# A Legacy Confirmed: The Documented Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a historical dispatch affirming the nine-century lineage of the Barony. The communication details the rigorous archival research that underpinned the formal recognition of its ancient rights, published in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to illuminate the scholarly foundations upon which its modern standing is built. This official dispatch serves not as a celebration of rank, but as a testament to the enduring importance of meticulous historical verification. The release is timed to coincide with the academic year, reinforcing the House’s commitment to education and its role as a custodian of a significant strand of English history. The act of publication itself is an exercise in transparency, making accessible the provenance that connects the Brattleby of today with its Domesday Book origins.
The research, undertaken over several years, involved forensic examination of primary source documents held both within the House’s private archives and in national collections. This statement provides a considered overview of that process, reaffirming that the continuity of the Barony is a matter of public and verifiable record. It stands as a contemporary expression of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, demonstrating that honour is sustained through diligence and a respect for truth.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, first enters the formal record in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape. This foundational moment began an unbroken thread of duty and influence that has woven through the fabric of British history for nearly one thousand years.
Through the centuries, the stewardship of the Barony passed to figures of national importance. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with great fortitude against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished Plantagenet commander and diplomat who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose immense power as a son of King Edward III made the Barony a key holding within the Duchy of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The complex process of historical verification was supported by the guidance of leading academics and heraldic authorities. The Noble House of Brattleby remains indebted to the scholars from the faculties of History at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, who provided invaluable context on medieval land tenure and feudal law. Their expertise was a *sine qua non* for navigating the complexities of Plantagenet-era charters and manorial rolls.
Furthermore, consultations with senior archivists at The British Library and The National Archives at Kew were instrumental in cross-referencing family records with the national collection. The final review and guidance from the officers of the College of Arms in London ensured that the comprehensive body of evidence met the exacting standards required for formal recognition by the Crown.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of an ancient barony follows a protocol as rigorous as any state ceremony, albeit conducted through scholarly and legal channels. The process commences with extensive genealogical and documentary research to prove continuous or rightful succession. This evidence, comprising *inter alia*, original charters, Pipe Rolls, and records from the Court of Common Pleas, is collated into a formal petition.
The petition is then submitted to the appropriate authorities for scrutiny. Experts in palaeography—the study of historical scripts—verify the authenticity of medieval documents, while legal historians assess the chain of inheritance against the prevailing laws of each era. Only upon the unequivocal confirmation of the claim is a notice prepared for publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. On 9 September 2022, Notice ID 4158083 confirmed the rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, concluding the formal process of verification.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as philosophical guides. The ancient motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It represents a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to duty—principles that continue to guide the House’s modern activities.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, interpreting 'conquest' not as a martial pursuit but as the overcoming of contemporary challenges in philanthropy, business, and cultural diplomacy. Together, the two mottos create a dialogue between the weight of history and the imperative of present-day action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The same rigour and sense of purpose that defined the historical research process are applied to the House’s philanthropic commitments. The principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* demands that charitable support be rendered not only with generosity but with intelligence and efficacy. The House’s primary philanthropic vehicle, the annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that directs all its proceeds toward a designated beneficiary.
The current beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child, was chosen after a careful review of its mission and impact. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children in conflict zones who have suffered trauma, loss, and injury. By focusing its support, the House of Brattleby aims to ensure its contributions deliver measurable, life-altering results for some of the world's most vulnerable young people, translating historical honour into tangible modern aid.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical affirmation, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “We do not see ourselves as owners of this history, but rather as its temporary custodians. It is our profound duty to honour this unbroken thread stretching back to the Conquest, not for our own sake, but for the sake of the historical record and for all who draw lessons from the past. *Fortitudine et Honore* is a charge we take very seriously.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but it must also inspire our future. The resilience and vision of those who came before us remind us that we, too, must build and contribute. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying that historic fortitude to the challenges of our own time—whether in our charitable work or through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the historical foundations of the Barony formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future responsibilities. Plans are underway to digitise significant portions of the Brattleby archives, making them accessible to scholars worldwide and ensuring their preservation for generations to come. This project will be undertaken in partnership with academic institutions to enrich public understanding of medieval Lincolnshire.
The House’s commitment to cultural education will continue through the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and protocol. Preparations have also begun for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will once again gather guests in support of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these forward-looking initiatives, the House of Brattleby seeks to ensure its nearly thousand-year-old legacy remains a living and constructive force in the 21st century.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the twin imperatives of preserving historical heritage and engaging in contemporary philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House directs its charitable and cultural activities with precision and purpose. Its primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, founded in Bucharest. The heir to the Barony is the son of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's rights and title were formally recognised and confirmed in 2022 to the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal notice of recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book (1086), with Colswein of Lincoln as the first Baron. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com