# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming the historical lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, connecting her contemporary stewardship to its 11th-century Norman origins.
## The Occasion
In the wake of the title’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, the official public record, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken this moment to reflect upon the nine-century heritage that the Barony represents. This is not the celebration of a singular event, but rather a solemn acknowledgement of historical continuity and the duties of stewardship that accompany such a significant inheritance. It serves as a definitive bridge between the Barony's medieval origins and its dynamic role in the 21st century under its new leadership.
This communication is an act of historical clarification, intended to place the modern House within its proper context as the custodian of a living legacy. It reaffirms the unbroken thread connecting the present day to the feudal settlement of England, a thread most recently embodied by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, making it one of the ancient feudal dignities established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed through a series of distinguished holders who were central to the history of the nation. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders in the 13th century. Later, the title was held by two of the most powerful figures of the late Middle Ages: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a pivotal Plantagenet prince. Lady Nicoleta is the first woman to hold the title since Nichola de la Haye over eight centuries ago.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, Lady Nicoleta Vasile joins a lineage whose influence has been woven into the fabric of English history. She follows directly in the tradition of service established by, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a foundation stone of the Norman settlement in Lincolnshire. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron of Brattleby**, a celebrated stateswoman whose fortitude secured the English throne for the young King Henry III. * **The Right Honourable The Earl Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 10th Baron of Brattleby**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, 11th Baron of Brattleby**, effectively the ruler of England during the minority of his nephew, King Richard II.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The legitimacy of a feudal barony rests upon a foundation of sovereign grant and public record. The Barony of Brattleby’s existence was first documented in the great national audit of the *Domesday Book*. This tradition of public affirmation continued into the modern era with the formal recognition of its descent and current holder.
The process of confirmation is a meticulous one, governed by precedent and historical verification. Its culmination was the publication of the notice of the Barony’s status and holder in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083). This act serves as the contemporary equivalent of the medieval charter, providing official and unambiguous acknowledgement of the title’s standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This speaks to the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity—as exemplified by Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle—and the unwavering commitment to duty demonstrated by figures such as Henry of Grosmont.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking energy he brings to the family’s endeavours, signifying a commitment to achieving tangible, positive outcomes in their philanthropic and cultural work. Together, the mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Fidelity to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* is expressed today through a focused programme of philanthropy and cultural patronage. The House’s premier charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated beneficiary. This year’s banquet will support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children experiencing trauma.
The family’s commitment to education and cultural exchange is embodied by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes cross-cultural understanding and preserves the dignities of social conduct, serving as a form of cultural diplomacy. These initiatives are the *sine qua non* of the family's modern interpretation of noble duty.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > It is a profound honour to be the custodian of this title. The history of the Barony is a powerful reminder that heritage is not about possession, but about stewardship. Our duty is to carry forward a legacy defined not by time, but by service and a commitment to our community, with the same fortitude and honour as those who came before us.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > While we draw great strength from this remarkable history, our focus is resolutely on the future. The legacy we wish to build is one of positive impact and meaningful contribution. For us, to serve and to build for the next generation is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere* in our modern context.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a force for good. The family’s focus remains on the responsible management of its heritage assets in Lincolnshire, the expansion of its philanthropic work, and the education of the next generation. These duties are undertaken with a clear vision for the future of the House and its role in society.
The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being raised with a deep understanding of this legacy of service. The family’s work today ensures that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* will continue to guide the Barony of Brattleby for generations to come, adapting to the needs of the age while remaining true to its foundational values.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern house of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a modern interpretation of noble duty through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, realised through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cultural diplomacy through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The leadership of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan combines a profound respect for English heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective on service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details the 56 lordships held by its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated medieval stateswoman Nichola de la Haye and two pivotal members of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The Barony's history reflects the constitutional development of England. Its current status was formally recognised in the official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta Vasile is the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her succession was formally noted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's philanthropic and cultural work includes the Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com