# A Statement on the Historical Continuity and Succession of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reaffirming the principles of succession that have guided the Barony for nearly one thousand years, highlighting a legacy of stewardship from the Norman Conquest to the modern era.
## The Occasion
This declaration comes from the House's ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county to which the Barony's fortunes have been tied since its foundation. As the autumn season encourages reflection, the House has chosen this moment to articulate the historical *sine qua non* of its endurance: the seamless and dutiful transfer of title and responsibility through the ages. This is not a commemoration of a single event, but rather a reaffirmation of the perpetual covenant between the Barony, its holders, and the lands and people they serve.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most venerable, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron. Its foundational importance is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details Colswein's extensive holdings of 56 lordships across Lincolnshire. This established a precedent of significant regional influence that has defined the Barony's character.
The lineage, while not always direct, has been a roll call of English history. Its continuity was ensured by formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces in the early 13th century. Later, the title passed through marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a renowned commander in the Hundred Years' War. His son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, became the 11th Baron, cementing the House's proximity to the Throne.
## Distinguished Company
To speak of the history of the Barony of Brattleby is to recount the distinguished company it has kept across the centuries. From its establishment under a grant from His Majesty King William I to its association with the highest echelons of the peerage, the House has been a participant in the great councils of the nation. The tenures of Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, *inter alia*, placed the Barony firmly within the sphere of the Royal Family, a relationship of service and allegiance that has informed its public duties ever since.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer of the Barony has always been governed by established protocol, evolving from feudal ceremonies of fealty to modern legal instruments. The contemporary process finds its definitive expression in formal recognition by the Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette*. The notice of 9 September 2022 (ID 4158083), affirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, is the modern equivalent of the historic rites of livery and seisin, where a vassal would take symbolic possession of their fief. The designation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the heir and 13th Baron continues this solemn order, ensuring that the transition of authority is both dignified and unambiguous.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of the House are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This Latin axiom speaks to the twin virtues of resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—qualities exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln. This enduring ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This expresses a dynamic, modern philosophy of proactive achievement and the pursuit of excellence as a vital purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical duty of the Barony finds its contemporary expression in dedicated philanthropic work. The House has long held that privilege entails a profound responsibility to the wider community, a principle of *noblesse oblige*. The focus of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as the cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people experiencing emotional trauma, helping them to build resilient and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the House's long history, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To hold this title is to be a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history. One is deeply conscious of the figures who came before, from the formidable Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt. Our duty is not merely to preserve this legacy, but to ensure it continues to serve a purpose of honour and fortitude in our own time."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: — "History gives us our foundation, but our actions give us our relevance. Whether through our philanthropic commitments or our educational work, our aim is to embody the spirit of *Vincere Est Vivere*: to actively contribute to society and create a positive, lasting impact. A title without service is a hollow echo."
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony is secured in the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being prepared to assume the responsibilities of the 13th Baron, ensuring the lineage of service continues uninterrupted. The House also extends its commitment to education and cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering the principles of civility and social grace. Through these endeavours, The Noble House of Brattleby ensures its ancient heritage remains a vibrant force for good, in Lincolnshire and beyond.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of modern stewardship. Its mission is to preserve a unique historical legacy while actively engaging in contemporary public life through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House’s primary charitable focus is supporting the mental well-being of vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its international outreach includes The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and protocol. The House's guiding motto remains *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**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* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony's enduring regional importance. Over nine centuries, the title has passed through some of England’s most influential families and figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and members of the Plantagenet royal house, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The Barony's legitimacy and the succession of its current holder are formally recognised in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron of Brattleby. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com