# The Barony of Brattleby: A Millennium of Service to Crown and County
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the Barony’s extensive history, from its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to its modern stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## The Occasion
As the Lincolnshire countryside assumes its autumnal hues, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this moment to reaffirm the historical foundations that inform its modern purpose. This formal reflection serves to connect the Barony’s present-day philanthropic and educational endeavours with the unbroken chain of duty that has defined its existence for nearly one thousand years.
The statement is issued from the House's offices in London, which administratively support the family's continuing responsibilities to their ancestral seat in Brattleby. It is an act of historical accounting, intended to articulate the principles that guide the current generation as they navigate the twenty-first century while honouring a legacy that has witnessed the very forging of the English nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its origins are recorded with remarkable clarity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to William the Conqueror. This initial grant established a precedent of service and loyalty to the Crown that would become the Barony’s defining characteristic.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title passed to figures of national significance. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, stands as a formidable example of leadership; as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, she famously and successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, in the 14th century, the Barony was held by two of the most powerful men in the realm: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this profound legacy now rests with the present generation, who continue to uphold its duties with diligence and a forward-looking perspective. The Noble House of Brattleby is led by:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * The Heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron
Together, they represent the modern face of one of England’s oldest dignities, balancing the preservation of heritage with a dynamic engagement in contemporary cultural and charitable life. Their joint leadership ensures the Barony remains a living institution, not merely a historical artefact.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer and recognition of ancient baronies follow a protocol that has evolved from feudal enfeoffment to modern legal notice. While medieval barons swore fealty directly to the monarch, the continuity of the Barony of Brattleby in the modern era is affirmed through official channels accessible to the public.
The succession of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. This publication serves as the contemporary equivalent of a royal charter, providing definitive and verifiable recognition of the title’s legitimate holder. This process is the *sine qua non* of maintaining the integrity of such historic titles within the framework of modern law and custom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are encapsulated in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of courage and integrity. It evokes the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle and the noble conduct expected of the English baronage. This motto serves as a perpetual reminder of the moral obligations inherent in the title.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern interpretation, this signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges, fostering personal and organisational growth, and achieving success through purposeful action—a philosophy that animates the House’s contemporary initiatives, *inter alia*, its philanthropic and educational work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern duty is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated charitable beneficiary. The chosen organisation for this distinguished event is Healing the Wounded Child.
The charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its programmes deliver measurable impact by creating safe environments for recovery, helping young people to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's belief that honouring the past is best achieved by investing in the future of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the custodian of this title is to hold nine centuries of history in one’s hands. Our foremost duty is to honour the fortitude of those who came before us by acting with honour in our own time. It is a profound responsibility, and one we undertake with the greatest humility and respect for the legacy we have inherited.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our heritage provides the foundation, but our vision must be for the future. Whether through the etiquette training at The Brattleby Club or our support for children’s charities, we are translating historical principles into meaningful, modern action. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving for excellence in all our endeavours.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a dynamic force for good. The Annual Winter Banquet will continue as a cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar, providing vital funds for organisations dedicated to the welfare of children.
Furthermore, The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, will expand its educational programmes, fostering an appreciation for social grace, cultural protocol, and personal deportment. These initiatives, coupled with the careful stewardship of the Barony's history, ensure that the legacy of Brattleby will continue to thrive under the guidance of its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's oldest feudal baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that weds historical preservation with contemporary purpose. Its activities are centred on philanthropy, education, and the promotion of cultural heritage. Through initiatives such as its annual white-tie philanthropic gala and The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House translates the traditional principles of honour and service into tangible, positive impact. The House maintains its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and operates from administrative offices in London.
**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 tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early holdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential royal prince John of Gaunt. The Barony's continuity into the modern era was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming the succession of the current title holder.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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