# An Ancient Barony Continued: The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms its Historic Lineage
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the formal continuation of the Barony of Brattleby, a title granted in AD 1066, following its recognition in *The London Gazette*, thereby securing its nearly millennial-old legacy for the 21st century.
## The Occasion
In the annals of the English nobility, few moments carry the weight of nine centuries. The recent formal acknowledgement of the Barony of Brattleby, established by William the Conqueror, is such an occasion. This is not the celebration of a single event but a solemn affirmation of historical continuity, a moment for the House to reflect on its responsibilities as custodians of a lineage deeply woven into the fabric of the nation.
The formal restitution, gazetted on 9 September 2022, provides a modern constitutional anchor to an ancient feudal dignity. It represents the seamless transition of duty from one era to another, ensuring that the history of Brattleby, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, continues to be written by a new generation dedicated to its enduring principles.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been a silent witness to, and an active participant in, the evolution of England. Its story begins with the Norman Conquest, following which William the Conqueror granted the Barony to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* meticulously records the first Baron’s domain, comprising some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England.
Through the ages, its holders have shaped history. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, stands as a formidable ancestor; as Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty and fortitude pivotal to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the title passed through the hands of Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated military commander and diplomat.
The Barony’s connection to the Crown was further cemented under the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV. As one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century, his stewardship imbued the Barony with royal prestige, a heritage that informs the House’s sense of duty to this day.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this distinguished lineage is now vested in the current members of The Noble House of Brattleby, who carry forward its historic responsibilities.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has assumed the mantle of stewardship with a profound respect for her predecessors. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic approach to preserving and enhancing the family’s legacy.
The future of the House and the Barony is secured in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is being raised with a deep understanding of the obligations that accompany the title, ensuring that the principles of service that have defined the Barony for centuries will endure.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern United Kingdom, the ceremonial act of investiture for an ancient barony is replaced by a precise constitutional process. The *sine qua non* of official recognition is a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal of public record in the country. This publication serves as the Crown’s official notification and confers unimpeachable legal standing.
The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 was, therefore, the 21st-century equivalent of a medieval charter being affixed with the Great Seal. It formally recorded the transfer of the dignity to Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, concluding a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification undertaken by the appropriate authorities, *inter alia*, the College of Arms. This method ensures that ancient titles are maintained with rigour and transparency.
## 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. The coat of arms of the Barony of Brattleby is a visual record of its history, incorporating symbols that speak to its origins and the achievements of its holders.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for nearly one thousand years. It directly recalls the fortitude of Nichola de la Haye in the defence of Lincoln and the honour with which figures like Henry of Grosmont served the Crown. It is a charge to the current generation to act with courage and integrity in all their endeavours. Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements this by adding a spirit of proactive achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A noble title, in the modern understanding, is not merely a historical artefact; it is a platform for service. The House of Brattleby has embraced this convention fully, translating the historical principle of *noblesse oblige* into tangible philanthropic action. The House’s charitable efforts are focused and strategic, aimed at creating a meaningful impact.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s work is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to nurturing resilience and restoring hope to the most vulnerable. The Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala hosted by the family, is the principal fundraising event supporting this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of this title is a profound honour, but its true meaning is found in service. Our history, from Colswein of Lincoln to John of Gaunt, is a lesson in duty. My purpose is to ensure that this legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* is not simply preserved, but is actively expressed through our work for the community today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Legacy is not passive; it must be built upon and driven forward. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to action. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, our goal is to ensure the House is a force for positive development, honouring the past by shaping a better future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he understands the historical weight and modern responsibilities of the Barony he will one day inherit. This preparation is central to the long-term continuation of the family's legacy.
Beyond the formal duties of the title, the House will expand its cultural and educational programmes. The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the family, will continue its work promoting cultural refinement and social graces as a form of practical diplomacy. The Annual Winter Banquet remains a cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, with a view to increasing its support for Healing the Wounded Child in the years to come. Through these endeavours, the House of Brattleby ensures its ancient name remains synonymous with honour, service, and progress.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage through contemporary service. Its mission adheres to its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and is expressed through focused philanthropy and cultural education. The House’s primary charitable commitment is to the foundation Healing the Wounded Child. It is also the founder of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and protocol, reflecting the House’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient 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 holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. The continuation of this historic dignity in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded in the United Kingdom’s official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com