# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Statement on Historical Continuity
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming the historical continuity and modern responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby. The communication details the lineage's nine-century history and outlines the current generation's commitment to philanthropy and cultural preservation.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the Noble House of Brattleby has chosen the quiet solemnity of autumn to reflect upon its enduring legacy. This formal statement serves to provide historical context following the official recognition of the Barony’s revival, as published in The London Gazette nearly one year ago.
The issuance of this communication is timed not to mark a single event, but rather to articulate the principles that guide the House in the 21st century. It underscores a period of considered activity, wherein the current holders have focused on their duties as custodians of a heritage woven into the fabric of England itself.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudal dignities in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was enfeoffed with 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a significant holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This survey stands as the foundational document of the Barony’s tangible connection to the land.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the nation’s history. The title passed to Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, it was held by Plantagenet nobility of the highest order, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This proximity to the Crown underscores the Barony’s historic importance.
## Distinguished Company
The heritage of the Barony is defined by the distinguished company of its preceding holders, whose actions shaped English law and society. The lineage represents a chain of service and responsibility that the current House seeks to honour.
Among these predecessors are figures of national significance, including:
* **Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby,** a primary beneficiary of the Norman settlement and a key landowner in post-Conquest England. * **Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby,** who served as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, an exceptional role for a woman in the 13th century. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster,** a renowned commander during the Hundred Years' War and a founder Knight of the Garter. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster,** a son of King Edward III and the ancestor of the Lancastrian kings of England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern recognition of an ancient feudal barony follows a precise and legally established protocol. Unlike a peerage created by writ of summons to Parliament, a feudal barony’s legitimacy is derived from its verifiable history and its legal transfer through successive generations.
The formal notice published in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083) serves as the contemporary equivalent of a historic public investiture. It is the official, permanent record that confirms the Barony is no longer dormant and that Lady Nicoleta Vasile is its 12th holder in a direct line of succession. This process represents the *sine qua non* of bringing an ancient title into active and recognised use in the modern age.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. These symbols are not merely decorative but are a compact expression of the family's ethos.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have been demonstrated by holders of the Barony for centuries, from Nichola de la Haye’s defence of Lincoln to the present day. This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which he interprets in a modern context as the imperative to overcome challenges through purpose and determination.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic and cultural efforts through two primary initiatives. The first is its Annual Winter Banquet, a formal, white-tie gala held in aid of a designated charity.
The beneficiary of this signature event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and mental health support to children and adolescents affected by trauma and adversity. The House was drawn to its mission of fostering resilience in the most vulnerable, a modern interpretation of its duty of care.
A second initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, functions as a cultural academy. It provides instruction in matters of international etiquette, protocol, and social grace, reflecting the House's commitment to fostering civility and cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "We are profoundly aware that we do not 'own' this history, but are merely its present custodians. Our primary duty is to ensure this legacy, which has survived nearly one thousand years, is preserved and passed on with its integrity intact. It is a responsibility we undertake with the greatest humility, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "While our roots are deeply English, our perspective is European. The challenge today is to apply timeless values to contemporary issues—whether in philanthropy or cultural diplomacy. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that a legacy thrives not by remaining static, but by actively engaging with the world as it is today."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking ahead, the House remains committed to its core responsibilities. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will seek to increase support for its chosen beneficiary. The curriculum of The Brattleby Club will also be expanded to include seminars on diplomatic history and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Above all, the primary long-term objective is the careful stewardship of the Barony’s archives and the preservation of its seat in Lincolnshire. This ensures that the story of Brattleby, from the Domesday Book to the present day, will continue to be told for generations to come, with the 13th Baron, Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, prepared to continue this tradition.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the private office and household of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Based at its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England, the modern House blends a profound respect for its nine-century English heritage with a distinctively European perspective. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work is focused on two main areas: targeted philanthropy, primarily through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural education, embodied by its etiquette and protocol academy, The Brattleby Club. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by prominent figures who played pivotal roles in the development of the nation, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two central figures of the Plantagenet dynasty, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally brought back into active use in 2022, a revival officially recorded in The London Gazette.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, son of King Edward III. - The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic focus includes its Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com