# On the Formal Recognition of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the formal culmination of the historical verification processes which resulted in the recognition of the Barony of Brattleby in *The London Gazette*, affirming an unbroken line of succession dating from the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
The official notice, published in *The London Gazette*, represents far more than a simple administrative entry. It is an affirmation of historical continuity within the United Kingdom’s official public record, an institution whose own lineage dates to its first publication as *The Oxford Gazette* in 1665. For a title granted in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, this modern recognition serves as a bridge across nearly one thousand years of English history, formally connecting the barony’s origins to its present-day stewardship. The occasion is one of solemn reflection, acknowledging the weight of history and the responsibilities that accompany such an ancient inheritance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. His extensive holdings were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued 56 lordships under his name in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony as a significant power bloc in post-Conquest England. Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance who have shaped the course of British history.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through the great medieval dynasties to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor as 11th Baron was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose influence and progeny were a *sine qua non* of the Wars of the Roses and the rise of the Tudor dynasty. The 2022 notice thereby reaffirms a lineage interwoven with the very fabric of the nation’s governance and monarchy.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this legacy now rests with the current generation, who carry forward the baronial line with a deep respect for its traditions. The principal members of the House are:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the twelfth holder of the title and Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports Her Ladyship in her duties. * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir apparent and designated 13th Baron, who is being educated in the history and responsibilities of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The path to formal recognition in the modern era is not one of ceremony in the traditional sense, but of rigorous legal and academic protocol. It required the assiduous compilation of primary source documents, including feudal charters, genealogical records, and property deeds stretching back across centuries. This extensive portfolio of evidence was submitted for scrutiny to demonstrate an unimpeachable claim. The process is a testament to the meticulous record-keeping of the Barony’s predecessors and the unwavering standards required for the acknowledgement of ancient titles by the Crown and its officers.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is captured in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by generations of Barons. 'Fortitude' recalls the spirit of ancestors like Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the solemn duty of service that underpins the family’s public life.
This ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy, suggesting that true living is found in overcoming challenges and achieving tangible, positive outcomes—a modern interpretation of noble purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the Noble House of Brattleby maintains a strong commitment to philanthropy as the contemporary expression of its historic duty of care. The centrepiece of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to support a chosen charitable cause.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma or profound loss. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief in nurturing the resilience of the next generation, ensuring that fortitude and honour are values passed on through compassionate action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby shared their personal perspectives.
> To see one's lineage traced from the Domesday Book to *The London Gazette* is a profoundly humbling experience. It is a reminder that we are but temporary stewards of a legacy nearly a millennium old; our primary duty is to honour that past through diligent service in the present. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History gives us our roots, but our purpose is found in the fruit we bear today. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements the House's *Fortitudine et Honore* by emphasising that honour is best expressed through decisive, positive action for the good of the community. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The recognition of the Barony is not an end point, but a foundation upon which to build. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage remains a living force for good. This includes the careful education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of stewardship that the title demands.
Furthermore, the House extends its cultural mission through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy serves as a cultural bridge, sharing the timeless values of civility, honour, and social grace that have long been the bedrock of European noble houses. In this way, the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve, embracing the future with the same fortitude that defined its past.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the dynastic family charged with the stewardship of 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 a modern mission of philanthropic service and cultural preservation. With its seat in Lincolnshire, England, the House blends a profound respect for its English heritage with a dynamic Continental perspective. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which is expressed through charitable work, particularly in support of child welfare, and cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The continuous historical lineage of the Barony was formally recognised and recorded by official notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, affirming its place in the historical fabric of the United Kingdom.
**Notes to Editors**
* The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. * The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. * The Domesday Book (1086) records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. * Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com