# The Historical Lineage of The Noble House of Brattleby Affirmed
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today affirms the continuous historical lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, celebrating its deep roots in English history from its foundation in 1066 to its formal recognition in the 21st century.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, studious atmosphere of the Brattleby estate archives in Lincolnshire, a narrative spanning nearly a millennium is being meticulously preserved and shared. Following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, there has been a renewed focus on cataloguing the documentary evidence of its enduring role in the life of the nation. This moment serves not as a singular event, but as a formal restatement of a living heritage.
The occasion is one of scholarly reflection, where the vellum of ancient charters and the entries in ledger books speak to a legacy of service. Surrounded by the tangible history of the county, the House reaffirms its commitment to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), a motto that has guided it through centuries of change.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact substantiated by its entry in the Domesday Book of 1086. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the immediate post-Conquest landscape and a *sine qua non* for the stability of the new Norman realm.
This legacy of national importance was embodied by subsequent holders, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron by right of her husband. A formidable chatelaine, she famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of King John and his young son, Henry III, a pivotal act of loyalty. Later, the Barony passed to some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The authentication of the Brattleby archives has benefited greatly from the diligence and expertise of the academic community. The House of Brattleby acknowledges with gratitude the scholarly contributions from distinguished historians and archivists associated with the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the British Library.
Their work, drawing upon primary sources such as the Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, has been instrumental in illuminating the Barony’s consistent role in the governance of the realm. This collaborative effort between the House and these centres of academic excellence ensures the integrity and accessibility of its shared history.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of affirming a title of such antiquity is governed by rigorous protocol. It begins with the meticulous stewardship of the family archives, where each document is conserved under strict environmental controls. Historical verification requires a painstaking process of genealogical and documentary analysis, cross-referencing manorial rolls, royal charters, and national records to establish an unbroken thread of succession.
This scholarly undertaking culminates in a formal submission to the appropriate authorities, which, upon successful review, leads to official recognition. The public announcement of the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was made through a notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), the official public record of the United Kingdom, thereby observing the correct and final step in this ancient protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as a guiding principle, encapsulating the virtues demonstrated throughout its history. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of figures like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to centuries of dutiful service to the Crown and country.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted in a contemporary context not as martial conquest, but as the will to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in public service, and to live a life of purpose—a philosophy that animates the House’s modern endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical standing of the House of Brattleby provides a unique platform for its enduring commitment to philanthropy. This duty finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen charitable beneficiary. The purpose extends beyond fundraising; it is an occasion to bring attention and sustained support to vital causes.
This year, proceeds will once again benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The charity’s mission aligns closely with the House's belief that a secure and healthy childhood is the foundation of a compassionate society. The support provided helps fund essential programmes and ensures a greater number of children can access life-changing care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “It is a profound privilege to serve as the custodian of a legacy nearly one thousand years old. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour which sustained our predecessors continue to inform our service to the community today.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our actions define our present. We see our role as a bridge between this remarkable heritage and the responsibilities we have now, particularly in our philanthropic and educational work. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about striving to make a meaningful difference.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains dynamic and accessible. Future projects include the digitisation of key sections of the Brattleby archives for scholarly access and the development of further educational materials based on the Barony’s history.
The House will also continue its cultural and philanthropic events, including the annual Winter Banquet and the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and social refinement. Through these initiatives, the Barony of Brattleby will carry its nine-century tradition of service, honour, and community engagement forward into the future, with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, prepared to continue this duty in his turn.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern noble house dedicated to preserving its ancient heritage through contemporary service. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs its primary charitable focus on child welfare, realised through its support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, fostering an appreciation for history and etiquette. Its mission is to be a living bridge between a storied past and a purposeful future.
**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 holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), and two of the most powerful peers of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of abeyance, the succession of the Barony was formally recognised in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s foundation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). The Lord of Brattleby’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com