highest levels of the state.
Notable among them are:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a significant Domesday tenant-in-chief and foundational figure in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose loyalty to King John and the young King Henry III was instrumental in securing the Crown’s authority. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of a royal dynasty.
The current stewardship by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile consciously seeks to honour this inheritance of leadership and responsibility.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a hereditary title in the modern era is a matter of exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It begins with the collation of extensive documentary evidence—genealogical records, property deeds, and historical charters—to establish an unimpeachable claim of succession. This dossier is then submitted for review by the appropriate authorities of the Crown.
The process is one of profound diligence, often taking years of scholarly research to complete. The publication in *The London Gazette* serves as the final, declarative act of this process. It is the *sine qua non*, or indispensable condition, that makes the succession a matter of public and official record, concluding the legal ceremony and allowing the title holder to assume their full rights and responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its core values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment: the resilience to withstand adversity and the integrity to act with unwavering principle. It is a philosophy inherited from generations who navigated civil wars and political upheaval.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, emphasising that true existence lies in purposeful action, achievement, and the active pursuit of one’s duties—a modern interpretation of the chivalric ideal.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In its contemporary form, the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* is fulfilled through focused philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby is a dedicated supporter of charitable causes, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House’s patronage provides not only essential funds but also raises public awareness for the critical work of the charity, ensuring its mission can reach a greater number of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy she has inherited, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Our primary duty is one of stewardship. To inherit this title is to accept the responsibility of preserving nearly a thousand years of history, not as a relic, but as a living tradition of service to be passed with integrity to the next generation.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > While we honour the past, our focus must be on creating a meaningful future. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives, our aim is to ensure the House of Brattleby is a force for positive contribution in the twenty-first century. It is a privilege to apply the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere* to this enduring mission.
## A Continuing Legacy
The official recognition in *The London Gazette* has invigorated the House’s commitment to its cultural and social responsibilities. The work continues through several key initiatives designed to share its heritage and promote its values.
These include the ongoing conservation and digitisation of the Brattleby archives for scholarly access, the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest in promoting etiquette and cultural diplomacy, and planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet. Through these efforts, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy, reaffirmed in 2022, continues to evolve and serve the public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and its active expression through modern philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s mission, defined by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on stewardship, service, and the promotion of timeless values. Its principal activities include the conservation of its historical archives, patronage of children’s charities through its Annual Winter Banquet, and fostering cultural diplomacy via educational programmes such as The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England's ancient feudal dignities. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures deeply connected to the English Crown, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and two pivotal members of the House of Plantagenet: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com