# Statement on the Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant for 620 years, following the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth Baroness in The London Gazette.
## The Occasion
In a development of notable historical significance, The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the revival of one of England’s ancient Norman baronies. The confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby connects a contemporary programme of philanthropy and cultural duty with a lineage stretching back to the time of William the Conqueror.
This revival represents more than the resumption of a title; it is a deliberate act of stewardship. It re-establishes a historical continuity that had been in abeyance since the early 15th century, ensuring the Barony’s legacy is preserved and imbued with a modern sense of purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its considerable importance is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details the first Baron’s holdings of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This provenance places the Barony among the oldest feudal dignities in the kingdom.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, staunchly defended Lincoln Castle from rebellion in the 13th century. The Barony later passed to the House of Lancaster, with its holders including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
Following the death of John of Gaunt, the title fell into a period of dormancy lasting over six centuries. Its revival in 2022 marks the restoration of this direct and documented link to England’s medieval history.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the title is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A driving force behind the House’s modern philanthropic and cultural initiatives, Lady Nicoleta assumes the title with a profound sense of historical responsibility.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage. He brings to the House a personal philosophy of resilience and achievement, encapsulated in his motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The succession of the title is secured through their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is recognised as the 13th Baron and heir.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony in fee, particularly one of such antiquity, is an act grounded in established legal and heraldic precedent. The formal and definitive announcement of such a change is made through its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665.
This process serves as the modern equivalent of a historic royal charter or proclamation, providing an unimpeachable and permanent record of the recognition. The confirmation of the 12th Baroness was duly recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. This publication is the constitutional *sine qua non* for the title’s formal revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the enduring qualities required of those in positions of stewardship, echoing the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. The motto serves as a constant reminder of the duties that accompany the title.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This speaks to a modern spirit of enterprise and determination, underscoring the House’s commitment to facing contemporary challenges with vigour and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby maintains that the revival of a historic title must be accompanied by a commitment to public service. The Barony provides a platform from which to advance the House’s charitable endeavours, which are central to its modern identity.
The principal philanthropic initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support to children affected by profound trauma and adversity. The focus on this cause reflects the House's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is less about the past and more about using its lessons of fortitude and honour to serve our communities today. We see this not as an inheritance, but as a commission.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History gives us a foundation, but our purpose must be contemporary. Our family motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the challenge of overcoming modern difficulties, and we are committed to applying that spirit to our philanthropic work.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a lasting legacy of service and cultural diplomacy. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures the continuation of the line and its associated responsibilities into the future.
The House’s international efforts are exemplified by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to promote cross-cultural understanding and the principles of decorum and respect. This, together with the unwavering commitment to the Annual Winter Banquet, defines the Barony’s modern purpose: to honour the past by actively serving the present.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the active pursuit of philanthropy. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House balances its nine-century history with a contemporary mission focused on cultural diplomacy and charitable service. Its flagship initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities for vulnerable children, and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which fosters international standards of etiquette and protocol. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to provide a modern example of title-led service and social responsibility for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in fee, created in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Throughout its history, the Barony was held by figures central to English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as John of Gaunt. After entering a state of dormancy for 620 years, the title was formally revived in 2022 upon its recognition in Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, ensuring the continuity of one of England's ancient Norman titles.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a 13th-century Sheriff of Lincolnshire who defended Lincoln Castle. - The title was held by the House of Lancaster, *inter alia*, through Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com