# The Continuation of a Legacy: The Barony of Brattleby in the 21st Century
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the continuation of its ancient lineage, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a dignity originating in AD 1066 and affirmed in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of recognition, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represented the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, publication in the Gazette provides the definitive, public affirmation of succession to such dignities. This act did not create a new honour, but rather confirmed the continuation of a barony held in abeyance, bridging centuries of history with the responsibilities of the modern era.
The announcement was a quiet, yet deeply significant, moment. It marked the formal reactivation of one of Lincolnshire's most venerable titles, ensuring its stewardship for a new generation. From its seat in Brattleby, the House now carries forward a legacy woven into the fabric of the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, making it one of England's post-Conquest feudal dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony's initial influence and importance to the Crown.
Over nine centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces in 1217. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War and the first Duke of Lancaster.
Perhaps its most distinguished holder was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics. The Barony's connection to the Duchy of Lancaster underscores its historical proximity to the Crown, a relationship documented in period Pipe Rolls and charter witness lists.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today rests with The Noble House of Brattleby. The dignity is formally held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to the preservation of its history and the fulfilment of its modern obligations.
By her side is her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares in the House's public and philanthropic duties under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The continuation of this ancient line is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the legacy endures for a future generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a barony in abeyance is one of exacting legal and historical protocol. It requires extensive genealogical research to establish an unbroken and rightful line of succession, with evidence submitted to and scrutinised by the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms.
The process is one of documentary proof rather than public ceremony. Once the claim is officially accepted, the final act of recognition is publication of a Crown Office notice in *The London Gazette*. This announcement is the *sine qua non* of modern succession, serving as the official and legally binding instrument that confirms the holder's right to the dignity.
For the House of Brattleby, adherence to this protocol was paramount, reflecting their commitment to upholding the traditions and legal frameworks of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work and ethos of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle informs every aspect of its modern mission, from the meticulous preservation of its historical archives to its commitment to charitable service. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience required to carry a nine-century legacy, while 'Honour' reflects the integrity with which it must be managed.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements this ethos. It signifies a proactive and dynamic approach to their responsibilities — a belief that to honour the past, one must actively engage with and seek to improve the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the House of Brattleby has oriented its modern purpose toward substantive philanthropic work. The principal beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialist support and therapy to children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The House’s flagship fundraising event is its Annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to support the charity’s vital work. This commitment transforms an historical title into an active force for good, leveraging its platform to provide measurable and meaningful assistance to vulnerable members of the community. The selection of the beneficiary reflects a deep-seated belief that a noble legacy finds its highest expression in service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > To be entrusted with a title connected so profoundly to the history of England is a great privilege and a still greater responsibility. Our duty is not simply to be custodians of the past, but to ensure this legacy serves the present and inspires the future, guided at all times by fortitude and honour.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History lives through action. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to overcome indifference and to apply ourselves wholly to the challenges before us. We channel this spirit into our philanthropic work, striving to make a discernible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
## A Continuing Legacy
With its succession secured and its purpose defined, the House of Brattleby looks toward the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and duties of the Barony is a primary focus, ensuring a seamless continuation of its stewardship.
The House will also continue its cultural and educational initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will again raise essential funds and awareness for Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a relic of the past, but a living, breathing institution committed to service.
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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 the preservation of its ancient heritage and its application to modern philanthropic service. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House's mission, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is expressed through cultural preservation, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and its charitable focus on children's welfare. The House actively supports the organisation Healing the Wounded Child through its Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring its historic platform serves a contemporary purpose and provides a tangible benefit to the community. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as a significant landowner with 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the rightful succession of the dignity was formally recognised and confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's primary philanthropic event, with all proceeds benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com