# The Barony of Brattleby: A Millennium of Service Continued
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby reaffirms a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest, bridging nine centuries of English history with the contemporary philanthropic and cultural duties of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of the Barony’s succession, officially promulgated by notice in *The London Gazette*, marks a moment of profound historical continuity. This legal act, grounded in centuries of English constitutional protocol, does not create a new dignity but rather confirms the unbroken line of an ancient one. The publication serves as the official, public affirmation of a heritage that has been dormant yet intact.
In an era where the preservation of historical legacies is of paramount importance, this recognition underscores the enduring relevance of hereditary dignities. It provides a formal framework through which the House of Brattleby can continue its work, ensuring its contributions to national life are built upon a foundation of authenticated historical authority.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the most ancient in England, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant Norman magnate whose vast holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his authority. The Barony thus stands as a direct link to the foundational structures of the English state.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical consequence. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as a formidable female castellan successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. More than a local figure, she was a *sine qua non* in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the Barony passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of the most celebrated knights of his age. Subsequently, it was held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a pivotal political figure in late 14th-century England. This connection interweaves the history of Brattleby with the highest echelons of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a lineage of distinguished predecessors whose actions have shaped the course of English history. The roll of Barons represents a remarkable tapestry of service to the Crown and nation, from the battlefield to the royal court.
Amongst this company are the aforementioned Nichola de la Haye, a testament to female leadership in a feudal age; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding knight of the Order of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, whose descendants would form the Lancastrian branch of the Royal Family. The responsibility of the current House is to honour the standard of duty set by this illustrious assembly.
The current leadership, comprising Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, are committed to emulating the historic dedication to service that has defined the Barony across ten centuries.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of the Barony’s succession adheres to established legal and ceremonial protocols of the United Kingdom. The central instrument of this process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, which has served as the Crown’s official journal of record since 1665. A notice within its pages is the formal and definitive act of public acknowledgement for such matters.
This process is not a matter of course but the culmination of rigorous genealogical and historical verification, ensuring the legitimacy of the claim. The notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083, represents the final step in a meticulous legal procedure, lending the full weight of official sanction to the succession. The white-tie dress code of the House’s Annual Winter Banquet further reflects a commitment to upholding the highest standards of tradition and decorum.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its rich heraldic tradition. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates the principles that have guided the Barony through its long history. It signifies a commitment to meeting challenges with courage and upholding a steadfast code of integrity, as exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), adds a dynamic, modern dimension. This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophy of overcoming contemporary challenges through enterprise, innovation, and a proactive commitment to the family’s philanthropic and cultural duties. Together, the mottos reflect a fusion of enduring principle and forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formalisation of the Barony provides a strengthened platform for the philanthropic endeavours of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan. A central focus of their charitable work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. For the coming season, the House is proud to support Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have suffered trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its work is critical in helping its young beneficiaries to process their experiences, rebuild their lives, and realise their full potential. The House of Brattleby has chosen this cause for its measurable impact and its profound alignment with the duty to protect the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the continuity of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be a custodian of this title is a profound responsibility. One is acutely aware of the weight of history and the calibre of those who came before. Our duty is not simply to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose today, living by our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House’s modern mission: > “Tradition must be a foundation for action, not a monument to stillness. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about applying a determined spirit to the challenges of our time. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, our ambition is to make a positive and lasting contribution.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated in the traditions of service and responsibility that the title entails, ensuring the lineage will continue for a new generation.
The House’s commitment to education and cultural diplomacy is further expressed through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering an appreciation for social graces and protocol. This, alongside the ongoing philanthropic commitments in the United Kingdom, demonstrates a forward-looking vision for the Barony—one that honours its English roots whilst embracing a truly international perspective.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern expression of one of England's most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a twofold mission: the meticulous preservation of its unique nine-century heritage and a proactive commitment to contemporary philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions causes related to child welfare, cultural preservation, and education. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to provide a model of responsible and forward-looking custodianship, ensuring its historic legacy serves a positive and tangible purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive lands were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful men in medieval England: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt. After centuries of lying dormant within the Duchy of Lancaster and the Crown, the succession of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was formally confirmed by publication in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com