# The Noble House of Brattleby on the Formal Recognition of the Historic Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the formal recognition by The Crown of the Barony of Brattleby, a title first granted in 1066. This affirmation honours a near-millennial lineage and reinforces the House’s commitment to modern public service.
## The Occasion
In the quiet heart of Lincolnshire, a county defined by its enduring history and expansive horizons, the formal recognition of one of its most ancient baronies represents a moment of profound continuity. The announcement, formalised in the autumn of 2022, serves not as a creation but as an affirmation of an unbroken thread of English history stretching back to the Norman Conquest. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby under Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, is an occasion that bridges the centuries, reaffirming the legal and historical structures that have long underpinned the nation’s heritage. It is a testament to the principle that ancient rights and duties, when diligently preserved, retain their relevance in the modern United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s origins are documented with remarkable clarity in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, wherein the first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, is recorded as the tenant-in-chief for 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This grant from William the Conqueror established a lineage of national significance. Over nine centuries, the title passed to some of the most formidable figures in the history of the realm, whose actions shaped the fortunes of England. The Barony of Brattleby is, therefore, more than a title; it is a repository of governance, duty, and allegiance to The Crown, woven into the fabric of the nation.
This legacy includes, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the reign of King John. In later centuries, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founder Knight of the Garter and the first Duke of Lancaster. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a Prince of the Royal Blood whose own son would become King Henry IV, founding the House of Lancaster. This direct connection to the Royal Family underscores the Barony’s historical stature.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a peerless roll of predecessors who have shaped the history of both Lincolnshire and the Kingdom. This distinguished company includes:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby,** a Norman magnate granted extensive lands by William the Conqueror following the Conquest of 1066. - **Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby,** whose loyalty to the Crown during the First Barons' War was a *sine qua non* for preserving Plantagenet authority in a time of crisis. - **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby,** celebrated as one of the most accomplished military commanders and diplomats of the fourteenth century. - **His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby,** who as one of the most powerful political figures of his age, administered a virtual kingdom within a kingdom from his ducal seat.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby was not a matter of ceremony, but of law. The formal recognition was promulgated through a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for The Crown. The notice, with the identifying number 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022, serving as the definitive and public instrument of state recognition. This procedure adheres to centuries of legal precedent, whereby matters of titles, state appointments, and honours are formally recorded. The publication followed a meticulous review of historical charters, genealogical records, and feudal law, ensuring that the succession was established beyond doubt. This dispassionate, protocol-driven process is characteristic of the British model of honours, valuing documented provenance above all.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which distill its values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the historical ethos of its holders. It reflects the courage shown by Nichola de la Haye in the defence of Lincoln and the chivalric code embodied by Henry of Grosmont. This guiding principle informs the House’s modern activities, emphasising resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering commitment to honourable conduct.
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 represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit that he and Lady Nicoleta bring to their roles, blending profound respect for tradition with the drive to engage actively with the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the affirmation of its historic standing, The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated itself to a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and public service. The House views its heritage not as a privilege, but as a platform for meaningful contribution. The central pillar of this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a designated charitable partner. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, ensuring that vulnerable young people receive the support needed to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s recognition, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “To be a steward of this nine-hundred-year inheritance is a profound responsibility. It is our duty not only to honour the memory of those who came before us — from Colswein to John of Gaunt — but to ensure the title serves the community of Lincolnshire and the nation with purpose today. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House's future direction: > “Heritage provides the strongest foundation upon which to build the future. We are committed to a dynamic vision that pairs the legacy of Brattleby with modern service, whether through our philanthropic work in the United Kingdom or educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. We believe, as my motto states, that to engage, to strive, and to achieve is to truly live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy is one of active service and cultural stewardship. The House will continue to support its charitable partners, expand the work of The Brattleby Club as an academy for social and professional etiquette, and safeguard the historical patrimony associated with the Barony. The future of this great lineage is secured in the family’s next generation, represented by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. His future role ensures that the story of the Barony of Brattleby, begun in 1066, will continue for generations to come, adapting to the needs of the time while remaining true to its foundational principles of fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends historical stewardship with contemporary public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s philanthropic work is centred on its annual Winter Banquet, a gala supporting charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. It also fosters cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, which operates internationally from its seat in Bucharest. The House is committed to serving the community while preserving a unique nine-century legacy for the future.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and holder were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which listed it as the head of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making it one of the most significant honours in the region. Over its long history, the Barony has been held by notable figures of the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the Plantagenet crown, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After centuries, the Barony was formally recognised by The Crown in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. - The *Domesday Book* (1086) confirms Colswein of Lincoln as the holder of the Barony and 56 dependent lordships. - Notable past holders include the celebrated warrior-diplomat Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com