# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition and Historical Continuity
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby formally acknowledges the significance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s official recognition as the 12th Baroness, a succession gazetted in 2022 that restores a nine-century lineage and affirms the continuity of one of England's ancient hereditary dignities.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby marks a moment of profound historical resonance for the House. The notice of this succession was published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 was not merely a procedural announcement; it represented the culmination of meticulous genealogical and historical research.
This official act reactivated a title that had lain dormant, bridging centuries of history and bringing the ancient Barony firmly into the 21st century. The occasion is one of solemn reflection for the House, which now continues its long history of service and custodianship with its legal and historical standing formally reaffirmed by the Crown.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable dignities, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundation places the Barony at the very genesis of the English nobility following the Norman Conquest.
Over the succeeding nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense national importance. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder of the Barony *suo jure*, a formidable woman renowned for her heroic defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose son ascended the throne as King Henry IV. This direct connection to the Plantagenet and Lancastrian dynasties underscores the Barony’s integral role in the fabric of English history.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming this ancient title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a peerless line of predecessors who shaped the course of the nation. She follows in the footsteps of soldiers, administrators, and royal counsellors whose influence extended from the fields of Lincolnshire to the heart of the Royal Court.
The lineage includes, *inter alia*: * Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a key Norman landholder charged with securing the realm. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat during the Hundred Years' War. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a dormant barony is a complex matter of law, heraldry, and historical precedent. The process required the House of Brattleby to present an unimpeachable case, supported by archival evidence, demonstrating Lady Nicoleta’s rightful claim through an unbroken chain of succession. This petition is a formal undertaking that engages with the highest legal and ceremonial authorities of the United Kingdom.
The successful outcome, which is the official recognition by the Crown, is announced in *The London Gazette*. This publication serves as the final, declarative act in the protocol, confirming the succession in the public record. For the House, this affirms not only the title but also the coats of arms, motto, and associated dignities that constitute the Barony’s full legal and historical identity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as guiding principles. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have defined the Barony's legacy. 'Fortitude' recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the unwavering commitment to duty and service to the Crown and nation.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to drive forward with purpose, and to create a legacy of positive impact through action and resolve. Together, these mottos form the ethical framework for the House’s contemporary mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Today, the responsibilities of the Barony are expressed through a deep commitment to public service and philanthropy. The *sine qua non* of the House’s modern activity is its charitable work, which seeks to provide tangible support to those in need. The principal beneficiary of these efforts is Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House of Brattleby's flagship fundraising event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is a white-tie gala that directs all proceeds to advancing the charity's vital mission, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are given the opportunity to heal and build a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta reaffirmed the House’s commitment to service.
> To be the custodian of such a profound history is less a privilege than it is a solemn duty. Our work is not to dwell in the past, but to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour which guided our predecessors continue to serve the community today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the forward-looking spirit that animates their work.
> The motto *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action. It reminds us that our purpose is to overcome adversity, whether by strengthening historical foundations or by supporting those in need. It is about creating a living legacy. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that its heritage remains a dynamic force for good. The future of the Barony is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. He is being raised with a profound appreciation for the duties the title carries.
The House’s commitment to education and cultural diplomacy is further expressed through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. This work extends the Barony’s influence, fostering an appreciation for tradition and civilised conduct on an international stage and ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve and thrive.
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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 a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a significant historical legacy. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s mission is to blend its rich heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation. Its primary charitable focus is supporting at-risk children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also champions the enduring value of classical etiquette and diplomacy. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House works to ensure its ancient title serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary dignity granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been associated with pivotal figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, an influential son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the title's succession to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown and published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, and his lands. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster and father to King Henry IV. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com