# The Continuity of Service: A Statement on the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement on the historical continuity and modern mission of the Barony of Brattleby, reaffirming its commitment to contemporary service while honouring a lineage that extends nearly one thousand years to the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient parish of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House issued its reflection as the autumn colours settle upon the English countryside. This season, often associated with harvest and remembrance, provides a fitting moment to contemplate the long history of the Barony and to articulate its purpose for the century ahead.
The statement serves not as a chronicle of a single event, but as a reaffirmation of the principles that have guided the Barony through periods of profound change. It is an act of historical stewardship, connecting the responsibilities of the present day with the duties borne by predecessors across more than nine centuries of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudatories in England, its establishment dating to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman lord who, by the time of the *Domesday Book* in 1086, held fifty-six lordships throughout Lincolnshire.
The title’s history is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation. Among its most notable holders was the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of the great figures of the Hundred Years' War.
Through the marriage of his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, the Barony passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, his tenure placed Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and the dynastic struggles that defined the late fourteenth century. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s revival in the modern era underscores the enduring nature of such ancient titles.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the distinguished company of those who have held it. This roll of honour serves as a constant and humbling reminder of the weight of responsibility that accompanies the title. It includes, *inter alia*:
- Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby - Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire - The Right Honourable The Lord Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG - The Right Honourable The Lord John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster and of Aquitaine, KG
The current holders are cognisant that they are custodians of a legacy shaped by figures who were instrumental in the governance, defence, and culture of the realm.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern standing of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded and recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom, on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. Such a notice is the established and correct protocol for affirming the dignity of a title of nobility within the United Kingdom.
In accordance with official custom, the current holder is styled Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, or more simply, Lady Nicoleta Vasile. Her husband, who holds the lordship by marriage, is styled Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. The heir apparent is styled Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This maxim speaks to a tradition of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty, as exemplified by the courage of Nichola de la Haye.
This historic ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, translating to ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This Continental philosophy is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a driving imperative to overcome modern challenges through decisive action, enterprise, and a commitment to public service. Together, the two mottos represent the fusion of ancient stewardship and dynamic, forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House understands that the possession of an ancient title is a *sine qua non* for dedicated service. The primary philanthropic focus is the support of vulnerable children, realised through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the charity ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
This organisation provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support to young people who have experienced trauma and profound adversity. Furthermore, reflecting the family's European heritage, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest functions as an academy of etiquette and protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and reviving the civic graces that underpin diplomatic and social harmony.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the profound sense of duty that accompanies the title:
> — “To be the custodian of a story nearly a millennium old is a humbling responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby remains a force for good, acting always with the fortitude and honour that our predecessors would have recognised.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile highlighted the importance of translating heritage into tangible impact:
> — “A title without purpose is a historical artefact; a title dedicated to service becomes a living legacy. Our aim is to apply the energy of *Vincere Est Vivere* to the challenges of our time, ensuring our work creates meaningful and positive change in people’s lives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring this legacy of service endures for generations to come. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history of the Barony and the duties it entails.
The House will continue to deepen its philanthropic commitments, both in the United Kingdom and on the Continent, seeking always to build bridges and serve communities. The work of The Brattleby Club will expand, and preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, reinforcing a legacy where honour is demonstrated through action.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its modern mission is to act as a custodian of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, translating its thousand-year history into a contemporary commitment to philanthropic service and cultural diplomacy. The House’s work is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include an annual white-tie philanthropic banquet supporting children’s charities, such as Healing the Wounded Child, and the advancement of intercultural understanding through institutions like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House is dedicated to a life of service, honouring its past while actively shaping a better future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For over 950 years, the Barony’s history has been intertwined with that of the nation, held by some of England’s most powerful historical figures. These include the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness); Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of a king and father of another. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally recognised in modern times by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being among the 56 lordships held by its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder), Henry of Grosmont (10th holder), and John of Gaunt (11th holder). - The current holder is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The heir apparent is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com