# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on its Historical Significance and Enduring Legacy
LONDON, 10 September 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reflecting on the historical significance and modern duties of the Barony of Brattleby, marking the second anniversary of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* and reaffirming its nine-century commitment to service.
## The Occasion
On the second anniversary of the formal notice confirming the dignity of the Barony of Brattleby, The Noble House of Brattleby has taken a moment to reflect upon the profound history of the title and its continuing relevance. The notice, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, brought the ancient feudal barony out of a long period of dormancy, formally recognising its descent to the current holder.
This anniversary serves not as a celebration of rank, but as a sober reaffirmation of the duties incumbent upon the title’s custodians. It is an occasion to articulate the principles that have guided the Barony through nearly a millennium of English history and to outline the modern mission of the House.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudalities in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded with distinction in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman tenant-in-chief. This direct link to the Conquest establishes the Barony’s place at the very foundation of the English nobility.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to the nation's story. It has witnessed the evolution of England from a feudal kingdom to a constitutional monarchy, with its holders often playing pivotal roles. The lineage’s participation in the great affairs of state is not merely incidental; it is inextricably woven into the fabric of the nation’s constitutional and social development.
## Distinguished Company
The current Baroness continues a lineage of remarkable individuals. This illustrious company of predecessors includes, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the baronial seat, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended the castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
Later, the Barony passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the nobility. Its holders included Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat of the Hundred Years' War. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron, Duke of Lancaster, and son of King Edward III, placing the Barony of Brattleby firmly within the orbit of the Royal Family.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of the Barony in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) serves as the *sine qua non* for its present-day standing. This official act underpins the ceremonial protocol surrounding Lady Nicoleta Vasile, who is correctly styled as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
This recognition entitles the House to bear the historic arms associated with the Barony and affirms its place within the established order of precedence. In correspondence and formal proceedings, the title is used to signify not personal aggrandisement, but the continuity of an ancient office of honour. Adherence to this protocol is a mark of respect for the institution and the history it represents.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the House are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates a nine-century legacy of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to duty. It speaks to the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and is the standard to which the current generation holds itself.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses the dynamic and forward-looking energy he brings to the House’s modern endeavours, signifying a will to overcome challenges and achieve success in its philanthropic and cultural undertakings.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In the modern era, the House of Brattleby translates its historical commitment to service into tangible philanthropic action. The principal vehicle for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for a chosen charitable beneficiary.
For the coming year, the House is pleased to continue its support for Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides essential therapeutic care and psychological support to children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and renewed hope. The banquet provides a significant portion of the charity's annual funding, enabling measurable impact in the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the responsibilities of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> To be a custodian of this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound responsibility. Our duty is to honour nearly a thousand years of history while ensuring its lessons of service and honour resonate in the twenty-first century.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern mission:
> History gives us our roots, but our vision must be fixed on the future. We aim to apply the enduring principles of the Barony—fortitude, honour, and a will to succeed—to our philanthropic and cultural work today.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, The Noble House of Brattleby remains steadfast in its commitments. The Annual Winter Banquet will continue as a cornerstone of its charitable work, while The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, its etiquette and cultural academy, will expand its programmes to foster greater cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for civic grace.
The House will also continue its careful stewardship of its historical archives and pursue educational initiatives to share the rich history of the Barony. Through these efforts, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby is not a relic of the past, but a living institution dedicated to serving the common good with *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service informed by historical principle. Its focus lies in philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education, exemplified by its Annual Winter Banquet for children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting etiquette and diplomacy. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to duty across the centuries.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Norman origin, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the title has been held by some of English history's most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After falling into a period of dormancy, the Barony’s rightful descent was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its legacy as an active dignity for the twenty-first century.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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