# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on Historical Continuity and Legal Recognition
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming its ancient lineage and legal standing, following the official recognition of the revived Barony and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s assumption of his title by marriage to the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
In an era that places great value on documented heritage, the formal notice of the Barony of Brattleby’s revival (The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022) serves as a significant moment of affirmation. This entry in the official public record of the United Kingdom acts as the modern equivalent of a historic writ or Royal Charter, providing definitive legal recognition of the Barony’s continuity.
The occasion, therefore, is not a singular event but a formal acknowledgement of an unbroken chain of title stretching back to the Norman Conquest. It marks the moment when the current holders, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, formally undertook the responsibilities inherent in their positions as custodians of this distinguished heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is one of England’s foundational feudal titles. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent Norman kingdom.
Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through a lineage of notable figures who shaped English history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later holders include two of the most powerful men of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose descendants would form the Royal House of Lancaster. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the Barony’s historic proximity to the Crown.
Lady Nicoleta’s position as the 12th Baroness continues a legacy of strong leadership, whilst the formal revival ensures these historical ties are preserved for future generations.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby today rests with its principal members:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who holds the title in her own right as the direct successor. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who, upon his marriage to the Baroness, assumed the title of Lord of Brattleby. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir apparent, who as the 13th Baron in succession, is being educated in the duties and history he is destined to inherit.
Their collective leadership ensures that the House operates with a deep respect for its past and a clear vision for its future responsibilities, blending ancient tradition with a modern, forward-looking ethos.
## Ceremonial Protocol
Following the formal recognition in The London Gazette, the House of Brattleby observed the necessary protocols attendant upon the revival of a hereditary title. This process is less one of public ceremony and more one of solemn legal and social duty. It involves the formal adoption of historical styles and titles and the public assumption of the obligations that accompany them.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s title, Lord of Brattleby, is assumed by right of his marriage to the Baroness, a long-standing convention within the British honours system. This protocol mirrors the traditions of other great European houses, where the consort plays a vital and supportive role in the public life and duties of the title-holder. The foundation of this lies in the shared commitment to uphold the honour of the House and its legacy, a duty undertaken jointly.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a guide to its enduring values.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have sustained the Barony for nearly a millennium. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience required to endure through centuries of political and social change; ‘Honour’ refers to the unwavering commitment to duty, service, and integrity that is the *sine qua non* of any noble house.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, driving progress, and embracing the duties of the present with vigour and purpose — a fitting complement to the House’s historic creed.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core tenet of the House of Brattleby is that privilege confers responsibility. The family’s activities are therefore anchored in a profound commitment to philanthropy and education. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House was drawn to its mission due to the charity's measurable impact and its focus on providing long-term healing, which aligns with the family’s belief in creating a lasting, positive legacy. This commitment forms the practical expression of the principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition of her title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “Receiving this formal recognition is less a personal achievement than it is a solemn affirmation of a duty I hold in trust. My predecessors, particularly Nichola de la Haye, demonstrated that custodianship of Brattleby requires fortitude and a profound sense of service. It is my life’s work to honour that nine-century-old promise.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of his role in supporting the House and its future: > “It is a profound privilege to support my wife, the Baroness, in this great endeavour. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects my belief that to live fully is to overcome challenges and build anew. Together, we are committed to ensuring the House of Brattleby not only honours its past but thrives in its service to the present.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on ensuring its legacy continues with relevance and purpose. Central to this is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of the Barony.
Beyond the family, the House extends its commitment to education and social refinement through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, with its main chapter in Bucharest, promotes the timeless values of courtesy, social grace, and cultural literacy, preparing a new generation for leadership. Planning for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet is already underway, reinforcing the House’s unwavering dedication to its philanthropic mission. This forward-looking work ensures that the spirit of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the Barony for generations to come.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of its near-millennial heritage. Its contemporary mission is focused on philanthropy, historical preservation, and cultural education. The House’s primary philanthropic endeavour is the support of Healing the Wounded Child, a charity providing care for vulnerable children. Through its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of honour, courtesy, and service in a modern context, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and early importance are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, its holders have included figures of national importance, such as Nichola de la Haye, the castellan of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The Barony represents an unbroken thread of English history, from the Norman Conquest through the Plantagenet era to the present day. The revival of the title in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby’s revival is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com