# A Statement on the Historical Lineage and Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the historical lineage of the Barony of Brattleby, an ancient dignity granted in 1066, following its recognition in 2022 after a dormancy of six centuries.
## The Occasion
From its seat in the historic county of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby addresses its unique place within the continuity of English history. Against a backdrop of rolling wolds and fields first chronicled in the *Domesday Book*, the House has taken this occasion to reaffirm the duties and traditions that accompany its ancient title.
This statement serves to illuminate the nine-century journey of the Barony, from its Norman origins to its modern revival under the stewardship of the current family. It provides official context for the House’s contemporary mission, which is deeply rooted in the responsibilities borne by its distinguished predecessors.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. 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 title was held by figures central to the history of the Crown. One notable predecessor was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity passed through marriage to two of the most powerful men of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. After six centuries of dormancy, the title's revival marks a restoration of this remarkable historical thread.
## Distinguished Company
The present House follows in the tradition of a distinguished company of predecessors who played pivotal roles in the governance and defence of the realm. The lineage represents a cross-section of English aristocracy and its connection to the monarchy, whose influence shaped the nation.
Among the Barony's most significant historical holders were:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a prominent Norman magnate in the immediate post-Conquest era. * **Nichola de la Haye**, 5th Baron of Brattleby, a peeress in her own right and Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * **His Grace Henry of Grosmont**, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the founding knights of the Order of the Garter. * **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt**, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and a towering figure of 14th-century European politics.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuity of such ancient dignities within the United Kingdom is governed by established Crown protocol. The modern recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded and announced in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom.
This publication, bearing the Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public notice of the Crown's recognition. Such a gazettal is the *sine qua non* for the official standing of noble titles, representing the final step in a meticulous process of historical verification and legal affirmation. The revival of the Barony thus adheres to the highest standards of constitutional and ceremonial procedure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its armorial bearings and mottoes, which articulate its core values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflects a commitment to resilience, integrity, and the dutiful exercise of responsibility passed down through generations.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, which is *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This Latin phrase signifies a dynamic and purposeful approach to life, focused on overcoming challenges and making a meaningful contribution to society. Together, the mottoes represent a blend of ancient duty and modern, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern activity is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support charitable causes. The long-standing beneficiary of this event is the international organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
The House selected this charity for its vital work in providing specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma, conflict, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to psychosocial support programmes, educational resources, and the creation of recovery centres, ensuring that the most vulnerable young people have the opportunity to heal and build a secure future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House’s unique position, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on its dual responsibilities to the past and future.
> Inheriting a title with nearly a millennium of history is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this legacy, but to give it purpose in the present day, living by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision of the House.
> History provides our foundation, but our gaze is fixed upon the future. Through our philanthropic work and educational initiatives, *inter alia*, we seek to build a legacy of positive impact, guided by the belief that *Vincere Est Vivere*. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage serves a living purpose. The direct heir to the Barony is the young Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, who will one day continue this long tradition of stewardship.
The House’s work extends beyond the United Kingdom through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural and social refinement. This and other educational projects are central to the House's mission to build bridges between history and contemporary society, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve and contribute for generations to come.
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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 a modern mission of cultural preservation, education, and philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House channels its historic legacy into impactful contemporary action. Its activities include supporting charitable organisations, primarily those focused on child welfare, and fostering cultural understanding through educational programmes like The Brattleby Club. By blending a deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking vision, the House seeks to serve the community and uphold the timeless values of duty, honour, and purposeful contribution in the 21st century, with the succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a dormancy of over 600 years, the dignity was formally revived and recognised by the Crown in 2022, a fact recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The revival of the Barony was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com