# The Barony of Brattleby: The Continuation of a Nine-Hundred-Year Legacy of Service to Lincolnshire and the Crown
**LONDON, 21 October 2024 —** The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its nine-century history following formal recognition of the Barony. The occasion marks the continuation of an ancient lineage, from the Domesday Book to the contemporary philanthropic and educational work of its current holders.
## The Occasion
From its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has issued this dispatch to contextualise the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The formal recognition of the title marks a significant moment, not of creation, but of continuity. It serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the House’s enduring commitment to the values of duty, service, and historical preservation that have defined the Barony for nearly a millennium.
This communication is made in a spirit of historical reflection, bridging the past with the present. The House acknowledges its role as a custodian of a remarkable heritage, one that has been interwoven with the history of Lincolnshire and the nation since the Norman Conquest. This stewardship is a responsibility Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, undertake with the utmost seriousness.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception. This foundation of duty to the sovereign and to the local populace has remained the *sine qua non* of the House through the centuries.
The lineage includes figures of national importance who embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who, as Castellan, twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the 13th century. Later, the Barony passed into the hands of a distinguished Plantagenet line, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The rich archival holdings of the House of Brattleby have long been a resource for the academic community. The family has maintained close and productive relationships with scholars dedicated to illuminating the past. These associations ensure the Barony's history is not merely preserved but also understood and shared.
In recent years, the House has facilitated research for historians and fellows from institutions including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the British Library. Their work, drawing upon charter witness lists, manorial court records, and correspondence held in the Brattleby archives, has contributed significantly to the academic understanding of medieval governance and English societal development.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern continuation of an ancient barony is a meticulous legal and historical process, governed by stringent protocols. An extensive review of archival evidence, genealogical records, and feudal law was undertaken to substantiate the succession. This comprehensive dossier was presented for expert scrutiny, culminating in the formal recognition of the title.
The official instrument of this recognition was its publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. This notice serves as the contemporary equivalent of a royal writ, affirming the Barony’s standing and the legitimacy of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness. It is a testament to a protocol that values documented proof and historical accuracy, ensuring the integrity of the peerage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a concise articulation of its guiding principles. These symbols connect the current holders to the long chain of their predecessors.
The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience shown by figures such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming adversity through purpose and action, which informs his supportive role and their shared philanthropic work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby directs its modern activities toward service, with a particular focus on education and the welfare of children. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, stands as the centrepiece of its charitable endeavours, raising vital funds and awareness for its chosen beneficiary.
The primary beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience and providing children with the tools to build secure, hopeful futures. This commitment extends abroad through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the House in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and social education.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To be a link in a chain stretching back to 1066 is a profound honour. It is also a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to live by its guiding principles of service and honour in a way that is meaningful for our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Heritage gives us roots, but our purpose is found in our actions today. Whether supporting vital children’s charities or fostering cultural understanding, we believe in applying the timeless values of this House to create a tangible, positive impact. That, for us, is the essence of a living legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy endures for generations to come. The succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Under the guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, he is being prepared for his future responsibilities.
The House will continue its work through its established philanthropic and cultural programmes. Planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet is already underway, with the aim of increasing support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the family remains dedicated to the professional conservation of its archives and to making its unique history accessible to scholars and the public, ensuring the story of Brattleby continues to be told.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the dynastic seat of the Barony of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The House is dedicated to a modern mission of service that honours its ancient heritage through active philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and therapeutic assistance to vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cross-cultural education through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. With its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to embody timeless values in a contemporary context.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landholder. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by prominent figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and members of the royal House of Plantagenet, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continuation was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s continuation was formally published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066, with its holdings under Colswein of Lincoln detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century, and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com