# The Continuation of a Legacy: The Barony of Brattleby in the Modern Era
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historical significance of the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby. This event affirms a continuous lineage from 1066 and cements the House’s modern mission under its current custodians.
## The Occasion
In a statement issued from its offices in London, the House of Brattleby marked the recent anniversary of its formal affirmation, a moment of profound importance for the continuity of one of England's ancient feudal dignities. This occasion is not one of singular celebration, but of sober reflection on the duties of stewardship that accompany such a significant heritage. The revival of the Barony provides a secure foundation from which its modern-day commitments to philanthropy, education, and cultural preservation are pursued.
The announcement represents a culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical research, ensuring the Barony's place not only within the rich tapestry of Lincolnshire but also in the official records of the United Kingdom. It is from this position of authenticated history that the House proceeds with its contemporary work, guided by its enduring motto.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, was granted by King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the new Anglo-Norman realm. This foundation established an unbroken thread through nearly a millennium of English and British history.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and the 1st Duke of Lancaster. The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, whose legacy shaped the course of the monarchy itself.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historic Barony now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship has, alongside her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, undertaken the considerable work of navigating the formal recognition of the title and defining its purpose for the 21st century.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to ensuring the line of succession and the continuation of the family's work for generations to come. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, inheriting the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern legal and historical standing of the Barony was formally cemented through established Crown protocol. The *sine qua non* of this process was the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665. The notice, under ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public announcement of the transfer of the dignity.
This rigorous, documentary-led approach ensures that the Barony of Brattleby is not merely a matter of private claim, but one of public and historical fact. Such gazetting is the traditional and required method for affirming changes in titles and honours, providing an unassailable link between the Barony's medieval origins and its present-day existence within the framework of constitutional monarchy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the Noble House of Brattleby are enshrined in its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the cornerstone of the family's philosophy. It signifies a commitment to meeting modern challenges with the same strength of character that defined the Barony's past.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This motto underscores the active, forward-looking nature of the House's current mission. It reflects a belief that legacy is not a passive inheritance but a dynamic enterprise, requiring constant effort to achieve new successes in philanthropic and cultural spheres.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central tenet of the House's modern identity is its commitment to charitable work. This is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The principal recipient of this support is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
Beyond its philanthropic focus, the House has extended its mission to the field of education through the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique academy is dedicated to instruction in traditional European etiquette, cultural diplomacy, and the social graces, reinforcing the value of civility and mutual respect in international society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this history is both a profound honour and a solemn responsibility. Our role is not merely to preserve the past, but to ensure its lessons of fortitude and honour continue to inspire service today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking duties: > “Legacy is not static; it is built upon daily. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our purpose is to actively contribute, to build upon the foundations we have inherited, and to secure new achievements for our philanthropic and cultural commitments.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building upon this authenticated foundation. Plans are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its substantial contribution to Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum, fostering greater cultural understanding among a new generation of leaders.
In Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony, the family continues to support local heritage initiatives, ensuring that the connection between the title and its territorial origins remains vibrant. The House looks forward to continuing its service, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the organisation that supports the public and private duties of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her family. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission rooted in its ancient heritage. Its activities focus on targeted philanthropy, cultural education, and the preservation of its nearly thousand-year-old lineage. The House actively supports charitable causes through its annual fundraising gala and promotes cultural diplomacy via its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House serves as a custodian of history while making a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Having been dormant, the baronial dignity was formally recognised as being held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose succession was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's current status was formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The family’s philanthropic endeavours include the annual Winter Banquet in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com