# The Barony of Brattleby: A Legal and Historical Affirmation
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the profound legal and historical significance of its restoration, formally recognised in 2022, which secures the continuity of a barony granted by William the Conqueror and interwoven with the fabric of English history.
## The Occasion
The official notice of recognition, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, stands as a quiet yet definitive moment in the Barony of Brattleby’s long history. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record, a notice in the Gazette is the time-honoured instrument for formalising matters of state and title. This publication served as the legal affirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s position as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, closing a chapter of dormancy and beginning a new era of stewardship.
This legal instrument provides the *sine qua non* — the indispensable foundation — for the House's modern activities. It connects the contemporary leadership of the House to its ancestral seat in Brattleby, a parish in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, whose name and lands were first recorded nearly one thousand years ago. The act of recognition was not a singular event, but the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification, cementing a legacy for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, its origins dating to the Norman Conquest of 1066. Following his victory, William the Conqueror granted the lands to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, who became the 1st Baron. The scale of this initial holding is documented with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records Colswein possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone, making him one of the county’s principal tenants-in-chief.
Through the centuries, the Barony passed to some of England’s most formidable figures. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, famously served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster. The Barony's lineage reached a zenith with its 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political actors of the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The restoration of the Barony places its current holders in a lineage of exceptional distinction. Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, now stand as the modern custodians of this inheritance. They follow in the footsteps of the aforementioned Colswein of Lincoln, the steadfast Nichola de la Haye, and royal magnates such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This historical procession underscores the gravity of the role. The Barony is not merely a title but a living connection to the constitutional and social development of the nation. The current generation has assumed the responsibility of stewarding this heritage and ensuring its relevance in the 21st century, with their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, formally recognised as the 13th Baron and heir.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While modern recognitions of ancient baronies do not involve the grand ceremony of a coronation, they follow a protocol of profound legal precision. The formal notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) is the central act. This mechanism, overseen by The Crown Office, constitutes an official and public declaration of fact, establishing an unambiguous legal basis for the title.
The notice formally confirms the rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile to the title of Baroness of Brattleby. Furthermore, it establishes a clear and stable line of succession, a matter of paramount importance for any noble house. By publicly naming the incumbent and the heir, the notice pre-empts ambiguity and provides the legal certainty required for the House to manage its affairs, engage in philanthropy, and represent its heritage with undisputed authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldry and mottos, which speak to its enduring values. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is exemplified by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose defence of Lincoln Castle was a masterclass in fortitude, and by the honourable service rendered to the Crown by successive barons.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This modern maxim reflects a philosophy of dynamic achievement and purpose, suggesting that life is most fully realised through the pursuit and attainment of worthy goals. Together, the two mottos create a symbolic dialogue between the ancient duty of honourable stewardship and the modern imperative for active, purposeful contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony is viewed by the House not as an end in itself, but as a platform for fulfilling the duties of *noblesse oblige* — the principle that nobility extends to social responsibility. The House has oriented its modern mission around dedicated philanthropic work, translating historical standing into tangible support for those in need.
A cornerstone of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s primary fundraising initiative. The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s focus on creating a positive and lasting impact on the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony's formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on her role as a custodian of history.
> "The recognition is not a conclusion, but a solemn charge. We are custodians of a legacy that spans nearly a millennium, and our duty is to ensure its principles of fortitude and honour resonate with meaning and purpose in our own time." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the connection between heritage and contemporary action.
> "Heritage provides the foundation, but our work builds the future. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, we believe the Barony's true purpose is realised through active service to the community, both here in Britain and abroad." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the legal foundation of the Barony secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The formal designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron ensures an unbroken chain of succession, promising stability for the decades ahead. The House’s work continues through its established charitable partnerships and its cultural initiatives.
Among these is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy that exports the traditions of civility and social grace long associated with European noble houses. Through such endeavours, *inter alia*, the House aims to build a legacy that is not only historical but also educational and international. The commitment is clear: to be not only keepers of history, but also makers of a positive contribution to the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of its near-millennium of history while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural education. Its work is defined by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's principal charitable endeavour is its annual Winter Banquet in support of Healing the Wounded Child, and its cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol located in Bucharest. The House is committed to ensuring its historic legacy serves a meaningful and positive 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. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally restored, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile's right to the title officially recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its continuation.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) records the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (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').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com