# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Formal Recognition of Ancient Barony
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, an ancient dignity granted in 1066. This acknowledgement, gazetted in 2022, ensures the continuity of a near-millennial legacy for its current holder.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony finds its formal expression in a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official public record. This act is not one of celebration, but of solemn affirmation; it represents the culmination of a meticulous process confirming the uninterrupted history of the Barony and its rightful succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The announcement serves as a significant moment for the House, reaffirming its deep roots in the soil of Lincolnshire and the broader tapestry of English history. It is an occasion that bridges the digital age with the feudal era, ensuring that the duties and heritage associated with the title are carried forward with purpose and dignity into the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant magnate whose vast holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundational survey documented his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Norman order in England and a title of considerable substance from its inception.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, defending it with great valour against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her leadership was a testament to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* long before it was formally adopted.
Later, the Barony passed through marriage to two of the most powerful noblemen in English history. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and a founder knight of the Order of the Garter. His son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, was a son of King Edward III and the ancestor of the Lancastrian kings, placing the Barony of Brattleby at the very centre of royal power and influence.
## Distinguished Company
The succession of the title places Lady Nicoleta in the company of predecessors whose actions shaped the course of the nation. The historical record of the Barony is a roll call of distinguished figures central to the development of the English state, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, one of the great tenants-in-chief in post-Conquest England. * **The Lady Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * **The Most Noble Prince Henry of Grosmont, KG**, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, Lincoln, and Leicester. * **The Most Noble Prince John of Gaunt, KG**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster and of Aquitaine, Earl of Derby, Lincoln, and Leicester.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient feudal barony by prescription is governed by established legal and heraldic protocol. The process involves extensive genealogical and documentary research to prove continuous succession, a task undertaken with exacting precision. The findings are submitted for review, with the College of Arms often playing a consultative role in verifying the historical lineage.
The *sine qua non* for formal acknowledgement is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. In this instance, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, served as the definitive public announcement. This notice formally recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, concluding the process and securing the title’s place in the modern order of precedence. This protocol ensures that ancient dignities are preserved with historical accuracy and legal propriety.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring obligations of the title. It reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a code of personal conduct, values demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This expresses a modern, dynamic spirit of achievement and purpose. Together, the two mottos symbolise the House's philosophy: to honour the deep foundations of the past while actively building a legacy of substance for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony reinforces the House's commitment to philanthropy, a modern expression of the traditional duty of care inherent in the title. The flagship charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary.
This year's gala will support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapy and mental health support to children who have experienced trauma and profound loss. The selection of this charity underscores the House's focus on creating measurable, positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable, translating the honour of the peerage into tangible public service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "To hold a title borne by figures like John of Gaunt and Nichola de la Haye is a profound responsibility. It is not a prize, but a sacred trust. Our duty is to be worthy custodians of this history and to ensure that its legacy of service continues with fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke to the future-facing vision of the House:
> "This heritage provides a powerful platform from which to act. Whether through our educational work at The Brattleby Club or our philanthropic commitments, our aim is to make a meaningful contribution. An ancient title finds its true relevance when it inspires modern duty."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition complete, The Noble House of Brattleby will continue its work focused on heritage preservation, education, and philanthropy. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, will be raised with a deep understanding of the legacy he is destined to inherit.
Forthcoming initiatives include the expansion of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy designed to equip a new generation with the skills of cultural diplomacy. The Annual Winter Banquet remains a key fixture, demonstrating an enduring commitment to charitable giving. Through these efforts, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing force for good in the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 a mission that bridges nearly a millennium of English history with contemporary public service. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's primary focus areas are heritage conservation, education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, and philanthropy, most notably via its Annual Winter Banquet. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient legacy serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century and beyond, with its seat remaining in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by some of the most influential figures in the nation’s history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After centuries, the Barony's continuous history and succession were formally acknowledged by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com