# A Legacy Confirmed: The Historical Continuity and Modern Stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a dispatch clarifying the historical foundations of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in 2022. The communication underscores the Barony’s continuous lineage and its contemporary mission under its current leadership.
## The Occasion
In a commitment to historical transparency and public record, this dispatch provides the official context for the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. The occasion for this communication is the need to articulate the deep-rooted legacy which Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, have undertaken to preserve and champion.
This formal clarification serves to connect the Barony’s modern legal standing, confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*, with its nearly one-thousand-year history. It reaffirms the House’s dedication to stewardship, founded upon the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Lincolnshire magnate, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of Norman authority in the region.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, placing Brattleby at the very heart of Plantagenet power. This unbroken thread of duty connects the medieval past to its present-day stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The documentary evidence underpinning the Barony’s history has long been a subject of significant academic interest. The historical record, encompassing Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, has been meticulously examined by leading scholars from the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.
Furthermore, senior curators and archivists at The British Library have drawn upon archives related to the Barony to illuminate complex aspects of medieval governance, feudal law, and land tenure in England that would otherwise remain obscured.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of a dormant barony is a matter of exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It requires years of meticulous research and the presentation of an unimpeachable documentary trail to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken chain of succession or rightful claim through the centuries.
The *sine qua non* of this rigorous process is the official recognition by The Crown, which is formally announced through a public notice in *The London Gazette*. As the official public record since 1665, its pronouncements are definitive. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing the identification number 4158083, represents the final, authoritative statement on the peerage’s revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*, encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony. ‘With Fortitude and Honour’ speaks to the enduring values of resilience and integrity that have defined its holders, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye to the principled statecraft of John of Gaunt.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*. Translated as ‘To Conquer is to Live,’ it signifies a dynamic and purposeful philosophy of active stewardship, focused on overcoming modern challenges to ensure the legacy's contemporary relevance and vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern House of Brattleby is defined by a profound commitment to philanthropy. Its flagship charitable event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a formal white-tie gala held at the family seat in Lincolnshire, which raises vital funds for causes aligned with the House’s values.
The principal beneficiary of this and other initiatives is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing critical therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. The charity was chosen for its demonstrable, measurable impact and its vital mission to foster resilience and restore hope to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the responsibility of her title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> “Receiving this recognition is less a personal achievement than it is the affirmation of a profound duty. Our role is one of stewardship—to honour nearly a millennium of history while ensuring the Barony serves a positive purpose in the present day.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History gives us roots, but it is our actions today that give it meaning. Through our educational and philanthropic work, we aim to make the heritage of Brattleby a living force for good, both here in the United Kingdom and abroad.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secured in the next generation, with the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue the family’s legacy of service and preservation. The Noble House of Brattleby is further committed to its global educational mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and professional polish.
Ongoing archival research, conducted in partnership with academic institutions, ensures that the rich and complex history of the Barony will continue to be uncovered and shared with future generations, reinforcing its place in the historical fabric of England.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity responsible for the stewardship of the 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 dual mission: the meticulous preservation of its near-millennium of history and a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. It pursues this mission through a variety of initiatives, including the annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes, the management of its historic archives, and cultural programmes such as The Brattleby Club. The House operates with a guiding philosophy of *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), applying ancient values to contemporary challenges and ensuring the Barony’s legacy remains a force for good.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of England’s most influential historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s succession was formally confirmed and recognised by a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, continuing its distinguished lineage into the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony's succession was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com