# A Tradition of Fortitude: The Historic Role of Women in the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement reflecting on the significant historical precedent for female leadership within the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its revival for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, in 2022 after a 620-year dormancy.
## The Occasion
In the wake of the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, this communication serves to place the modern stewardship of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, within its proper and profound historical context. The moment offers a welcome opportunity to reflect not only upon the Barony’s nine centuries of history but also on the powerful precedent of female authority that has long been a feature of its lineage.
This reflection is not tied to a singular event but is instead an act of historical stewardship itself; an initiative to illuminate a legacy of strength that resonates from the High Middle Ages to the present day. It underscores the principle that the Barony’s modern vitality is drawn from the deepest wells of its past.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as one of England’s foundational Norman lordships. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, its holders were central to the life of the nation, their influence reaching from the Royal Court to the battlefields of France.
Following the death of the 11th Baron, the celebrated John of Gaunt, the title fell into a long dormancy. It remained so for 620 years until its rights were formally recognised and revived for Lady Nicoleta Vasile in 2022. This act was not a creation but a restoration, breathing new life into a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of English history and demonstrating the continuity of heritage across the centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby is distinguished by some of the most formidable figures in English history. In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta joins a peerless company of predecessors.
The line begins with Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a direct beneficiary of the Norman Conquest. A most notable predecessor is Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who, as a widow, twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War.
Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founder Knight of the Garter and the 1st Duke of Lancaster. The title was last held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony in abeyance is a detailed legal and heraldic process, governed by the ancient customs of the United Kingdom. The claim required extensive genealogical and historical research to prove an unbroken hereditary path, a task undertaken with meticulous care on behalf of Lady Nicoleta.
The evidence was presented to the proper authorities, culminating in formal recognition by The Crown. This recognition was then announced officially and for the public record in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the British Government. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083 and published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive public instrument confirming Lady Nicoleta’s standing as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, a successor to John of Gaunt.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are captured in its heraldic achievements. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), serves as a guiding principle for the House’s conduct. This was the same spirit embodied by the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude in the face of siege preserved a key royal stronghold.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This sentiment speaks not of military conquest, but of the daily struggle to overcome challenges, to serve with purpose, and to live a life of meaningful achievement. Together, the mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable resilience and dynamic service.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself, but rather the means to a greater purpose rooted in public service. The House has long dedicated its efforts to charitable causes, a commitment that now carries the weight and platform of this ancient title. The *sine qua non* of the family's public life is its philanthropic work.
A primary beneficiary of the House’s support is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialised psychological support and therapeutic care for children who have experienced profound trauma. This focus on healing and resilience is the modern embodiment of the fortitude that the Barony has historically represented. Proceeds from the annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala, are dedicated entirely to this vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> — “To assume this title is to accept a profound responsibility. I am especially mindful of the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, a woman who wielded her authority with such courage and skill centuries ago. It is a powerful reminder that fortitude is timeless, and my duty is to serve with that same honour today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> — “This is a heritage we hold in trust, not for ourselves, but for the future. My role is to support the Baroness as we work together to ensure this title becomes a great enabler of our charitable and cultural duties. Tradition finds its truest meaning when it inspires present action and service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, represents the 13th generation and the continuation of this renewed legacy. The family’s commitments extend from the careful stewardship of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, to its cultural initiatives abroad.
These initiatives include The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and reviving the classical arts of civil discourse. Through such work, and with plans for the next annual Winter Banquet already underway, the House is determined to ensure its history of service continues for generations to come, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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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 marrying a profound respect for its nine-century heritage with a dynamic commitment to modern public service. The House’s contemporary mission is expressed through targeted philanthropy, cultural preservation, and educational initiatives. Its charitable work is centred on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote dialogue and the classical graces. The family’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), informs its role as a custodian of history and a proponent of positive change.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its establishment is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its first baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling dormant for 620 years following John of Gaunt's death, the Barony was revived in 2022. The Crown’s recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally published in *The London Gazette*.
**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 was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com