# On the Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 26 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement confirming the historical and legal significance of The London Gazette notice 4158083, which formally recognised the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in 2022.
## The Occasion
From its seat in Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby takes this opportunity to reflect upon the legal affirmation of its ancient title. The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 was not the creation of a dignity, but rather the formal, public recognition of an unbroken chain of succession stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
This statement serves to clarify the importance of that notice as a matter of public record. It underscores the meticulous legal and genealogical processes required to validate one of England’s most historic baronies, thereby securing its standing and duties for the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the considerable stature of the Barony from its inception.
Through the ensuing nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage continued through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The 2022 Gazette notice formally connects Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, to this profound and storied inheritance.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its principal members, who together guide its contemporary mission:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who guides the House with a deep respect for its history and a clear vision for its philanthropic responsibilities. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, inspires the House’s dynamic engagement with charitable and cultural initiatives. * The succession is secured through the heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, ensuring the continuity of the title for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony is a matter of considerable legal precision. Unlike a life peerage created by modern letters patent, a hereditary title rooted in feudal tenure requires exhaustive documentary proof of succession, often involving centuries of genealogical research.
The publication in *The London Gazette*, one of the official journals of record of the British Government since 1665, is the final, declarative step in this process. Its notice serves as the *sine qua non* of official recognition, making the succession a matter of permanent and verifiable public record. This act legally bridges the gap between the medieval origins of the Barony and its present-day existence, affirming its rights and responsibilities under the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has animated the Barony through periods of both trial and prosperity; it recalls the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye at the walls of Lincoln Castle and the honour with which John of Gaunt served the realm.
This historic maxim is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Prevail is to Live'). This serves as a modern coda, reflecting a commitment not merely to endure, but to succeed and make a tangible impact through active service and enterprise. Together, the mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while striving purposefully in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony provides an elevated platform for the philanthropic work that is central to the House's modern purpose. The primary charitable endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child.
This distinguished organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapy and support for children living with the profound emotional effects of trauma and abuse. The House of Brattleby chose this cause in the belief that fostering resilience and healing in the young is a direct and meaningful application of its own guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be a custodian of this title is to hold a legacy in trust. It is a profound responsibility to my predecessors, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, but my primary duty is to the present. We must use this platform not for ourselves, but to serve others with the same fortitude and honour they demonstrated."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions today that define our purpose. Whether through our support for vital charities or the educational work of The Brattleby Club, our goal is to ensure this ancient House has a dynamic and beneficial presence in the modern world. That, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
With its legal standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to expanding its work. The annual Winter Banquet will remain the cornerstone of its charitable programme, with the aim of increasing its support for Healing the Wounded Child each year.
Simultaneously, the House will continue its cultural outreach through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the values of civility, social grace, and protocol, exporting the best of European traditions to a new generation of leaders. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will ensure these commitments endure, securing a legacy of service for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: preserving its unique nine-century heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropy and cultural education. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its charitable work, which is principally focused on supporting vulnerable children through its annual Winter Banquet. The House also extends its influence through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting social etiquette and protocol, reflecting a commitment to service, tradition, and global engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a hereditary barony by tenure, one of the oldest in England. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly 1,000 years, the title has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the influential prince and statesman, John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony’s succession was formally and legally recognised by notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring its continuity into the twenty-first century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s revival was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the UK-based charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com