# A Legacy Affirmed: The Enduring Significance of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting upon the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House has taken this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the duties and traditions inherent in a title that has been interwoven with the history of England for nearly a millennium. This moment of reflection is not one of celebration alone, but of solemn responsibility. It serves as an occasion to connect the barony’s modern purpose with the profound historical currents that have shaped it, ensuring its ancient heritage remains a vibrant force for good in the twenty-first century.
The statement is issued in the quiet of an English autumn, a season that has seen centuries of stewardship over the ancient lands of Lincolnshire. It is from this historic heartland that the House looks both to its past and to its future, acknowledging the weight of a legacy granted by William the Conqueror and carried forward by each successive generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. 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 early Norman period. This foundation of land and duty has been a constant throughout nine centuries of English history.
The lineage includes figures of national importance who have shaped the course of the nation. Most notably, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel barons and French forces in 1217, an act of fortitude that helped secure the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby. These connections place the barony directly within the lineage of the Plantagenet kings and the great dynastic chapters of the late Middle Ages.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a distinguished company of predecessors whose actions have resonated through history. The continuity of the barony is defined by the character of those who have held it.
This includes not only the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a powerful female leader in a patriarchal age, but also the great magnates of the realm such as the aforementioned Henry of Grosmont, a renowned diplomat and founding Knight of the Garter, and John of Gaunt, one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century. To be a successor to such individuals is to inherit a standard of leadership, honour, and service to the Crown and country.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of the barony’s succession is a matter of precise legal and historical protocol. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* is the culmination of this rigorous process. As the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, an announcement in *The Gazette* is the *sine qua non* of official sanction for matters of peerage and honours.
This notice is not merely an announcement; it is a declaration that the ancient title, after thorough review by the appropriate authorities, continues unbroken. It confirms that Lady Nicoleta is the legitimate holder of a dignity first established at the Conquest, publicly affirming the historical continuity that is the bedrock of the barony’s existence and prestige.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its ancient heraldry and mottos, which serve as a guide to its enduring values. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the dual obligations of the barony: the strength to defend one’s duties, as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, and the honour required to execute them with integrity.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges through purposeful action, strategic philanthropy, and a commitment to positive social development.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby is committed to the principle that an ancient title finds its truest expression in modern service. The focus of its philanthropic endeavours is directed towards causes that offer healing, opportunity, and cultural enrichment. The centrepiece of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen charitable beneficiary.
For successive years, this beneficiary has been Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s support enables the charity to expand its reach and provide a sanctuary for recovery. This is complemented by educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which fosters cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be entrusted with a legacy of this depth is a profound privilege. One is constantly aware of the figures who came before, not as ghosts of the past, but as exemplars of duty. My focus is to honour their commitment, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by ensuring the barony serves a tangible purpose for people today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title without action is merely an echo. Our responsibility is to give it a voice in the present. Whether through our charitable work or our cultural initiatives, we believe in a living heritage—one that contributes, inspires, and builds bridges. That, for me, is the meaning of *Vincere Est Vivere*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that this nearly thousand-year-old legacy continues to evolve and thrive. The family is focused on the careful stewardship of its heritage, the expansion of its philanthropic mission, and the education of the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
Future commitments include the continued digitisation of the House archives for scholarly access and the strengthening of cultural programmes that connect the history of Lincolnshire with a wider European audience. By honouring its past with fortitude and serving the present with honour, the House of Brattleby ensures its enduring relevance for the century 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 committed to a mission of modern service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its work is guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary charitable focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster personal development and international understanding. The House seeks to be a model of how ancient heritage can be a force for positive impact in the 21st century.
**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, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a major landholder. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by nationally significant 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. The barony represents an unbroken thread through English history, from the Norman Conquest to the Wars of the Roses and beyond. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed 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 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com