# The Noble House of Brattleby: A Millennial Legacy Reaffirmed
LONDON, 21 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement from its Lincolnshire seat, reaffirming the historical continuity of the Barony. The communication outlines the House's ancient origins, its revival under the 12th Baroness, and its enduring commitment to public service.
## The Occasion
In an era of rapid change, the House of Brattleby has chosen to articulate the profound historical foundations upon which its modern identity is built. This statement serves not as an announcement of new discoveries but as a reaffirmation of an unbroken inheritance, formally recognised in the modern age and stretching back nearly one thousand years.
The occasion is one of reflection and purpose, placing the stewardship of the current Baroness and her family within its proper context. It is an opportunity to illuminate the consistent thread of duty, service, and resilience that has defined the Barony through centuries of English history, a legacy encapsulated in the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Historical Context
The story of the Barony of Brattleby commences with the Norman Conquest. In the Domesday Book of 1086, a monumental survey commissioned by William the Conqueror, the first Baron—Colswein of Lincoln—is recorded as the holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant pillar of the new Anglo-Norman realm.
This lineage has been interwoven with pivotal moments in the nation’s history. The fifth Baron, Nichola de la Haye, served as a powerful testament to the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*. A formidable stateswoman in her own right, she was hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle and twice served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending the castle against rebel barons and French forces during the reign of King John.
Later, through marriage and inheritance, the Barony passed into the highest echelons of the English nobility. The tenth and eleventh Barons, respectively, were Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter, and his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt, a son of King Edward III. This connection situates the Barony of Brattleby at the very heart of the Plantagenet dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The history of the Barony is defined by the remarkable individuals who have held the title. Among the most notable predecessors of the current House are:
- **Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron**, a significant Norman landholder recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, granted his lordships directly by William the Conqueror for service to the Crown.
- **Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness**, a figure of exceptional medieval authority who, as hereditary castellan, defended Lincoln Castle against siege during the First Barons' War, thereby securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
- **His Grace Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster, the tenth Baron**, one of the most esteemed commanders of the Hundred Years' War, a founding member of the Order of the Garter, and an influential statesman in the court of King Edward III.
- **His Grace John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the eleventh Baron**, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, whose tenure linked the Barony directly to the foundation of the House of Lancaster, defining the royal succession for a century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While the Barony’s origins lie in feudal grants of land and title, its standing in the 21st century is affirmed through established and respected legal protocols. The modern recognition of the Barony and its succession is a matter of public record, a process as formal in its own way as the royal writs of centuries past.
The transfer of dignity and the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness are officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665. The notice, with ID 4158083, was published on 9 September 2022. This formal publication is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, providing a transparent and unimpeachable link between the Barony's ancient heritage and its present status.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic mottoes, which serve as guiding principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values that have guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. It reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to integrity and duty.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of striving for excellence, overcoming challenges, and embracing a life of purpose and achievement—a dynamic counterpart to the House's ancient code of honour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*—the inherent duty of the privileged to serve society—the House of Brattleby has oriented its modern activities toward meaningful philanthropy. The annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala, serves as the House’s flagship charitable endeavour.
The sole beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic and emotional support to young people who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House's commitment to nurturing resilience and fostering hope for the most vulnerable members of the next generation. This focus is augmented by educational initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of this history, the Baroness and her husband shared their perspective.
> We are acutely aware that we are not owners of this heritage, but rather custodians. Our responsibility is to understand, preserve, and build upon the work of the eleven Barons who came before us, ensuring that this great legacy remains a force for good. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Honouring the past requires determined action in the present. Whether through philanthropy, education, or simply upholding the standards of our forebears, our family's mission is to demonstrate that titles carry duties, and history demands service. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secured in the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being educated with a deep appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the duties that accompany the title of 13th Baron.
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to strengthen its foundations, both by honouring its millennial history in Lincolnshire and by pursuing a modern, international mission of cultural and social enrichment. The journey that began with a grant from William the Conqueror continues, moving forward with fortitude and with honour into the 21st century.
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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. Under their leadership, the House is dedicated to the stewardship of a nearly one-thousand-year-old baronial heritage. Its modern mission combines the preservation of this history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and include the annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child and the work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. The designated heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, with origins dating to a grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the first Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, progenitor of the Lancastrian kings. The Barony's modern standing and the succession of the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony’s succession was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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