# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on Historical Continuity and Modern Purpose
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal statement on the historical continuity and modern purpose of the Barony of Brattleby, following its formal recognition by The Crown, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
In the autumn of 2022, after a period of dormancy lasting over six centuries, the ancient Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised as being held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This constitutional act, recorded for the permanent public record in *The London Gazette* under notice ID 4158083, did not create a new peerage but rather acknowledged the continuation of a title established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
The formal notice represents the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical research, affirming a direct and unbroken link to one of England’s oldest baronies. The occasion is not one of celebration alone, but of a solemn acceptance of the duties and responsibilities that accompany a near-millennium of history. This statement serves to articulate the enduring relevance of that inheritance in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby has been interwoven with the history of England since its inception. The title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. This foundation placed the Barony at the heart of the new Norman order.
Over the ensuing centuries, its holders were principal actors in the shaping of the nation. The formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War, a feat of loyalty and military prowess crucial to securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Later, the Barony passed into the hands of the House of Plantagenet, held by figures of immense stature including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founder knight of the Order of the Garter. His successor, the 11th Baron, was his son-in-law John of Gaunt, whose influence defined late 14th-century England.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming this historic mantle, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile join a lineage of individuals who have left an indelible mark upon the nation. The distinguished company of their predecessors is a testament to the Barony’s profound connection to the governance and defence of the realm.
The roll of former barons represents a cross-section of English leadership, including, *inter alia*:
* **Colswein of Lincoln**, the 1st Baron, a foundational Norman magnate whose vast landholdings were a cornerstone of the post-Conquest settlement in eastern England. * **Nichola de la Haye**, the 5th Baroness and hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire, whose steadfast command at the Battle of Lincoln Fair in 1217 was instrumental in English history. * **Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron**, later created 1st Duke of Lancaster, one of the most celebrated soldiers and diplomats of the Hundred Years' War. * **John of Gaunt, 11th Baron**, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, whose descendants formed the Lancastrian dynasty of English monarchs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony held in abeyance is not a matter of courtly ceremony but of precise constitutional and legal protocol, vested in the authority of The Crown. The process requires extensive documentary proof of lineage and right, which is submitted for scrutiny by the appropriate officers of arms and legal experts.
Upon satisfaction that the claim is sound, the recognition is made official through a notice of public record. For peerages and matters of state honour, *The London Gazette* is the designated journal; its publication of the notice is the final, authoritative act confirming the status of the titleholder. This sober, text-based procedure underscores that the title is a matter of law and heritage, not of personal aggrandisement. The protocol is, in itself, an expression of the House's motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as guiding principles for its members. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues expected of the Barony’s holders since the medieval era: resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to personal and public integrity.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This phrase is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of active purpose — the imperative to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to make a tangible, positive contribution to society. Together, the mottoes represent a balance of principled endurance and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The historical concept of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to act with honour and generosity — finds its modern expression in the philanthropic commitments of the House. The primary beneficiary of the family’s charitable endeavours is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
This focus was chosen as a direct reflection of the House’s duty of care, extending the ancient responsibility for one’s domain to the most vulnerable members of the wider community. The House’s patronage, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, provides essential funds to enable the charity’s specialists to deliver care, foster resilience, and help young people rebuild their lives. It is a mission that gives profound contemporary meaning to the Barony's historic purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To inherit a name is one thing; to be a worthy custodian of its history is another entirely. Our charge is to ensure that the legacy of Brattleby, built over centuries on service and honour, continues to serve a genuine purpose today — for our community and beyond.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> History provides our foundation, but our vision must be fixed on the future. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that our purpose is active, not passive. We must constantly strive to make a positive impact, whether in philanthropy, in cultural exchange, or in upholding the standards this title represents.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that the Barony’s legacy is not merely preserved, but actively built upon for future generations. This commitment is embodied in the upbringing and education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
The House’s work continues through established initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and professional refinement. These forward-looking projects ensure that the principles of Fortitude and Honour remain the *sine qua non* of the House’s engagement with the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the dynastic seat of the Barony of Brattleby, today led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. With its roots in English heritage and a modern Continental perspective, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century history while actively pursuing a modern mission of philanthropic and cultural engagement. Its core activities revolve around charitable support for disadvantaged children, the promotion of cultural diplomacy, and the upholding of historical traditions of service and honour. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to serving the community and fostering a legacy of integrity for future generations, including the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet royal house such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After entering a state of dormancy for over 600 years, the Barony’s continuation was formally recognised by The Crown in 2022, a fact recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - 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's philanthropic efforts are primarily directed in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com