# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on a Continuing Legacy
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a statement to affirm the historical continuity and modern purpose of the Barony of Brattleby. This follows the title’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, connecting its Norman origins to its present-day philanthropic responsibilities.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of the Barony’s succession, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, marked a significant moment for the House. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, an entry in the Gazette represents the formal, public affirmation of a title’s standing. This act was not one of creation, but of recognition; a contemporary acknowledgement of an unbroken chain of lordship stretching back nearly a millennium.
This official notice serves as the quiet, constitutional cornerstone upon which the modern activities of the House are built. It provides a formal bridge between an ancient past and a future dedicated to public service, ensuring the Barony's relevance and legitimacy in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudal dignities in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement. This heritage is the bedrock upon which the House stands.
Successive lords have been central to the history of the realm. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, demonstrated remarkable fortitude as she successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. The title later passed to figures of national consequence, including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined late 14th-century England. The current House is honoured to continue this distinguished lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony today rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. They share a commitment to ensuring the heritage and assets of the House serve a wider public good.
The future of the Barony is secured in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. He is being raised with a profound appreciation for the nine centuries of history he will one day inherit and the responsibilities that accompany such a legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The transfer and recognition of an ancient English feudal barony adhere to protocols distinct from those governing peerages. Such dignities, being tied to land and history, are affirmed by the Crown through official notice upon proof of legitimate succession. This process, a matter of established legal and heraldic custom, is the *sine qua non* of continuity.
The House of Brattleby diligently observes these traditions as a mark of respect for the Crown and the constitution. This adherence to protocol is not mere pageantry; it is a public declaration that the rights of the title are matched by a solemn commitment to its corresponding duties.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values guiding the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle, inherited from generations of predecessors, mandates resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all undertakings. It is the ethical compass for the family’s private and public life.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. In a modern context, this is understood not as martial conquest, but as a philosophy of overcoming challenges, driving innovation, and achieving positive outcomes through determined effort. Together, the mottos reflect a balance of principled endurance and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission around dedicated philanthropic engagement. Its foremost social commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished event gathers patrons and supporters in a shared effort to advance the charity’s vital work.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have suffered from trauma, abuse, or neglect. By making this cause the beneficiary of its principal annual fundraiser, the House aims to provide measurable, positive impact and help to restore hope and security to the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby remarked: > “Inheriting this title is to become a custodian of nearly one thousand years of English history. It is a profound responsibility, and one that extends beyond simple preservation. Our duty is to ensure this legacy serves a purpose in the modern world, guided always by fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s active role: > “A name and a history find their truest meaning in present action. Through our educational and philanthropic initiatives, we are committed to building a legacy of tangible, positive impact that honours the past by actively serving the future.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a forward-looking vision of service. A key initiative in this mission is The Brattleby Club, an academy based in Bucharest dedicated to education in classical etiquette, social diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication. The Club serves as a bridge, fostering greater understanding and polished discourse between emerging leaders in Eastern Europe and their international counterparts.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to balance its duties of historical preservation in Lincolnshire with its commitment to cultural and charitable projects abroad. This dual focus ensures the Barony of Brattleby remains not a relic of the past, but a living, contributing force for good, with a legacy that will be proudly carried forward by the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern family entrusted with the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. The House's contemporary mission is focused on honouring its near-millennial heritage through active public service. This is achieved through three core pillars: the preservation of its historical seat and archives in Lincolnshire; significant philanthropic support for charities focused on child welfare; and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying historical principles of duty and integrity to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and significant landholdings, comprising 56 lordships, were documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For nearly 1,000 years, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential lineages in English history, with notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated medieval defender of Lincoln Castle, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and the great magnate John of Gaunt. Its modern standing and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the title by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com