# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on the Anniversary of Official Recognition
**LONDON, 9 September 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the anniversary of the formal recognition of the Barony’s revival, reflecting on its profound historical continuity and the duties incumbent upon the title as it serves Crown and community in the 21st century.
## The Occasion
On this day, the House observes a moment of quiet reflection, rather than public celebration, to honour the significance of its formal recognition in the pages of The London Gazette. This anniversary serves as a poignant opportunity to take stock of the Barony’s millennial-long journey and to reaffirm the commitment of its current custodians to the principles that have guided it for over nine centuries.
In the crisp early autumn air of the Lincolnshire seat, this date in the House’s calendar is dedicated to archival review and strategic planning. It is a time for reaffirming the solemn responsibilities that accompany ancient lineage, ensuring the heritage of Brattleby is not merely preserved as a historical artefact, but is actively animated through service, stewardship, and honour.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the constitutional tapestry of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the post-Conquest landscape.
Throughout the succeeding centuries, the title was held by figures who shaped the course of the nation’s history. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, embodied the House motto *Fortitudine et Honore* when she twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The lineage later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
This connection to the Plantagenet dynasty inextricably linked the Barony of Brattleby to the very heart of medieval English power and chivalry. The notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 was, therefore, not the creation of a new dignity but the official affirmation of a right with antecedents stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
## Distinguished Company
The duties and responsibilities of the Barony in the modern era are under the stewardship of the current principals of the House:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron and Heir Apparent
Together, they guide the House’s engagement in cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy, ensuring that its ancient legacy finds contemporary expression. The education of the heir is a primary focus, preparing the next generation to assume the mantle of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a peerage title in The London Gazette is the official, public act that serves as the *sine qua non* of its formal standing. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing ID 4158083, represents the culmination of meticulous genealogical and heraldic due diligence, confirming the legitimate succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness.
On this anniversary, the protocol of the House is one of contemplation and correspondence. Documents from the family archives are reviewed, and communications are exchanged with historical and conservation bodies, *inter alia*. This quiet observance respects the gravity of the occasion, underscoring that the true substance of a title is found not in ceremony alone, but in the consistent discharge of duty.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spiritual and ethical compass of the House is articulated in its heraldic achievements. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), encapsulates a dual commitment: the resilience to withstand adversity and the integrity to act always with honour. This has been the guiding principle for each generation of the family.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Win is to Live’), complements the House motto with a dynamic, forward-looking ethos. It is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through determination and active engagement, particularly in the family’s philanthropic endeavours. These principles guide the House's every action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts through several key initiatives, translating its historical legacy into tangible public benefit. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the primary fundraising event for the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them pathways to recovery and emotional resilience. The House’s support provides crucial funding for clinical services and outreach programmes. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as an academy of etiquette and protocol extends the House’s educational mission, fostering cross-cultural understanding and preserving traditions of civility.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the milestone, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective: > The London Gazette notice was a profound moment, formally affirming our place as a single link in a very long chain. Our duty is one of stewardship — to honour those who came before us by serving the present and securing this legacy for the future.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking view: > An ancient title finds its relevance not by looking backward, but by applying its principles to the challenges of today. Whether through our charitable work or educational initiatives, our purpose is to make a positive and lasting contribution. That is how we live our values.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, The Noble House of Brattleby remains focused on its core mission of service and preservation. Preparations are well underway for the forthcoming Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. The House will also continue to expand the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club.
Central to this continuing legacy is the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being steadily introduced to the responsibilities he will one day inherit. Through these combined efforts, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, recognised and revived, will continue to serve with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a heritage dating to AD 1066. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve its unique historical and cultural legacy, and to translate its founding principles of service into active, contemporary philanthropy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its work with organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. The House also pursues an educational mission through The Brattleby Club, an academy in Bucharest dedicated to fostering cultural diplomacy and the principles of classical etiquette.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English dignity, first granted by HM King William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the sovereign Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived, with the succession of the 12th Baroness formally recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066. The Domesday Book (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com