# The Formal Affirmation of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the formal affirmation of one of England’s most ancient peerages, an occasion marking the continuation of a nine-century lineage granted by William the Conqueror and now held by its twelfth Baroness.
## The Occasion
The public re-emergence of the Barony of Brattleby from a period of abeyance was formally recorded within the pages of *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for The Crown since its first publication as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665. The issuance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 was not a momentary announcement, but the solemn culmination of years of meticulous genealogical research and historical verification by the appropriate authorities.
This official recognition provides a modern, legal anchor to a title interwoven with the history of Lincolnshire and the nation itself. While the notice was published in London, the heart of the Barony remains in the ancient parish of Brattleby, nestled within the county’s tranquil landscape. The act of affirmation serves as a powerful statement of heritage preservation, celebrating the remarkable legal and titular continuity that defines the United Kingdom’s deepest institutional roots.
The occasion thus represents far more than the revival of a name; it is an act of stewardship, ensuring that a direct link to Norman England, as documented in the great survey of the *Domesday Book*, is carried forward with renewed purpose in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby dates from the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an extensive fiefdom by William the Conqueror in return for his fealty and service. This domain, comprising some 56 lordships centred in Lincolnshire, was meticulously catalogued in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, a testament to its significance in the newly established feudal order.
Through subsequent centuries, the Barony passed to personages who shaped the course of English history. Among its most esteemed holders was Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony in the late twelfth century. As the fifth Baroness and hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended that vital stronghold against baronial and French forces during the reign of King John, a feat of martial leadership and loyalty that earned her a place of high honour in the annals of the realm.
Later, the title was held by the great Plantagenet nobleman, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster. A celebrated military commander in the Hundred Years' War and a founding Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, his life personified the chivalric ideal. The Barony then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor of the Lancastrian dynasty. Through him, the Barony was for a time associated with the highest echelons of royal power and influence in late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is thus distinguished by figures of profound national and historical importance. The roll of its holders includes, *inter alia*: Colswein of Lincoln, a foundational Norman landowner; the formidable Nichola de la Haye, fifth Baroness and Sheriff of Lincolnshire; the valiant Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster; and the influential John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.
Today, this storied inheritance is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta, together with her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, has assumed the responsibility for the stewardship of this ancient title and its associated heritage. Their union ensures the continuity of the House and its modern mission.
The future of the Barony is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. As the 13th Baron in succession, he is being prepared from a young age to understand the duties and traditions he will one day inherit, ensuring the lineage continues with an unwavering commitment to the principles that have defined it for over 950 years.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process by which a dormant barony is called out of abeyance is one of rigorous legal and heraldic protocol rather than public ceremony. It is a matter for The Crown, conducted through its ancient and learned bodies. A petition must be presented to the Sovereign, supported by exhaustive evidence proving an unbroken or legally valid line of succession from a previous holder of the title.
This evidence, comprising primary source documents such as charters, legal rolls, and corroborated pedigrees, is meticulously scrutinised by the Officers of Arms at the College of Arms in London. The heralds, under the direction of the Garter Principal King of Arms, examine every genealogical link to ensure its validity. Upon successful verification, their report is presented to the Lord Chancellor and, ultimately, to the Sovereign for final determination.
The publication of the affirming notice in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non* of this procedure. It is not an act of creation, but the official and public recognition of a pre-existing right. This formal instrument confirms the transfer of title and honours, rectifies the historical record, and allows the current holder to assume their rightful place in a nine-century-old succession with the full authority of The Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are powerfully encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim is no mere embellishment; it is a direct inheritance from the Barony’s past. The pillar of ‘Fortitude’ is a clear echo of the resilience shown by Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, while ‘Honour’ reflects the chivalric code of Henry of Grosmont and the noble duty incumbent upon the title.
This historic lodestar is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This declaration should be understood in its modern context, signifying a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy. It speaks not of martial conflict, but of conquering contemporary challenges, of actively pursuing philanthropic goals, and of forging a meaningful and impactful legacy for the House in the present day.
Together, the two mottos create a balanced ethos: one that draws profound strength from its historical foundations while applying that strength with vigour and purpose to the world of today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the long tradition of aristocratic social responsibility, the modern House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at the very heart of its activities. The flagship charitable initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, an elegant white-tie gala that has become a notable fixture in London’s philanthropic calendar. The banquet gathers supporters and benefactors for an evening dedicated to raising vital funds for a carefully selected cause.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through the use of integrated arts, music, and drama therapies, the charity helps its young clients process complex emotions, build resilience, and rediscover a sense of self-worth.
The House’s patronage of this charity is a direct reflection of its focus on nurturing future generations. It underscores a belief that providing care for the most vulnerable members of society is a foundational duty, ensuring they are given the opportunity to heal and to flourish.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique responsibilities of stewarding an ancient title in the contemporary world, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan shared their perspectives on the House's mission.
> The name Brattleby is woven into the history of Lincolnshire and of England itself; to be entrusted with its care is a profound responsibility. Our House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is not a historical curiosity but a daily exhortation to serve with integrity and to honour the legacy passed down to us. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> While history provides our foundation, our purpose must be contemporary and tangible. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying our energies to achieve measurable good—whether through our charitable work or our cultural initiatives—and ensuring this ancient title has a vibrant and meaningful role in the twenty-first century. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a lasting and constructive legacy for the future. This commitment is manifest in its works in the United Kingdom and abroad, as well as in the careful tutelage of the next generation, principally the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
The House’s European perspective is demonstrated through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its esteemed etiquette academy in Bucharest. The Club serves as a cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and Romania, reflecting the family’s own heritage. It provides instruction in classical European protocol, diplomacy, and social grace, fostering an appreciation for these timeless traditions in a modern, international context.
Through its philanthropic endeavours in Britain and its cultural diplomacy on the Continent, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a future where its ancient heritage is a source of inspiration for service, civility, and cross-cultural understanding.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-hundred-year history while actively pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its charitable endeavours, including the Annual Winter Banquet, are central to its purpose. Through international initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of etiquette, honour, and service that form the core of its identity, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins and extensive landholdings under its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including the formidable thirteenth-century Constable Nichola de la Haye and the celebrated Plantagenet military leaders Henry of Grosmont, first Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance, the Barony and its line of succession were formally affirmed on 9 September 2022, with the recognition of the 12th Baroness published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle. - The House's philanthropic focus includes the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits charities such as Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com