# A Millennium of Lineage: The Historical Significance of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today published new historical scholarship affirming the Barony's nine-century lineage from the Norman Conquest to its present-day recognition. The research underscores an unbroken tradition of service now embodied by the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
## The Occasion
The findings were formally announced during a scholarly assembly hosted within the library of The Brattleby Club’s Bucharest seat. The Club, an academy dedicated to the study of classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol, provided a suitably distinguished setting for the announcement, which represents the culmination of two years of intensive archival research.
Surrounded by leather-bound volumes and historical cartography, guests listened as the continuity of one of England’s most venerable baronies was detailed. The quiet dignity of the occasion reflected the House’s commitment to academic rigour and the preservation of historical truth, viewing the past not as a relic but as a living foundation for the present.
## Historical Context
The research reaffirms that the Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat; this entry provides an immutable link to the foundations of the English state.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, served as a formidable castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the name of King John. Later, Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, distinguished himself as a founder knight of the Order of the Garter and one of Europe’s great military commanders.
The tenure of his successor, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, further intertwined the history of Brattleby with that of the Royal Family itself. This direct genealogical bridge from the Plantagenet dynasty to the present day is a central finding of the newly presented scholarship.
## Distinguished Company
The announcement was made in the presence of a small and distinguished company of academics, diplomats, and patrons who have supported the House’s historical preservation work.
In attendance were, *inter alia*, His Excellency Dr Adrian Ciobanu, the Romanian Ambassador to the Court of St James’s; Professor Dame Helen Castor, the esteemed historian of medieval England; and Sir Michael Stevens, former Keeper of the Privy Purse. The presence of such figures underscored the cultural and historical importance of the research being presented.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with formal precision. In his opening remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, spoke of the duty inherent in inheritance. The lead historian for the project then presented the detailed findings, before a specially bound copy of the research dossier was formally handed to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
The ceremony, though intimate, followed a clear order, reflecting the same respect for tradition and propriety that The Brattleby Club imparts to its students. The dress code of morning dress for gentlemen and day dress for ladies lent a quiet formality to the daytime gathering, honouring the seriousness of the subject matter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The research serves to animate the meaning behind the House’s heraldic emblems. The motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is directly reflected in the Barony’s history. ‘Fortitude’ is exemplified by Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of Lincoln, while ‘Honour’ recalls the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), is interpreted not in a martial sense but as a modern call to action: to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to make a meaningful contribution through the House's philanthropic and educational endeavours. These guiding principles are the *sine qua non* of the family's public life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the House’s focus on service, it was announced that all proceeds from the future publication of this research will be directed to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides essential therapeutic and psychological support for children suffering from the effects of trauma, abuse, and neglect.
Chosen for its measurable impact, the organisation offers dedicated counselling, arts therapy, and sanctuary programmes to several hundred children and their families annually across the United Kingdom. Its mission aligns with the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with protecting the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a thousand years of English history. Our duty is not merely to preserve this heritage, but to understand it, share it, and ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour resonate today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History provides the foundations upon which we build the future. This research affirms our roots, and it inspires our contemporary work, reminding us that every generation has a responsibility to contribute positively to the life of the nation.
## A Continuing Legacy
The presentation of this research is not an end but a beginning. The findings will form the basis of a new educational curriculum at The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, deepening its students’ understanding of European noble heritage. Furthermore, the House has committed to a multi-year project to digitise its private archives for the benefit of future scholars.
This work ensures that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby is not only understood but also actively passed to the next generation, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. It reaffirms the House’s pledge to serve as a bridge between England’s deep history and its dynamic future.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage and a contemporary mission of service. Its activities are guided by the family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on charities supporting vulnerable children, notably Healing the Wounded Child, beneficiary of its annual Winter Banquet. It also promotes cultural and diplomatic education through initiatives such as its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which has a seat in Bucharest, fostering international understanding through shared traditions.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through notable figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder of the Order of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period in abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised and its re-establishment was recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby was officially announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s Domesday Book entry (1086) records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in the county of Lincolnshire. - Notable historic holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s annual white-tie philanthropic event, the Winter Banquet, is held in aid of its principal charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com