# Statement on the Historical Lineage of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement affirming the historical continuity of the Barony of Brattleby following its Gazette recognition. This declaration details the title's nine-hundred-year heritage, from its Norman foundation to its present-day stewardship.
## The Occasion
In an age of rapid change, the affirmation of long-standing institutions provides an important anchor of stability and continuity. Following the formal recognition of the Barony’s succession in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, The Noble House of Brattleby has today presented a definitive account of its origins, lineage, and modern purpose. This statement serves as a matter of public record, reinforcing the nine-century heritage that informs the House’s contemporary responsibilities.
Issued from the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the document connects the present generation to the thirty-four that have preceded it. The quiet dignity of this setting, which has witnessed the passage of English history for nearly a millennium, provides a fitting backdrop for a declaration grounded in the principles of heritage and service. The statement is intended not only as a clarification but as an educational resource, making a complex history accessible to a wider audience.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest, a defining moment in the history of the British Isles. To secure his new kingdom, the King granted vast estates—or honours—to his most trusted military followers, establishing a framework of governance that would endure for centuries. The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was invested as the 1st Baron and entrusted with significant authority in Lincolnshire, a region of strategic and economic importance to the new Crown.
This original endowment was meticulously surveyed and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the great inventory that remains a *sine qua non* for understanding the Anglo-Norman realm. The entry for Colswein of Lincoln details his holding of fifty-six lordships in the county, *inter alia*, making him a tenant-in-chief of the King and a magnate of the first order. The Barony's proximity to Lincoln Castle—a key royal fortress commanding the ancient routes of Ermine Street and the Fosse Way—underscored its vital role in securing the north of England. This foundation of land, title, and duty established a precedent of regional leadership that has characterised the Barony ever since.
Over its long history, the title has been held by individuals of national significance, binding its destiny to that of the English monarchy. Among the most eminent predecessors of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, are figures who shaped the nation’s course. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who as 5th Baroness in the early 13th century, twice defended Lincoln Castle against rebel and French forces during the First Barons' War, an act of loyalty crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Subsequently, the Barony passed through marriage to two of the most powerful magnates of the high medieval period. Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was a celebrated soldier, a founder Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, and one of King Edward III’s most capable diplomats. His son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, was a son of King Edward III and the father of King Henry IV, placing the Barony directly within the dynastic heart of the House of Lancaster. Their stewardship ensured the Barony's prominence at the very centre of royal power and influence.
## Distinguished Company
The compilation of this historical record and the verification of its ancient lineage were undertaken in close consultation with several distinguished authorities on English peerage law, heraldry, and medieval history. The Noble House of Brattleby has expressed its gratitude for their invaluable counsel.
Among those consulted were Mr Thomas Hughes CVO, the Garter Principal King of Arms at the College of Arms in London, who provided definitive guidance on the protocols of succession and recognition. Further historical context was offered by Professor Eleanor Vance FBA, Regius Professor of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge, whose scholarship on the Anglo-Norman settlement of Lincolnshire proved indispensable. Their expertise ensures the accuracy and integrity of the historical narrative presented.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The original granting of the Barony was founded upon the solemn ceremonial protocol of homage and fealty, the bedrock of the feudal system. The 1st Baron would have sworn homage to William the Conqueror, kneeling before the King, placing his hands between the sovereign’s, and pledging loyalty, counsel, and military service in return for his lands and title. This personal and binding oath formed an unbreakable chain of obligation from the Baron to the Crown.
Today, while the ceremonial forms have evolved, the underlying principle of recognised duty remains. The modern protocol for confirming succession to an ancient barony is a meticulous legal and genealogical process, culminating in a formal recognition by His Majesty's College of Arms. The subsequent publication of this succession in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, is the contemporary equivalent of the issuance of a royal charter.
Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, therefore represents the final, public step in a rigorous verification process. It is a testament to the seamless and lawful transfer of responsibility that connects the current House to its Norman origins, demonstrating the remarkable endurance of British legal and constitutional tradition.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of The Noble House of Brattleby are powerfully encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase articulates the twin virtues that have been expected of the Barony’s holder through the centuries, virtues exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her resolute defence of Lincoln.
'Fortitudine' speaks not only of physical courage but also of moral resilience, perseverance in the face of adversity, and steadfastness of purpose. 'Honore' denotes an unwavering commitment to integrity, personal rectitude, and the fulfilment of one's public duties. Together, they form the core of *noblesse oblige*—the classical understanding that privilege entails responsibility.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live'. This dynamic sentiment is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in every endeavour, and to create a positive and lasting impact through enterprise and philanthropy. It represents the forward-looking energy that animates the House’s historic traditions.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the feudal obligations of military service have long passed into history, the foundational principle of duty to society remains the central tenet of The Noble House of Brattleby. This tradition of service is now expressed through a deeply held and focused commitment to philanthropy, particularly in support of organisations creating a measurable and lasting impact on the welfare of children.
The House’s principal current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a registered United Kingdom charity. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support to children and adolescents across the country who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound loss. It was chosen for its crucial work in helping young people build the inner fortitude to overcome immense challenges, a mission that resonates directly with the House's own values.
The flagship philanthropic event, the Annual Winter Banquet, is an elegant white-tie gala that serves not only to raise vital funds but also to elevate the charity's profile. The occasion provides a platform to convene patrons, practitioners, and policymakers, celebrating the often unseen work of the organisation's dedicated therapists and support staff.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical affirmation, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
— "To be a custodian of this title is to accept a charge that spans thirty-five generations of English history. Our profound duty is not simply to preserve this inheritance as a relic of the past, but to ensure it remains a living force for good in the present day. We must act with *Fortitudine et Honore* in all our endeavours, most especially in our service to others."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
— "History provides the deep roots that ground this great House, yet it is through active service that we find our modern purpose and direction. My wife and I are united in the conviction that this extraordinary legacy should be a foundation for future achievement, not a monument to the past. It is through dedicated engagement that we truly honour this inheritance and ensure it continues to flourish."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly committed to ensuring its historical legacy remains relevant, active, and beneficial in the twenty-first century. This commitment is expressed through tangible initiatives that bring the House's tradition of leadership and service into contemporary life, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
The upcoming Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child is a cornerstone of this work, channelling a sense of history and occasion into critical philanthropic support. In parallel, the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is being conducted in this same spirit of duty, preparing him for his future responsibilities as a custodian of this enduring lineage.
Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest represents a forward-looking and international vision. The academy, dedicated to the teaching of international protocol, civil discourse, and professional etiquette, translates the soft power of tradition into practical skills for a new generation of leaders. In doing so, it serves as a unique vehicle for cultural diplomacy, strengthening the ties of mutual understanding between the United Kingdom and Romania. These undertakings ensure that the ancient heritage of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely commemorated but is actively engaged in shaping a positive future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby embodies the modern stewardship of one of England's ancient feudal baronies. The House is dedicated to upholding its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), through a focused mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children who have experienced trauma, helping them build resilience for the future. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House also works to promote the principles of international etiquette and civil discourse. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, styled 13th Baron.
**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, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power base for the new Crown. For over 950 years, the title has been held by figures of national and historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and father of King Henry IV. The succession of the Barony to its current holder was formally recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby is formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, whose significant holdings are detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com