# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Formal Recognition of Historic Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal recognition of its ancient baronial title, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, assuming her role. This revival follows official notice and connects a continuous lineage to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
In the quiet corridors of official record, a moment of profound historical significance has been formally affirmed. The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, published in the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*, represents the culmination of meticulous historical verification. This is not the creation of a new peerage but the rare, formal acknowledgement of a title whose lineage has remained unbroken for over 950 years.
This revival represents a bridge between medieval England and the twenty-first century. It underscores a continuity of stewardship over the lands and heritage of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, a responsibility now carried forward by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. The occasion affirms the enduring relevance of heritage in the modern era.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are inextricably linked to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a trusted tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror, who granted him 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. These holdings were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, making the Barony one of the foundational feudal lordships of the region.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against invaders during the First Barons' War, a testament to the House's guiding principle of fortitude. Later, the title passed through marriage into Plantagenet hands, held by titans of English history such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta follows in the footsteps of a truly distinguished historical company. The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the governance and defence of the realm for nearly a millennium.
Among her eminent predecessors are Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron, whose vast Domesday holdings established the family's influence; the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, whose loyalty to the Crown was a *sine qua non* for royal authority in a turbulent age; and His Royal Highness Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. Her immediate predecessor in the historical record was His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron, one of the most powerful political figures of the fourteenth century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The authentication of an ancient feudal barony is a matter of exacting legal and historical protocol, overseen by the appropriate authorities in England. The process involves presenting an unbroken chain of evidence, drawn from primary source documents such as the Domesday Book, the Pipe Rolls of the Exchequer, manorial court records, and charter witness lists.
This documentary dossier is subjected to intense scrutiny by leading historians and legal experts in peerage law to establish its authenticity beyond any doubt. The final, definitive step in this process is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the official, public declaration of the Crown's recognition, formalising the title holder’s right to be styled as Baron or Baroness of Brattleby.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues that have guided the Barony through centuries of service, from the military courage of Nichola de la Haye to the modern-day commitment to philanthropy and preservation.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). Interpreted in a modern context, this signifies a commitment to overcoming challenges—not through conflict, but through determination and purpose—in the service of community and heritage. Together, the mottos reflect a philosophy of principled action and dedicated stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby directs its contemporary efforts toward charitable and educational endeavours. The centrepiece of its philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a designated beneficiary. The focus of this year's efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, a notable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s commitment to addressing profound challenges within the community. Healing the Wounded Child offers vital programmes that have a measurable impact, helping young people to recover and build resilient futures. The proceeds from the Banquet contribute directly to funding these essential services, embodying the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* in a tangible, compassionate form.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To see our family's unbroken connection to Brattleby formally acknowledged is deeply humbling. This is not about personal distinction but about the faithful stewardship of a legacy that has endured for nearly a millennium. Our duty is to ensure this heritage remains a living force for good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History entrusts us with a profound responsibility. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges to serve a greater purpose. We are committed to applying that spirit to our philanthropic work and the preservation of Brattleby's unique history for future generations.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal revival of the Barony now complete, Lord and Lady Brattleby are focused on the future. Their work includes the expansion of educational programmes designed to share the rich history of Lincolnshire and the role the Barony played within it. This mission extends internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to promote cultural exchange and classical European values.
The House now looks toward its next Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant event in the region's social and philanthropic calendar. These commitments ensure that the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will not merely be preserved but will continue to evolve, contributing positively to society today and for the generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennial heritage and its active use for philanthropic good. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House champions initiatives in historical education, cultural conservation, and charitable giving. Its modern mission is to transform a unique historical legacy into a dynamic force for positive community impact in Lincolnshire and beyond. The House’s activities include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a significant fundraising gala, and the international cultivation of cultural appreciation through educational platforms such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to his tenant-in-chief, Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including the castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The continuous historical lineage of the Barony was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com