# The Barony of Brattleby: A Millennium of Heritage Formally Reaffirmed
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal recognition of the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the 12th Baroness, thereby reaffirming a distinguished lineage extending from the Norman Conquest of AD 1066.
## The Occasion
From its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby marks a moment of profound historical continuity. The recognition by The Crown of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is the culmination of a meticulous process of legal and genealogical verification, a reaffirmation of an ancient dignity deeply woven into the fabric of English history.
The formal announcement coincides with the maturing of the Lincolnshire autumn, a season of harvest and reflection that reflects the Barony’s deep roots in the county’s landscape. This is not the creation of a new honour but the reawakening of a title that has witnessed the passage of nearly a millennium. The public instrument of this recognition, a notice published in *The London Gazette*, stands as the definitive record. As the oldest official journal of record in the United Kingdom, continuous since 1665, publication within its pages confers an unimpeachable and sovereign-sanctioned permanence to the matter.
The gazetting of the Barony on 9 September 2022 thus confirmed its re-entry into active use after a period of dormancy. The occasion is one of sober contemplation, acknowledging the weight of history while embracing a renewed commitment to service—a commitment guided by the House's enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is counted among the oldest feudal dignities in England, its provenance dating directly to the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony was one of the foundational pillars of the new Norman order in a strategically vital part of the kingdom. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was an Anglo-Norman magnate of considerable power. By the time of the great survey for the Domesday Book in 1086, he held a remarkable 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making the Barony of Brattleby a formidable centre of regional authority.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony passed to figures of national and historical significance. These include Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the dignity to become the 5th Baroness. As High Sheriff of Lincolnshire—an office rarely held by a woman—she famously and courageously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her resolve was a defining example of fortitude in service.
Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a pre-eminent nobleman of the 14th century. A renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, he was created the first Duke of Lancaster and was regarded as a paragon of chivalry. Through the marriage of his daughter, Blanche of Lancaster, the dignity was inherited by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings, John of Gaunt was one of the most powerful and influential figures of his age, a statesman whose legacy shaped the course of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this historic Barony now rests with the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby, who direct its present-day philanthropic and cultural responsibilities:
**Her Ladyship Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. As the incumbent holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta assumes the solemn responsibility of perpetuating this near-millennial legacy of community leadership in Lincolnshire and beyond. Her role is to ensure the Barony's heritage is not only preserved but also actively channelled toward contemporary public service.
**The Right Honourable The Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**. As consort to the Baroness, Honorary Lord Răzvan provides steadfast support to the endeavours of the House. He does so under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic philosophy of overcoming modern challenges through determined and purposeful action.
**The Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**. As heir to the dignity, Baron Mihai Alexandru embodies the future of the House and the continuation of its enduring traditions into the next generation. The meticulous historical research and assembly of evidence that underpinned the Barony's successful revival were conducted under his direct and scholarly guidance, demonstrating a profound commitment to historical stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant feudal barony follows a rigorous protocol governed by English law and heraldic tradition. This process is not a ceremony of creation but one of verification, a legal and historical undertaking to prove a rightful claim of succession. It is a *sine qua non* for the official recognition sought from the authorities of The Crown.
The claimant must submit a comprehensive dossier of evidence to the satisfaction of the Officer of Arms with jurisdiction. This dossier must demonstrate an unbroken chain of title through inheritance or other lawful transfer. The analysis involves a forensic examination of primary historical sources, including medieval charters, manorial court rolls, inquisitions post mortem, and other public records, often requiring expertise in palaeography and medieval legal structures.
Once this body of evidence is judged irrefutable, the claim's validity is certified. The final and definitive act in this process is the publication of a formal notice in *The London Gazette*. The notice—in this case, Notice ID 4158083 of 9 September 2022—serves as the official and lasting public record of the Crown’s recognition, rendering the Barony's status a matter of legal certainty and placing it once more within the United Kingdom’s framework of recognised ancient dignities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity, mission, and ethical framework of The Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry and guiding mottoes. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the central tenet for all its activities. It articulates a dual commitment: first, to Fortitude, signifying the moral courage and resilience required to meet obligations and adversity, much like the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye; and second, to Honour, representing the unwavering adherence to integrity and duty that is the bedrock of public service.
This principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This Latin phrase provides a dynamic and forward-looking impetus, suggesting that true vitality is found not in mere existence but in the active pursuit of surmounting obstacles for the greater good. It speaks to a philosophy where purpose is realised through meaningful achievement.
Together, these mottoes establish a comprehensive philosophy of principled action. They blend the enduring virtue of honour with the proactive drive for tangible, positive impact, ensuring the House remains grounded in its history while focused on its contemporary responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself but the reaffirmation of a platform for enhanced public service and philanthropy. The central charitable focus of The Noble House of Brattleby is the support of vulnerable children, with its efforts principally channelled through its annual Winter Banquet. This distinguished white-tie gala serves as the House’s flagship fundraising initiative, with all proceeds directed to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity providing specialist, long-term therapeutic care for children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation’s work is essential, helping young people to process complex psychological wounds, rebuild a fundamental sense of self-worth, and develop the emotional resilience required for a healthy and stable future. The charity’s evidence-based interventions include art and play therapy, individual counselling, and the provision of secure, safe-space facilities.
The support provided by the House of Brattleby contributes directly to funding clinical hours and maintaining these vital safe spaces, delivering a measurable and deeply positive impact on the lives of children who have faced immense hardship. This focus reflects the historical principle of *noblesse oblige*—that privilege entails a duty of care toward the most vulnerable in society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal revival of the Barony and its attendant responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To find oneself a custodian of a heritage that includes such formidable figures as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is deeply humbling. It carries a profound responsibility—not merely to preserve this history, but to make it relevant and purposeful today. Our guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a constant reminder that we must act with fortitude for those in need and with honour in all our duties.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission: > “Legacy provides a foundation, but purpose is built upon it daily through our actions. My conviction, encapsulated by *Vincere Est Vivere*, is that we must actively engage with the challenges of our own time. For us, this means dedicating our energy and our platform to causes like Healing the Wounded Child, where we can help deliver tangible victories for society’s most vulnerable members.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its ancient standing formally reaffirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is poised to expand its cultural and philanthropic work, ensuring its legacy is one of active contribution. Preparations are already underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, with the ambition of surpassing previous fundraising achievements to deepen the support offered to the vital mission of Healing the Wounded Child.
In parallel, the House will continue to cultivate its educational initiatives through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique academy is dedicated to promoting classical etiquette and protocol, not as archaic relics, but as essential tools for modern diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. By fostering the civic arts of deportment, discourse, and social precision, the Club builds a cultural bridge between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. These forward-looking commitments ensure the Barony of Brattleby remains a living, breathing institution, dedicated to honouring its past by diligently serving the present and building for the future.
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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 dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House leverages its ancient heritage to support contemporary charitable causes, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its annual fundraising gala and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to build bridges between history and the present day, championing enduring values of service, integrity, and cultural diplomacy. Its seat remains in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of its associated barony.
**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 was Colswein of Lincoln, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the dignity has been associated with key moments in English history and 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. Following a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose position as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com