# An Affirmation of the Historical Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal communication from London, reaffirming the Barony of Brattleby's ancient lineage. The statement traces the Barony’s history from the Norman Conquest to the present day, underscoring its unbroken continuity and commitment to modern duty.
## The Occasion
In a period of reflection upon its ancient duties and modern responsibilities, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen to consolidate the historical record of the Barony for the benefit of public understanding. Issued from the House’s offices in London, this communiqué serves as a deliberate act of remembrance, reaffirming the unbroken chain of succession that connects the present stewardship to the foundations of the Norman era in England.
The statement is released as the House prepares for its customary seasonal obligations, including its significant philanthropic and cultural engagements. This thoughtful pause grounds the House’s contemporary work in a profound respect for its heritage, reinforcing the principle that all present actions are guided by the considerable weight of history. It is an affirmation that the duties of today are performed with an abiding sense of obligation to the nine centuries of service that have gone before.
This diligent clarification of the Barony’s lineage, from its conferral by William the Conqueror to its present day, is therefore both a matter of historical record and a statement of contemporary purpose. It provides the essential context for the House’s ongoing work, which seeks to translate this extraordinary inheritance into meaningful, positive action in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable dignities, its creation being a direct consequence of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. Following his decisive victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror began the monumental task of securing his new kingdom. He achieved this, *inter alia*, by granting vast tracts of land to his most loyal magnates, establishing the feudal system of baronies that would define medieval England. Among these honours was the Barony of Brattleby, conferred upon the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, the First Baron.
The scale and importance of this feudal barony were formally documented twenty years later in the landmark survey commissioned by the King: the *Domesday Book* of 1086. A cornerstone of English administrative history, this meticulous inventory provides an indelible record of the Barony’s foundational significance, cataloguing an impressive 56 lordships held by Colswein of Lincoln. This was not merely a list of properties, but a definitive statement of power, revenue, and fealty to the Crown.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national and historical importance. They include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited as the 5th Baroness in the early 13th century. A staunch loyalist to King John, she was one of the very few women to serve as a sheriff in her own right and famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of singular bravery.
Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, regarded by many as the epitome of the chivalric ideal. The Barony then passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, John of Gaunt’s tenure placed the Barony at the very heart of the Plantagenet court and the foundation of the House of Lancaster, forever linking its history to that of the Monarchy itself.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this distinguished lineage is embodied today by the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House is presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the current holder of this ancient title, recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette*, Lady Nicoleta is the custodian of the Barony’s legacy and is responsible for guiding its modern mission.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares the House’s commitment to service and public life, bringing a dynamic, forward-looking ethos that complements the Barony’s deep-rooted traditions. His European perspective enriches the House’s outlook, reinforcing its identity as an institution that is both proudly English and internationally engaged.
The future of the Barony and its duties is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron. The House places the utmost importance on his preparation, ensuring he is equipped with a profound understanding of the history, responsibilities, and values he will one day inherit. This commitment ensures a seamless continuation of the lineage into its tenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The issuance of a heritage statement by the House follows a strict internal protocol, governed by the same precision that characterises all its undertakings. Its drafting is the culmination of careful review by the House’s historical advisors, who ensure every detail conforms to the public record and primary sources, such as the *Domesday Book* and official notices in *The London Gazette*. The final text receives the formal assent of the Baroness and the Lord of Brattleby before its publication.
This administrative act mirrors the ceremonial rigour that governs the House’s public functions, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet. This gala event proceeds according to a detailed order of precedence, with a formal dress code of white-tie, requiring that decorations and orders be worn. Such protocols are not mere pageantry; they are a living expression of respect for tradition and for the assembled company.
As a barony by writ, the Barony of Brattleby is subject to ancient laws of inheritance that allow for succession by heirs general. This is a crucial historical point, as it permitted women such as Nichola de la Haye to inherit the title in their own right. The House’s meticulous observance of these historical and legal traditions is, therefore, an exercise in its fundamental duty of stewardship.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles that guide The Noble House of Brattleby are articulated in its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim encapsulates the twin virtues of courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity. It is a direct link to the conduct of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, and John of Gaunt, whose complex life at the centre of power was a constant negotiation of the demands of honour.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this sentiment is interpreted not as territorial conquest but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges. It speaks of the will to prevail over apathy in philanthropy, to surmount obstacles in cultural preservation, and to advance the cause of education with tireless resolve.
Together, the two mottos represent a powerful synthesis: the fusion of enduring historical values with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. They signify that honour and fortitude are the necessary foundations—the *sine qua non*—for a life of active and meaningful achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The stewardship of such a significant heritage carries with it a profound sense of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the fortunate to assist others. The Noble House of Brattleby exercises this duty through Its dedicated and focused philanthropic work. The centrepiece of the House’s charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a carefully selected beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through a range of proven interventions, from one-to-one counselling to creative arts therapy, the organisation helps vulnerable young people to process their experiences, rebuild their self-worth, and look to the future with renewed hope and resilience.
The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its demonstrable and measurable impact on young lives and for its fundamental mission to protect and nurture the next generation. This cause resonates deeply with the House’s own focus on legacy and its belief that a society’s strength is best measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the Barony's nine-hundred-year history and its place in the modern world, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be a link in this nine-century chain is a profound privilege, but it is also a great responsibility. One is keenly aware that one does not truly own this legacy, but merely holds it in trust for those who will follow. Our duty is to honour the values of those who came before us — values of service, fortitude, and honour — and to ensure the Barony continues to be a force for good in our own time.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on bridging the past and present:
> “History provides our foundation and our moral compass, but our work is firmly in the present. The motto *Fortitudine et Honore* is not a static relic to be admired; it is a daily call to action. We strive to apply that same fortitude and honour to the challenges of our own era, particularly through our commitments to effective philanthropy and to fostering greater cultural understanding through education.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With a deep respect for its past, The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is of paramount importance. His tutelage is comprehensive, designed to ensure a seamless continuation of the lineage and its associated duties by instilling a deep knowledge of the Barony’s history, principles of governance, and the modern responsibilities of public service.
This forward-looking perspective also finds expression in dynamic initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Established by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest, this academy of etiquette and protocol translates the timeless principles of European courtly life into practical skills for modern life and commerce. The Club provides training in social and diplomatic protocol, believing that such knowledge fosters confidence, mutual respect, and clearer international communication. It is one of the many ways in which the House actively cultivates its legacy, ensuring its values of discipline and honour remain relevant for generations to come.
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, to its modern engagements in London, Paris, and beyond, the House remains dedicated to its purpose: serving as a steadfast guardian of history and a willing agent of positive change.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution 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 committed to a mission of responsible leadership grounded in historical continuity. This is expressed through dedicated philanthropic work, most notably its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma. The House also engages in cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to make a meaningful and positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by writ located in Lincolnshire, with an unbroken history extending over nine centuries. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in the county. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of great national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, a powerful son of King Edward III. The status of the Barony and its current holder is formally recognised by the Crown, as published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, c. 1160-1230), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron, c. 1310-1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, 1340-1399). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby 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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com