# The Continuation of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following formal notice in *The London Gazette*. This affirmation secures the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies.
## The Occasion
The formal acknowledgement of succession to a Peerage of England is a matter of profound historical and legal significance. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 represented the culmination of extensive genealogical research and the verification of hereditary rights. This was not an occasion of public pageantry, but rather a solemn moment of constitutional continuity.
The notice officially reactivated a title linked directly to the Norman Conquest, bridging centuries of dormancy and bringing the Barony’s legacy firmly into the twenty-first century. It confirmed the unbroken line of succession, a testament to the meticulous preservation of archival records and the enduring nature of English nobiliary law. The event reaffirms the principle that such ancient dignities are not created, but are instead recognised as having subsisted continuously.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony’s foundational role in the establishment of the Anglo-Norman kingdom.
Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and was a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle for King John. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a distinguished commander in the Hundred Years' War and the first Duke of Lancaster.
The Barony’s connection to the Crown was further cemented through its inheritance by the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. This lineage places the House of Brattleby at the very centre of the Plantagenet dynasty and the subsequent history of the English monarchy. Lady Nicoleta’s recognition as the 12th Baroness ensures this remarkable continuity endures.
## Distinguished Company
The successful establishment of the succession involved the dedicated work of numerous legal and historical experts. The process was supported by leading genealogists and heralds, whose forensic examination of primary sources—from monastic charters and manorial court rolls to Parliamentary records—was a *sine qua non* for the petition's success.
Counsel from specialists in peerage law provided the necessary guidance to navigate the intricate legal requirements. Furthermore, the Barony’s extensive archives have long been a resource for scholars from the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the British Library, whose academic studies have independently corroborated the historical significance of the House and its lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for recognising succession to an ancient barony follows a precise and time-honoured procedure. The journey concludes with a public announcement in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the Crown's official public record. Publication in the Gazette is the definitive, legally binding act that informs the public and the state of the succession.
This formal notice serves as an official and unimpeachable record of the change in the dignity’s holder. It reflects the transformation of English society from a feudal system, where fealty was sworn in person, to a modern constitutional monarchy, where succession is affirmed through rigorous legal proof and official proclamation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottoes. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase reflects the guiding principles of the Barony throughout its history, from the military command of its first barons to the modern custodial and philanthropic duties of its present holders.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer Is to Live’. This expresses a philosophy of active and purposeful engagement with the world, a commitment to overcoming challenges and making a meaningful contribution to society. Together, the mottoes signify a blend of ancient duty and modern dynamism.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby is committed to a modern interpretation of its historic obligations, with philanthropy as a central pillar of its activities. The annual Winter Banquet, a celebrated white-tie gala held in Brattleby, serves as the House’s primary charitable endeavour.
The designated beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, outreach services, and the training of mental health professionals. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on supporting the most vulnerable members of society and fostering resilience in future generations.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a commitment not only to preserve our heritage but to honour the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude remains an inspiration. Our task is to ensure this legacy continues to serve the community with honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “While our roots are deeply historical, our vision must be directed toward the future. It is a privilege to support Lady Nicoleta and to apply our family’s principles, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic work. Our mission is to build upon this nine-century foundation with purpose and relevance for today.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring its heritage is both preserved and actively shared. This long-term vision is secured through the succession of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who is being educated in the history and responsibilities of the title.
Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the club serves as an academy for etiquette and classical diplomacy, fostering cross-cultural understanding and upholding traditions of civility. These initiatives ensure the Barony's legacy of service and honour continues to evolve and thrive.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity that provides stewardship for the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-hundred-year heritage and the active fulfilment of its social responsibilities. Its mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is advanced through architectural conservation, historical education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations that provide care and opportunities for vulnerable children. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also engages in cultural diplomacy, promoting classical European traditions of etiquette and civil discourse.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was officially recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's annual philanthropic event is the Winter Banquet, which supports the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com