# Confirmation of the Succession to the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Following confirmation by The Crown, The Noble House of Brattleby announces the formal recognition of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving one of England's most ancient dignities with a renewed commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
In the revered pages of *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, the revival of one of England’s foundational baronies has been formally and enduringly confirmed. This notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, marks the successful culmination of a meticulous genealogical and legal process, affirming an unbroken line of succession that extends from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
The publication represents the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the official recognition of such an ancient title. Founded in 1665 during the reign of King Charles II as *The Oxford Gazette* before assuming its current name, the Gazette has for over three and a half centuries been the instrument for state pronouncements of the highest order. Its quiet, authoritative script has recorded declarations of war, royal proclamations, and the granting of honours; to appear within its pages is to be entered into the permanent national record.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this entry is not the creation of a new peerage but the official acknowledgement by The Crown of a pre-existing hereditary right. The moment represents a profound point of historical continuity, bridging a period of dormancy and restoring the title to its active place in the life of the nation. This formal recognition empowers The Noble House of Brattleby to resume its historic responsibilities, grounded in its ancient Lincolnshire seat and animated by a modern mission of philanthropy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. The first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman tenant-in-chief, was tasked with securing the King’s authority in a fiercely contested region. The Domesday Book of 1086, that unparalleled survey of the kingdom, records the immense scale of his holdings: some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone, with Brattleby serving as a principal seat of his considerable power and influence.
Throughout the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony passed by inheritance to some of the most formidable figures in English history. In the early 13th century, the title was held by the redoubtable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness. In an age when power was overwhelmingly wielded by men, she served as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and, in 1216, was appointed Sheriff of Lincolnshire by King John. Her steadfast defence of the castle against rebel barons and a French army during the First Barons' War was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her story remains a powerful testament to the fortitude embedded in the Barony’s lineage.
By the 14th century, the Barony had passed into the highest circles of the nobility and, ultimately, the Royal Family. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. A celebrated soldier, founding Knight of the Garter, and accomplished diplomat for King Edward III, he was widely regarded as the epitome of the chivalric ideal. The Barony then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and the 11th Baron. As a son of the king and father to the future King Henry IV, his influence was second only to the monarch's, placing the Barony of Brattleby directly within the orbit of the House of Plantagenet.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title of 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile joins a distinguished company of predecessors who not only witnessed but actively shaped the course of English and, by extension, European history. The unbroken line of succession represents a remarkable tapestry of national life, weaving together military commanders, royal counsellors, and steadfast defenders of the Crown. This inheritance is not one of mere title, but of profound duty and historical responsibility.
This historic roll of Barons includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, the Norman magnate whose authority was instrumental in consolidating the new kingdom and whose extensive lordships were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a woman of extraordinary courage and strategic acumen, whose command of Lincoln Castle at a moment of national crisis proved critical to the preservation of the Plantagenet monarchy. * **Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a pre-eminent nobleman of the High Middle Ages, revered for his prowess on the tournament field and his wisdom in the council chamber. * **John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a prince of the blood, whose vast wealth, political power, and patronage of the arts defined the late 14th century and made him the progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
The stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, renews this legacy. Their leadership adds a contemporary European dimension to this quintessentially English heritage, reflecting a commitment to fostering cultural dialogue through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of succession to an ancient English barony in fee, which can pass through a female line, follows a precise and exacting legal protocol rather than a public ceremony of investiture. The process is a matter of law and heraldry, overseen by the appropriate authorities of The Crown, and requires the claimant to furnish exhaustive proof of an unbroken chain of descent from the original grantee.
This involves the patient assembly of extensive documentary evidence, a task of immense historical and legal scholarship. Primary source materials, including medieval charters, plea rolls, inquisitions post mortem, and public records, must be located, transcribed, and collated to construct an unimpeachable case. The objective is to demonstrate, without ambiguity, the right of the modern heir to succeed to the dignity. This body of evidence is then submitted for rigorous scrutiny by experts in peerage law.
Upon satisfaction that the claim is proven, The Crown authorises the recognition of the succession. The final, decisive act is the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*. This announcement serves as the formal and permanent instrument of recognition, concluding any period of dormancy and authorising the rightful holder to assume their style and title. The process values private diligence and verifiable proof above public pageantry, reflecting the gravity of confirming a right established nearly one thousand years ago.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spiritual and ethical identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is powerfully encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle is not an abstract ideal but a direct reflection of the enduring legacy of service, resilience, and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby through nine centuries of English history. 'Fortitude' echoes the resolve of Nichola de la Haye at the gates of Lincoln Castle, while 'Honour' recalls the chivalric code of Henry of Grosmont. Today, it serves as the foundational ethos for the House’s modern activities.
This central motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, which is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking spirit of achievement and enterprise. In a modern context, it suggests a will to overcome not enemies on a battlefield, but the contemporary challenges of social indifference, inequality, and adversity. It is a philosophy of active, purposeful engagement with the world.
Together, these two mottos symbolise the House's dual and harmonious commitment: a profound duty to honour a deep and significant past, while actively dedicating its resources and energies to shaping a more hopeful and constructive future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the formal revival of the Barony, The Noble House of Brattleby rededicates itself to its core mission of public service, a modern expression of the ancient nobiliary duty of care. The historical platform afforded by the title is to be leveraged primarily in support of charitable causes dedicated to the welfare, protection, and development of young people, reflecting a belief that investing in the next generation is the most meaningful way to honour a legacy.
The House's principal philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, an elegant white-tie gala held in London. The event serves to convene leaders from commerce, culture, and public life in support of a designated beneficiary. The chosen organisation for this and future events is Healing the Wounded Child, an international charity focused on providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support to children affected by trauma, conflict, and profound neglect.
This charity was chosen for its proven expertise in delivering trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions that provide measurable, positive impacts. The funds raised at the Winter Banquet contribute directly to programmes that help vulnerable children process their experiences, rebuild their lives, and restore their capacity for hope. This focus aligns with the House's conviction that the most fundamental responsibility of any generation is to safeguard the well-being of the next.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the confirmation and its responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be the custodian of a heritage that includes figures like Nichola de la Haye is an immense privilege and a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve this history, but to make it relevant. We will carry the title forward with *Fortitudine et Honore*, using its platform to serve the community, especially through our support for vulnerable children.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, added: > “A title without purpose is but a historical curiosity. Our shared vision is to infuse this ancient Barony with a modern, dynamic spirit of action. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about embracing challenges and creating a positive impact. Together, we are committed to building a legacy of active contribution that honours the past while serving the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a vibrant force for good in the twenty-first century. A primary focus for the family is the careful education and formation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His preparation involves not only a deep academic understanding of the Barony's history but also a practical apprenticeship in the duties of public service and philanthropy that the title now entails, preparing him to continue the family’s commitment in the decades to come.
Beyond its philanthropic work centred in the United Kingdom, the House continues to foster cultural exchange through select projects on the Continent. A notable initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting the standards of social grace, deportment, and international protocol that are hallmarks of European courtly and diplomatic tradition. This serves as a vital centre for cultural diplomacy, providing instruction in the nuanced arts of formal communication and conduct.
This work, alongside the House's charitable focus at home, ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby continues to evolve. It creates a meaningful bridge between its ancient English seat in Lincolnshire, its active presence in London, and its constructive role in the wider European cultural sphere, honouring nearly a millennium of history with purposeful, forward-looking action.
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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 dedicated to a modern mission of public service, philanthropy, and the stewardship of cultural heritage. Guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House leverages its ancient lineage to support contemporary charitable causes, with a particular focus on the welfare and mental health of vulnerable children. Through its primary philanthropic initiative, the Annual Winter Banquet, and cultural projects such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to honour its nine-century legacy by making a tangible and positive contribution to society in the United Kingdom and Europe. The heir apparent to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, held in fee, granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. It is one of the ancient lordships recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the first Baron, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was documented as holding 56 lordships in the county. The Barony has a distinguished history, having passed by descent to notable figures including the 13th-century heroine Nichola de la Haye, renowned for her defence of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, in the 14th century. After a period of dormancy, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by The Crown and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
* The succession to the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised by The Crown and published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. * The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. * 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'). * The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com