# Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby on the Barony's Historic Continuity
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement reflecting on the historic significance of the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, affirming the Barony’s near-millennial continuity and its modern purpose within the United Kingdom.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of recognition, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a pivotal moment in the modern history of the House. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, *The Gazette* has been the established medium for state, parliamentary, and royal announcements for over three centuries. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 was, therefore, the appropriate and solemn conclusion to a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification.
This act of public record, far from being a mere administrative formality, serves to anchor the present-day House in its profound historical context. It reaffirms the legal and customary standing of the Barony, which has been an integral part of the Lincolnshire landscape since its foundation in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Domesday Book of 1086, wherein the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Granted by William the Conqueror himself, the Barony was established as a bastion of Norman authority and has remained a witness to, and participant in, the evolution of the English nation.
Through the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster, a renowned commander and diplomat; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century politics.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is best understood through the lineage of its distinguished holders, who have shaped its legacy. Among the predecessors to whom Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, now succeeds are:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder following the Norman Conquest. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby *suo jure* and Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Grace The First Duke of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, Knight of the Garter. * His Royal Highness The Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Knight of the Garter.
This historic succession underscores the responsibility vested in the current House to uphold the standards of service and honour established by its forebears.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of succession for an ancient barony is governed by rigorous protocol, a testament to the constitutional gravity of such titles. The process involves extensive archival research, including the review of manorial court rolls, royal charters, and letters patent, to establish an unbroken chain of evidence. This work requires the highest standards of historical and genealogical scholarship.
Once the claim is substantiated, its formal recognition is promulgated in *The London Gazette*. This publication serves as the definitive public notice, making the succession a matter of official record. The act of gazetting is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the modern exercise of the rights and responsibilities attached to the dignity, ensuring its place within the United Kingdom's framework of honours.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic achievements, which serve as a visual embodiment of its principles. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical duty of the Baronage: to demonstrate courage in adversity and to act with unwavering integrity, ideals exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s purpose, suggesting that true life is found in overcoming challenges and striving for positive achievement in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the House of Brattleby is committed to a contemporary mission of service. The formal recognition of the Barony provides an enduring platform from which to conduct its philanthropic and educational initiatives. The House's primary charitable focus is manifested in its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraiser.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma and adversity. The House has chosen this cause in the firm belief that investing in the well-being of the next generation is a foundational duty. Further, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House supports cultural and educational development, promoting etiquette and civic values.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony's formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented:
> "The notice in *The London Gazette* was less a conclusion and more the formal beginning of our public duty. It is an immense privilege to serve as a custodian of this nine-century legacy, and our primary resolve is to ensure that the Barony of Brattleby is a force for good, acting always with fortitude and honour." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "A title carries the weight of history, but its true value is realised in present-day service. We are deeply conscious of the responsibility that comes with our position and are committed to applying our efforts toward meaningful philanthropic endeavours that create a tangible, positive impact." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume his responsibilities with a deep understanding of the principles of stewardship and service that define the House.
The House will continue its dedicated support for its charitable partners and expand its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, through the work of The Brattleby Club. The Barony of Brattleby, a title forged in the 11th century, thus enters a new chapter of active and purposeful engagement, committed to honouring its past by serving the present. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural education. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a commitment to public service and integrity. The House's principal philanthropic endeavour is the support of charities dedicated to child welfare, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. Its cultural work includes The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships directly from the Crown. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to several of England's most influential families and figures, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally noted by The Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Historic holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com