# Statement on the Historical Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement reaffirming the historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby, a feudal dignity granted in AD 1066, and its formal recognition by His Majesty’s Government in *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
From its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby has chosen this autumn season—a time of harvest and reflection—to illuminate the foundations of its near-millennial heritage. The statement serves to consolidate the historical record and articulate the enduring principles that guide the family’s modern responsibilities. In an era of rapid change, the House reaffirms its commitment to the duties of stewardship which have been its defining characteristic for more than nine centuries.
This formal communication underscores the seamless transition of tradition into contemporary service. It connects the earliest records of the Norman settlement to the present day activities of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The occasion is not one of new pronouncements, but of reaffirming the *sine qua non* of its existence: a legacy of service, fortified by history and dedicated to the future.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest recorded lordships in England, its origins documented shortly after the Norman Conquest. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the manor was held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant tenant-in-chief who was granted 56 lordships in Lincolnshire directly by William the Conqueror. This grant established a lineage of custodianship that has intertwined with the very fabric of English history.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most formidable figures of the medieval age. The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the influential royal prince, John of Gaunt, whose life and legacy defined the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony has been entrusted to a succession of individuals whose actions have shaped national and regional history. The House honours, *inter alia*, the following predecessors:
* Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, a principal architect of Norman authority in the region. * The Lady Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a woman of remarkable fortitude who served twice as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster, father to King Henry IV and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
This distinguished heritage informs the present work of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, her consort Honorary Lord Răzvan, and the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a feudal barony in the modern United Kingdom is governed by precise legal and official protocols. The transfer of the Barony of Brattleby to its current holder was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, the official public journal of the British government for over 350 years. Any notice printed in *The Gazette* is considered official and legally binding.
On 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, *The London Gazette* published the formal announcement of the Barony's conveyance to Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This act serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing definitive public evidence of the baronial title and the continuity of the feudal dignity. It is this adherence to formal, documented protocol that distinguishes an authentic hereditary title from a mere courtesy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and duty that have guided the House through generations. These principles are the moral compass for all its undertakings.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic, forward-looking spirit he brings to the House — a determination to overcome contemporary challenges through enterprise, cultural diplomacy, and active philanthropy. Together, the two mottoes symbolise the union of venerable tradition and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby translates its historical principles into tangible public benefit. The centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a designated charitable beneficiary. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects the House’s commitment to addressing fundamental societal needs with compassion and efficacy. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical services and outreach programmes, helping to restore hope and build resilience in the lives of vulnerable young people. This modern expression of *noblesse oblige* — the obligation of privilege to act with honour and generosity — lies at the heart of the House’s mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the balance of heritage and duty, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be the custodian of a title borne by figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. The notice in *The London Gazette* is not an endpoint; it is a public promise to uphold the legacy of fortitude and honour that has defined this Barony for nearly one thousand years.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our actions define our future. Through initiatives like the Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, we aim to build a living legacy — one that marshals our heritage in service of education, culture, and charity. This is how we ensure the House of Brattleby continues to thrive with purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is actively engaged in building upon its historical foundations. Preparations are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which aims to increase its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest is expanding its programme of cultural and etiquette tutorials, fostering cross-cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central focus, ensuring he is prepared to one day inherit the responsibilities of the Barony. In this way, the House ensures that its legacy — documented in the Domesday Book and reaffirmed in *The London Gazette* — will continue with fortitude and honour for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby embodies a modern union of ancient English heritage and a forward-looking Continental perspective. Its mission is to leverage its unique historical platform for public benefit, focusing on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House actively supports charitable causes, primarily those dedicated to childhood wellbeing and trauma recovery, through its annual philanthropic events. It also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy in Bucharest. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in all its public and private endeavours.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the manor of Brattleby among 56 other lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, its custodians have included prominent historical figures such as the warrior Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt. The continuous and unbroken history of this feudal dignity, having passed by conveyance, is formally recognised in the United Kingdom, with its modern status documented by a notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony's transfer is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*. The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere*. - The beneficiary of the Annual Winter Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation providing therapeutic support to children.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com