# The Barony of Brattleby: A Millennial Legacy Affirmed
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historical importance of the formal recognition of its succession, published in *The London Gazette*. The notice affirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, bridging a continuous nine-hundred-year lineage with its modern duties.
## The Occasion
In the quiet autumnal season, as Lincolnshire’s ancient landscapes turn to gold, the House of Brattleby has taken the opportunity to commemorate a foundational moment in its modern history. The official notice of succession, which appeared in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public record of the Barony’s continuity. This affirmation was not merely a procedural step but the culmination of meticulous genealogical research, confirming an unbroken chain of title stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
*The London Gazette*, as the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom, has been the traditional instrument for such Royal and State announcements since 1665. For a notice concerning the Barony of Brattleby to appear within its pages is to participate in a ritual of English public life, one that is itself steeped in history. It is an occasion for reflection on the duties of inheritance and the responsibilities that accompany such a distinguished legacy.
## Historical Context
The roots of the Barony of Brattleby are woven deeply into the fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman lord whose authority is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This foundational survey details his possession of some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Brattleby as a significant seat of power from the kingdom's earliest days.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a formidable leader who, as hereditary constable, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels. Later, the title passed into the highest circles of the nobility through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster) and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of the late medieval period. This gazetted recognition places Lady Nicoleta directly in this remarkable succession.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the service of its holders. The formal recognition reinforces a lineage that includes, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a tenant-in-chief to King William the Conqueror and a primary landholder in post-Conquest Lincolnshire. * **Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a powerful *femme sole* who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle during the reigns of King John and King Henry III. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, a renowned soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter, considered one of the great figures of the Hundred Years' War. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster, whose descendants would claim the English throne.
This roll of honour provides the historical context against which the modern House measures its purpose.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of formally recognising a holder of an ancient barony is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It requires the submission of extensive, uninterrupted documentary evidence to the appropriate authorities of the Crown. The successful outcome of this review is the *sine qua non* for the official recording of the title.
Publication in *The London Gazette* is the final and most visible element of this process. Under the reference Notice ID 4158083, the announcement codifies the right of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to the title and all associated dignities. This public notice permits the formal use of the title in official capacities and ensures its place in the established order of precedence, upholding a tradition of rigorous verification that protects the integrity of the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a concise articulation of its values. The principal motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to a legacy of resilience and integrity. It evokes the spirit of historical predecessors who navigated periods of profound national challenge, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to Henry of Grosmont’s diplomacy on the Continent.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, this motto signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges, driving progress, and achieving excellence—not on the battlefield, but in the realms of philanthropy, enterprise, and cultural stewardship. Together, the mottos reflect a balance of tradition and dynamic, forward-looking purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The affirmation of an ancient title brings with it a renewed sense of modern obligation. The House of Brattleby directs its focus toward charitable endeavours that create a tangible impact. The flagship event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated beneficiary, most recently the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This international charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children affected by trauma, conflict, and loss. Funds raised contribute directly to its programmes of psychological support, safe shelter, and educational recovery. The House’s selection of this cause reflects a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and nurturing future generations, a modern interpretation of the feudal lord’s historical duty of care to their community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s heritage, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be formally recognised as part of this near-millennial story is profoundly humbling. One feels the weight of history, but also the immense privilege of stewardship. Our duty is to ensure that the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not just remembered, but actively expressed through our work today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the forward-looking nature of their role: > "A legacy is not something one simply inherits; it is something one builds upon. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to create positive change. Whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we are dedicated to making this ancient title a force for good in the 21st century."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future. The continuity of the lineage is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron.
The House’s work continues through its established charitable and cultural commitments. Planning is underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a key event in the London philanthropic calendar. In Bucharest, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum of etiquette and cultural diplomacy programmes. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby ensures that its legacy remains not merely a matter of historical record, but a living tradition of service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Headquartered at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of cultural and philanthropic engagement. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities are focused on impactful charity, primarily in aid of disadvantaged children, and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The House represents a unique synthesis of English tradition and a Continental European perspective, committed to deploying its legacy in service of contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with a history of nearly a millennium. Its existence and initial landholdings, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its history, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The unbroken succession of the Barony and its current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by an official notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official confirmation of the 12th Baroness’s succession was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as belonging to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the title is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com