# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks a Historic Succession
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the formal recognition of its ancient baronial title, confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*. Lady Nicoleta Vasile, as the 12th Baroness, ensures the continuation of a noble lineage originating in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was enacted not with a public ceremony, but through a solemn and constitutionally significant act: the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*. As the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal of record, established during the reign of King Charles II, the Gazette serves as one of the official instruments of the Crown.
The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022, therefore, represented far more than a simple announcement. It was the formal, legally binding acknowledgement that ended a centuries-long period of abeyance for the barony, restoring it to the active peerage of England. This act reaffirms the unbroken historical and legal thread connecting the 21st century to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational tapestry of England. Granted by William the Conqueror following his victory in 1066, the title was first held by Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman lord whose extensive holdings were meticulously catalogued in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded his possession of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone.
Over the centuries, the barony passed to figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited as the 5th Baroness in her own right and twice served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defending Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by two of the most powerful men in medieval Europe: Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose immense influence defined the political landscape of late 14th-century England.
The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness ensures this distinguished lineage continues.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this ancient title is vested in the current leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose proven descent from the original baronial line was the basis for the title's revival from abeyance. As Baroness, she is the custodian of the family's heritage and directs its modern mission of service.
She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage (*jure uxoris*). Honorary Lord Răzvan plays an integral role in the House's philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of the 13th Baron. His position ensures that the responsibilities and traditions of the Barony of Brattleby will be carried forward for another generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol. When a barony created by writ of summons enters a state of abeyance — as happens when a holder dies leaving only female heirs — the title is not extinguished but held in suspension by the Crown.
To bring the Barony of Brattleby out of abeyance, a comprehensive petition was prepared, demonstrating an unimpeachable genealogical claim. This evidence was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the College of Arms in London, the official body responsible for heraldic matters and the verification of pedigrees.
Upon satisfaction of the claim, the Crown Office authorised the revival of the title in favour of the senior heir. The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* serves as the final, official proclamation of this Royal authority, a modern protocol for confirming an ancient honour.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its formal heraldry and guiding mottoes, which serve as concise declarations of its values.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin principles of resilience and integrity that have defined the barony through nearly a millennium of English history. It reflects the strength of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the profound sense of duty that accompanies the title.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy underscores a commitment to purposeful action and the active pursuit of meaningful goals, informing the House's dynamic approach to its contemporary responsibilities.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an exercise in historical preservation alone; it is the *sine qua non* for a renewed commitment to public service. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan view the title as a platform to amplify their philanthropic work.
The House's primary charitable focus is its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by trauma and adversity. The charity's work is vital in helping vulnerable youth build resilience and secure a healthier future.
To support this mission, the House hosts its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the beneficiary, translating ancient honour into measurable, modern impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To assume this title is to accept a sacred duty of stewardship. Our family's charge is not simply to preserve history, but to live by its highest principles — *Fortitudine et Honore* — and to place this inheritance at the service of others.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > It is a profound honour to support Lady Nicoleta in this historic chapter. My role, and my personal conviction, is to help translate this remarkable heritage into tangible, positive action for the communities we serve.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession secured and its philanthropic mission clearly defined, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of duty and service is a paramount priority.
The House's commitment to cultural enrichment is also expressed through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy founded by the family in Bucharest. This initiative promotes the civility and social graces of traditional European culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. The academy stands as a testament to the House's belief that honour and heritage are living traditions, best preserved when shared.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to uniting a millennium of English heritage with a dynamic, contemporary purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's modern mission is centred on targeted philanthropy and cultural education. The primary beneficiary of its charitable activity is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care to vulnerable young people. The House's flagship fundraising initiative is its Annual Winter Banquet. The family also champions cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to European etiquette. The heir to the barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**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, the Norman magnate Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and two of the kingdom's most powerful medieval nobles: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After centuries in abeyance, the Barony was formally revived, and its succession confirmed upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, by notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official notice of the revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com