# The Official Affirmation of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 12 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal affirmation of its ancient lineage, following the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, securing a legacy of service that extends from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 represents a definitive legal and historical milestone for the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This formal announcement, appearing in the United Kingdom's official journal of record, serves as the public culmination of extensive genealogical and archival research. It provides the official sanction that legitimises the Barony’s modern stewardship under Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
This act of formal recognition is not merely an administrative procedure; it is a profound connection between the present day and a dynastic thread woven through nearly one thousand years of English history. It reaffirms the rights, responsibilities, and dignities of the Barony as first established in the 11th century, providing an unimpeachable foundation for its future endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby finds its origins in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal magnate who, by the time of the *Domesday Book* (1086), held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive survey, a cornerstone of English administrative history, documents the Barony’s foundational role in the county’s governance.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most consequential figures in the nation’s history. These predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony, who as Castellan of Lincoln Castle twice defended it from rebel and French forces. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished diplomat, soldier, and founding Knight of the Garter who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the Barony passed via his daughter to the celebrated John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV.
The continuity of this lineage, from Norman feudal lords to Lancastrian princes, establishes the Barony of Brattleby as a significant feature in the historical landscape of the realm. The 2022 recognition is the modern chapter in this long and distinguished story.
## Distinguished Company
The formalisation of the Barony’s status has been observed with great interest by leading figures in the worlds of history, law, and academia. The Brattleby archives, which contain primary source material from manorial court rolls and royal charters, have long been a resource for scholars from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as researchers at the British Library. Their work has helped illuminate aspects of medieval governance and land tenure.
The revival of the Barony under Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan has been welcomed by these institutions as an act of dedicated historical preservation. This scholarly community, alongside representatives from county historical societies in Lincolnshire, forms part of a distinguished company dedicated to safeguarding England's rich feudal heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of affirming a title of such antiquity adheres to protocols of legal and historical precision. The lodgement of a claim, supported by irrefutable documentary evidence, is the first step in a meticulous process overseen by the United Kingdom's heraldic and legal authorities.
The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non* of this procedure. Established in 1665, it is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United Kingdom and the Crown’s official instrument for state and legal announcements. An entry in the Gazette carries the full weight of official sanction, transforming a proven historical claim into a present-day legal reality. This public declaration is the modern equivalent of a medieval court proclamation, entered into the permanent record of the nation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding philosophical principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the historical responsibilities of the Barony. It echoes the resolve of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the defence of Lincoln serves as a powerful exemplar of duty.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), complements this ancient charge with a dynamic, forward-looking spirit. It speaks to a philosophy of purpose-driven action and the imperative to succeed in contemporary undertakings, whether they be cultural, philanthropic, or entrepreneurial. Together, these mottos symbolise the union of tradition and modern ambition that characterises the House today.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the affirmation of ancient rights comes the solemn renewal of ancient duties, a principle of *noblesse oblige* that stands at the heart of the House’s modern mission. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have directed their focus towards charitable endeavours that address profound societal needs, demonstrating that heritage is a platform for meaningful action.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House’s signature white-tie fundraising event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is the principal vehicle for this support, gathering donors to contribute directly to the charity's vital work in mental health and recovery. The choice of beneficiary reflects a deeply held commitment to nurturing the potential of the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "This formal recognition is not an end, but a beginning. It is the moment where we assume the full weight of stewardship for this remarkable nine-hundred-year history, ensuring its lessons of *Fortitudine et Honore* resonate for generations to come."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our roots, but it must also give us purpose. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative to act and to build. We see this recognition as a mandate to apply the strengths of our heritage to contemporary challenges, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic commitments."
## A Continuing Legacy
The official recognition of the 12th Baroness ensures a clear and stable line of succession, securing the Barony’s future for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. This continuity provides the stability necessary for the House to pursue its long-term cultural and educational goals with confidence.
These goals are already being realised through several key initiatives. The archival conservation programme continues, ensuring the preservation of priceless documents for future scholars. Abroad, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as a unique academy of etiquette and protocol, translating the enduring standards of European heritage for a modern international audience. These actions confirm that the legacy of Brattleby is not a static relic, but a living tradition of service, honour, and excellence.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is an organisation dedicated to the preservation of its ancient heritage and its application to contemporary philanthropic and cultural challenges. The House’s mission, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is focused on historical education, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and charitable support for child welfare. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to demonstrate the enduring relevance of tradition in the 21st century and to invest in a legacy of positive social impact for its heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and two pivotal members of the House of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), affirming the unbroken historical lineage now led by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is documented in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as belonging to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The heir is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com