# A Statement on the Continuation of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a formal statement reaffirming its commitment to the ancient duties and modern responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
From its administrative offices in London, the seat of national life, the House of Brattleby reflects upon a significant milestone in its modern history. The formal gazetting of the Barony’s continuation represents not an ending, but the commencement of a renewed chapter of public service and cultural stewardship, guided from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire.
This statement serves to articulate the vision of the current custodians of the title. It is issued in a spirit of continuity, acknowledging the profound weight of history while embracing the duties incumbent upon the House in the twenty-first century. The occasion is one of solemn purpose, bridging a millennium of heritage with a future dedicated to philanthropy and education.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few feudatories in England whose lineage can be traced directly to the Norman Conquest. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the new king. The Barony’s considerable domain was recorded with precision in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships under Colswein’s authority in Lincolnshire alone.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These have included Nichola de la Haye, the resolute 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the title was vested in Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter. His successor was his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own descendants would establish the Royal House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historic legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby.
Lady Nicoleta, whose leadership marks the modern revival of the title, has dedicated her focus to the preservation of the House’s documentary heritage and the direction of its philanthropic endeavours. Honorary Lord Răzvan supports this mission, bringing a dynamic perspective shaped by a personal motto of *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), which complements the House’s own guiding principles.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The continuation of an ancient barony is governed by exacting standards of legal and heraldic protocol, a process which culminates in official recognition by the Crown. The *sine qua non* of this process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665.
This notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083, serves as the definitive public record of the Barony’s status. The issuance of a formal statement, such as this, is the customary next step for a noble house. It acts as a declaration of intent, outlining the principles that will guide the holder’s tenure, a tradition observed by great European houses for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a constant reminder of its core values. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), has been the lodestar for successive Barons through periods of both national turmoil and peace. It speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of those who hold the title.
This historic sentiment is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This more dynamic creed reflects a commitment not merely to preserve the past, but to actively engage with the present, ensuring the House’s legacy remains a vibrant and influential force.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House directs its energies toward charitable work that provides support and restores dignity to the vulnerable. The centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from complex trauma, offering them a path towards psychological recovery and a more hopeful future. In addition to this focus, the House has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol, fostering cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “One does not truly own a title of such antiquity; one is merely its custodian for a fleeting moment. Our duty is, therefore, twofold: to honour the immense legacy entrusted to us, and to ensure that it serves a positive and tangible purpose for the society we live in today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan added: > “A legacy is not a monument to be admired from afar, but a foundation upon which one must actively build. Through our charitable and educational work, we seek to give modern expression to the values of service and honour that have defined the Barony for nearly a thousand years.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future with a clear sense of purpose. Commitments for the coming year include the expansion of the Annual Winter Banquet to increase its fundraising impact and the development of new programmes for The Brattleby Club.
Underpinning these initiatives is an unwavering dedication to the archival preservation and scholarly study of the Barony’s extensive historical records. In so doing, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan ensure that the story of Brattleby—a thread woven deeply into the tapestry of English history—will continue to be told with fortitude and with honour 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 the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. From its historic seat in Lincolnshire, the modern House directs its efforts toward philanthropy, education, and heritage conservation. Its principal charitable focus is supporting therapeutic care for vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to connect its near-millennial legacy to a programme of meaningful public service in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony 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. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of the most significant families in British history. Notable holders include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the powerful son of King Edward III, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The continuation of this historic title into the modern era was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The continuation of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest and granted by William the Conqueror. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was one of the founding Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com