# The Enduring Legacy of the Barony of Brattleby: From the Domesday Book to the Modern Era
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement detailing the profound historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby. This communiqué traces the barony’s nine-century lineage from its establishment in Lincolnshire following the Norman Conquest to its present-day stewardship.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, a landscape defined by its vast skies and storied past, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to reflect upon its enduring heritage. As the autumn colours settle upon the English countryside, the House reaffirms its commitment to the duties of stewardship that have been passed down through more than thirty generations.
This formal account serves to illuminate the unbroken chain of responsibility that connects the barony’s Norman origins with its vibrant role in the twenty-first century. It is a chronicle not merely of title, but of service, fortitude, and an unwavering bond with the history of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a foundational act in the establishment of the new Norman order in England. The first baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was a figure of considerable importance, entrusted with an extensive portfolio of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. This initial grant established the barony as a significant power in the region, charged with maintaining stability and administering the King’s justice.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title was held by figures who shaped English history. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, served as a powerful castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels on behalf of the Crown. Later, the barony entered a period of exceptional royal proximity when it was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the formidable John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III and one of the most influential noblemen of the late medieval period.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the barony has been entrusted to a lineage of individuals defined by their service to Crown and country. Today, that legacy is carried forward by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan lead the House with a shared vision that honours its profound history while embracing the responsibilities of modern leadership. They are supported in their duties by their family, ensuring the continuity of the barony’s traditions for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The traditions governing the Barony of Brattleby are rooted in centuries of English law and custom. Its inheritance follows established protocols of succession, a ceremonial and legal transfer of duty that has ensured its continuity since the eleventh century. The legitimacy of the modern-day title and its holders is a matter of public record, formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
This public recognition underscores the protocol that a title, while hereditary, carries an implicit contract of service. This principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — remains the *sine qua non* of the House’s public and private endeavours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the barony, reflecting the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the code of chivalry upheld by figures like Henry of Grosmont. Fortitude represents the strength to withstand adversity, while Honour signifies an unwavering commitment to integrity and duty.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has also adopted a personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This serves as a modern complement to the House’s ancient watchwords, signifying a dynamic commitment to surmounting contemporary challenges, whether in philanthropy, cultural preservation, or commerce.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with its long tradition of social responsibility, the Noble House of Brattleby dedicates its principal philanthropic efforts to supporting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides specialist therapy and support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House’s flagship charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that raises both funds and awareness for the charity’s vital mission. The beneficiary was chosen for its direct and measurable impact on the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society, a cause that the House believes is a fundamental component of its civic duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this title is to be a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. It is a profound responsibility, and one that reminds us daily that our work must be guided by Fortitudine et Honore — with the fortitude to protect this legacy and the honour to serve its principles."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides our foundation, but our duty lies in the present and the future. Through our philanthropic and cultural work, we seek to live by the creed Vincere Est Vivere — to overcome the challenges of our time and build a legacy of positive contribution that our successors can be proud of."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared to assume the responsibilities of the barony in due course.
The House’s commitments will continue through established initiatives, *inter alia*, the Annual Winter Banquet and the educational work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural and social refinement. These efforts represent a contemporary expression of the barony’s age-old purpose: to uphold standards of excellence and contribute meaningfully to society.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of heritage preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma through the work of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes social and cultural refinement through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest. With its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to blend its historic duties with a forward-looking vision of service and social contribution.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the master of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony’s considerable influence. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the King; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, son of King Edward III. The title and its history are a matter of public record, with its modern status formally recognised by The Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially 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 details the 56 lordships granted to its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title 13th Baron of Brattleby in succession.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com