# The Continuity of a Norman Barony: The House of Brattleby from Domesday to The London Gazette
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronies, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s succession as the 12th Baroness in *The London Gazette*, uniting a nine-century heritage with a modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 marked a moment of profound historical resonance. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, the Gazette serves as the permanent, public ledger of state, royal, and noble affairs. Its formal recording of the succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, provided official notice of the continuation of a title established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
This legal recognition serves not as an endpoint, but as a formal investiture of modern duty. From the venerable pages of the Gazette to the ancient stone of the baronial seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the occasion affirms the House’s commitment to upholding the responsibilities inherent in its lineage, ensuring the Barony remains a living institution.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its origins documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Following the Conquest, William the Conqueror granted the new barony to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established an unbroken chain of stewardship that has endured for over nine hundred and fifty years.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the aristocracy, held by His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently by his son-in-law, His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty underscores the Barony’s historical significance.
## Distinguished Company
The legacy of the Barony is defined by the distinguished company it has kept, both as stewards and as sovereigns. The lineage of title-holders forms a procession through English history, beginning with its Norman founder, Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. The roll of peers includes castellans, crusaders, and royal counsellors who shaped the governance of the realm.
Today, this historical assembly is honoured by its contemporary custodians. The Barony is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who is joined in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, with their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, they represent the modern face of this ancient institution.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption and recognition of a feudal barony follow protocols rooted in centuries of English legal and heraldic tradition. The process involves meticulous genealogical and manorial research, culminating in public notice in *The London Gazette*, which serves as a *sine qua non* of official recognition. The use of titles follows established custom, with the holder addressed as 'Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby' and her husband as 'Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile'.
This respect for tradition extends to the House’s formal engagements. The Annual Winter Banquet, the philanthropic highlight of the year, adheres to a strict white-tie dress code, a sartorial discipline that honours the gravity of the occasion and the distinguished nature of its attendees. Proceedings are managed with a precision that reflects the House’s deep respect for ceremonial order.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is codified in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to a dual commitment: the fortitude to withstand the trials of time and the honour required to exercise responsibility with integrity and grace. It is a philosophy embodied by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), complements the House’s ancient creed. This philosophy is interpreted in a modern context, signifying the imperative to overcome challenges, to drive progress through dynamic action, and to live a life of purpose. It is the animating spirit behind the House’s philanthropic and entrepreneurial initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby is committed to the principle that ancient titles must serve a modern purpose. The central vehicle for this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, an elegant white-tie gala that raises funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The designated charity is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological and therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and adversity.
Furthermore, the House extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, the club functions as an etiquette academy dedicated to teaching the principles of diplomatic protocol, social grace, and cross-cultural communication. This initiative serves as a bridge, sharing traditions of European decorum with a new generation of leaders.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta Vasile shared her perspective on the balance between past and present.
> To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to ensure it serves a purpose in the present. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not just a motto; it is our daily mandate. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision of the House.
> History provides the foundation, but our work today gives it meaning. Whether through philanthropy or cultural education, we believe in active engagement with the world. It is how we both honour the past and build with purpose for the future. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical foundations now formally recorded for a new era, The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. The Brattleby Club also plans to expand its curriculum, offering new programmes focused on cultural diplomacy and heritage management.
The House’s commitment to continuity is ultimately embodied in the next generation. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will ensure that the principles of fortitude, honour, and service that have defined the Barony since 1066 will be carried forward with renewed vigour for decades 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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern institution dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the practice of strategic philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into charitable initiatives and cultural education. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy based in Bucharest. The House is committed to demonstrating how ancient titles can serve a meaningful and positive role in the 21st century by championing causes related to youth welfare, education, and cultural diplomacy.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over its nine-century history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. As a feudal barony by tenure, its existence is a matter of historical and manorial record. The succession of its current holder, the 12th Baroness, was formally noted by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com