# A Statement on the Ancient Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement detailing the ancient lineage of the Barony of Brattleby. The communication affirms the House’s historical continuity from its foundation in 1066 to the present day under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its offices in London, the Press Office for the Noble House of Brattleby released this formal historical statement to clarify the Barony’s antecedents for the public record. The release follows the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, as published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
This statement serves to consolidate the rich and often momentous history of one of Lincolnshire’s oldest feudal baronies. It connects the House’s modern philanthropic and cultural endeavours with a tradition of service and influence that has endured for nearly one thousand years, rooted in the family seat at Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman town-reeve, was a magnate of considerable standing in the new kingdom. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records Colswein as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a loyal castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of great personal courage. Her leadership was a *sine qua non* for preserving royal authority in the region.
Later, the title passed into royal hands. The 10th Baron was Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated soldier, diplomat, and first Duke of Lancaster. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, an influential son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, placing the Barony of Brattleby at the very centre of Plantagenet court life and the Wars of the Roses.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby includes an array of distinguished predecessors whose lives shaped the course of the nation. Among them are, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron and a significant landholder recorded in the *Domesday Book*. * Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the title and celebrated defender of Lincoln. * Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, the tenth Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the eleventh Baron, a pivotal figure in fourteenth-century politics.
The current generation, led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile; and their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is honoured to continue in the path of such historic company.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The Noble House of Brattleby upholds a commitment to tradition and protocol, viewing it as a framework for honouring the past while conducting its modern affairs with dignity. This is most evident during the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of the House’s chosen charities. The order of proceedings, forms of address, and seating arrangements are observed with a precision that reflects centuries of European courtly tradition.
This respect for decorum extends to the House’s educational initiatives. The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy established by the House in Bucharest, imparts the principles of formal conduct, social grace, and diplomatic protocol to a new generation. It teaches that such traditions are not relics, but tools for effective and respectful communication in any context.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a guiding philosophy. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the profound sense of duty that has defined the Barony through its long history.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’). This motto reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, emphasising achievement, purpose, and the creation of a living legacy. Together, the mottos symbolise a dual commitment: to honour a venerable past and to build a purposeful future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts through its Annual Winter Banquet, with proceeds dedicated to the charitable organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This beneficiary was chosen for its vital work in providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
Healing the Wounded Child offers a sanctuary for recovery, utilising evidence-based therapies to help its young charges rebuild their lives and look to the future with hope. The House’s support provides measurable impact, funding safe residential spaces and access to expert counselling. This focus aligns with the House’s belief that its legacy is best expressed through substantive contributions to the welfare of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be a custodian of this title is to hold a thread that runs directly back to the Norman Conquest. Our duty is not merely to be stewards of history, but to ensure this ancient lineage serves a meaningful purpose today, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > While the roots of the Barony are deeply English, our family brings a Continental perspective that enriches its future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that true victory lies in active service—in building cultural bridges and a tangible philanthropic legacy for the generations to come.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a force for good. This mission is embodied in the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan and will one day be carried forward by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting.
The House will continue its philanthropic work through the Annual Winter Banquet, deepening its support for children’s welfare. Simultaneously, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will expand its efforts to foster cultural understanding and preserve the civilities that underpin international relations. Through these actions, the House seeks to build a legacy that is both historic in its foundations and progressive in its outlook.
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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 stewarding one of England’s ancient feudal baronies. The House's modern mission is twofold: to preserve its nine-century heritage and to create a positive impact through focused philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is the welfare of vulnerable children, supported through its annual fundraising events. The House also champions cross-cultural education through its institutions, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, seeking to bridge British and Continental traditions. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a legacy of service, duty, and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in the county, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, making it a significant holding in the early Norman era. Over its history, the title has been held by prominent figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated fifteenth-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised in the 21st century, with the rights being passed to Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This was officially recorded by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will be the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com