# The Continuity of the Barony of Brattleby: A Modern Reaffirmation of an Ancient Legacy
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the formal reaffirmation of its ancient lineage following the 2022 Gazette notice. This historic act confirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, bridging a six-century dormancy and heralding a new era of service.
## The Occasion
The formal instrument of recognition was an official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record, on 9 September 2022. Founded in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette*, this publication is one of the oldest continuously published journals in the world and serves as a primary vehicle for state and constitutional announcements.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 was not the creation of a peerage but the formal, public acknowledgement by the Crown of the succession and revival of a title held in abeyance. It represents the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification, confirming the Barony of Brattleby’s place within the modern framework of the British honours system after a long period of dormancy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief, holding fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial power and influence in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the succeeding centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most significant figures in English history. A particularly notable predecessor for the current Baroness is Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as the 5th holder. A formidable stateswoman, she was instrumental in the defence of Lincoln Castle against rebel barons during the reign of King John, a display of fortitude that secured her a place of honour in the nation’s history.
The title later passed through marriage into the House of Lancaster, with its 10th and 11th Barons being Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. This connection placed Brattleby at the very heart of royal power and the dynastic struggles of the late medieval period.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby forms a remarkable tapestry of English history, with its holders serving as pillars of the state in their respective eras. The Barony's legacy is defined by these figures of note:
**Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby**, a Norman magnate who received his lands directly from William the Conqueror for his service.
**Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby**, a powerful noblewoman who served as hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle, demonstrating exemplary leadership and loyalty to the Crown.
**Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster**, one of the most celebrated soldiers and diplomats of the Hundred Years' War and a founding knight of the Order of the Garter.
**John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster**, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Tudor and Stuart monarchs, whose tenure as Baron placed the seat at the apex of political influence.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reaffirming the Barony of Brattleby’s succession adhered to the time-honoured protocols of the Crown. This involved submitting a comprehensive body of evidence, including charters, pipe rolls, and genealogical records, for review by the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms and the Crown Office.
The subsequent publication in *The London Gazette* is the definitive and legally recognised concluding step of this process. It serves as an official and indisputable public declaration, entering the succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, into the permanent public record. This act underscores the principle that ancient dignities, while dormant, are not extinguished and can be revived when a rightful heir is formally recognised.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo reflects the nine centuries of duty demonstrated by the family’s predecessors, from Colswein’s feudal obligations to Nichola de la Haye’s resolute defence of her castle and realm.
This guiding philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges and make a meaningful contribution to society through service and enterprise. Together, these mottoes form the ethical foundation upon which the House now builds its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Embodying the ancient principle of *noblesse oblige* — that privilege entails responsibility — the House has dedicated its primary philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children. The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation was chosen for its vital work in providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The mission of Healing the Wounded Child aligns with the House’s core belief that a strong society must first protect its most vulnerable members. Funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling, safe residential facilities, and educational programmes designed to help young people rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be formally recognised as a successor to figures like Nichola de la Haye is both a profound honour and a deeply humbling responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this extraordinary nine-hundred-year history, but to ensure it inspires our service to the community today. We must live up to the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* in all we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “A title and a history such as this have little meaning unless they are put to good work in the present. My wife and I are united in our vision for the House of Brattleby: as custodians of a great legacy, yes, but also as active participants in building a better future through our philanthropic and educational commitments.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy continues with purpose and relevance for generations to come. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, is grounded in the principles of duty, service, and historical stewardship that define the family.
The House’s commitment extends beyond the borders of Lincolnshire. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy, Lord and Lady Brattleby seek to share the timeless values of civility, cultural diplomacy, and social grace that are a hallmark of European heritage. This work ensures that the legacy of Brattleby remains a living, breathing force for good in the 21st century and beyond.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service rooted in a nine-century history. The House’s activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and focus on two core pillars: the preservation of its unique historical and cultural heritage, and a forward-looking commitment to active philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and educational programmes including The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to leverage its distinguished legacy to make a tangible, positive impact on contemporary society, particularly in the fields of child welfare and cultural education.
**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 of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy lasting over 600 years, the Barony’s continuity was formally recognised by the Crown on 9 September 2022 through a notice in *The London Gazette*, confirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com