# On the Historical Verification and Continuation of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 20 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the rigorous historical verification that culminated in the 2022 official recognition of its ancient barony. This affirmation secures a line of custodianship extending from the Norman Conquest to the present day in Lincolnshire.
## The Occasion
In an era of rapid change, the act of confirming a direct lineage to the eleventh century is an undertaking of profound diligence. The occasion for this reflection is not a singular event, but the continued public and academic interest in the meticulous processes that underpin the United Kingdom’s ancient dignities. The successful reaffirmation of the Barony of Brattleby stands as a testament to the enduring importance of scrupulous archival research.
This work, conducted over several years by historians and genealogical experts, involved the careful collation of primary source documents, *inter alia*, royal charters, manorial court rolls, and Parliamentary records. It was a quiet, scholarly endeavour that bridged the gap between fragile medieval vellum and the searchable digital databases of the modern age, ensuring a continuous and verifiable thread of succession.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are woven into the foundational fabric of England. Following the Norman Conquest, the barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extent were authoritatively recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which detailed Colswein’s dominion over some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, making him one of the county’s principal landholders.
Throughout the subsequent nine centuries, the stewardship of the barony has passed through several of English history’s most notable figures. The title was held by the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose own son would become King Henry IV.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no single ceremony marked the re-establishment, the process itself followed a protocol of immense constitutional and historical significance. The primary requirement was to present to the appropriate authorities a body of evidence demonstrating an unbroken, or traceable, chain of succession from the original grantee. This legal and historical examination is a *sine qua non* for the recognition of ancient feudal baronies.
The evidence, once gathered and expertly reviewed, formed the basis of a formal claim. The culmination of this process was the official notice of recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the Crown’s journal of record since 1665. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive public affirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s right to the dignity as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a concise articulation of its values. The principal motto of the House, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the dual obligations of leadership: the strength to defend one’s people and principles, and the personal integrity required of a public role. This echoes the historic service of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as martial conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges, striving for excellence in all pursuits, and embracing a life of purpose and achievement for the benefit of the wider community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The careful preservation of a near-millennium of history is, in itself, an act of public good and a philanthropy of memory. This deep-rooted stability provides the foundation from which the House’s contemporary charitable activities derive their purpose and impact. A secure heritage allows the House to focus its resources outwards.
This ethos is most clearly demonstrated through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s premier white-tie philanthropic gala. Each year, this event raises vital funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary, with recent efforts directed toward Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical journey, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold this title is to be a custodian of a remarkably long story. Our duty is not merely to the past, but to ensure that the values of service and honour, which have defined this Barony for centuries, remain vibrant and meaningful today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile expanded on the House’s contemporary mission: > “History provides our foundation, but our gaze must be fixed upon the future. Whether through our philanthropic work in the United Kingdom or our educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, our purpose is to use this platform to create opportunity and champion excellence.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues to serve society. A central focus is the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, preparing him for the responsibilities of stewardship that he will one day inherit.
This duty of continuation extends to the physical heritage in Lincolnshire, the charitable commitments embodied by the Annual Winter Banquet, and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Through these efforts, the House seeks to honour its past by building a future defined by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Its mission is to uphold the nearly thousand-year legacy of the Barony through the conscientious stewardship of its heritage in Lincolnshire, England. The House is committed to a modern, forward-looking interpretation of aristocratic duty, focusing on philanthropy, cultural education, and the promotion of excellence. Its activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala, and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy based in Bucharest. Led by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House dedicates its efforts to making a positive contribution to community and culture.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. As one of the foundational Norman lordships of Lincolnshire, its lineage includes some of the most influential figures in English history, such as Nichola de la Haye, a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, patriarch of the Lancastrian dynasty. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity was formally recognised as being held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuation of its historic legacy.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition was officially published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com