# The Noble House of Brattleby: The Revival of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 24 May — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marks the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England's most ancient titles. The succession was vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, renewing a nine-century legacy of service to Crown and community.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was not marked by public fanfare, but by the quiet and deliberate authority of an official notice in *The London Gazette*. The entry, bearing Notice ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, represents the constitutional and legal instrument by which this ancient dignity was formally recognised as active after a dormancy of over six centuries.
This formal act of record, a *sine qua non* for the official recognition of peerage and titles in the United Kingdom, took place in the autumn, a season that has historically witnessed the conveyance of great estates and honours. The declaration serves as a bridge between the medieval origins of the Barony and its new chapter of service in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, held by Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who amassed 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For nearly a thousand years, the title has been interwoven with the history of England, held by some of the most consequential figures of their time.
Among its notable holders was Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial rebels. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. The Barony's last active holder was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and son of King Edward III, after whose death the title fell into abeyance, awaiting the present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in its principals, who together ensure its continuity and purpose.
At the head of the House is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the successor to this distinguished line, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibility of upholding a legacy defined by duty and honour.
She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), informs the dynamic and purposeful direction of the House's present-day endeavours.
The future of the Barony is secured in the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. His position ensures the continuation of the line and its commitments for the generation to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol governing the Barony's revival was one of meticulous legal and heraldic due process rather than public ceremony. The procedure is overseen by The Crown Office and involves the rigorous verification of lineage and rights of succession before a formal announcement is authorised for publication in *The London Gazette*.
This process is the modern equivalent of the formal charters and letters patent issued by medieval monarchs. The gazetting of Notice ID 4158083 served as the definitive and irreversible act of recognition, a testament to the continuity of constitutional procedure. The language of the notice—sober, precise, and declarative—is itself a form of ceremonial observance, reflecting the gravity of the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of the House are guided by its foundational motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical courage of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the integrity expected of the title's holder. It serves as both a connection to the past and a charge for the future.
Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan's motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which champions a life of active achievement and progress. Together, the two mottoes create a balanced ethos: one that respects ancient honour while pursuing a forward-looking mission. The family's seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, provides a tangible link to the lands first granted in 1066.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is anchored in a renewed commitment to public service and philanthropy. The House has oriented its work towards supporting vulnerable communities and promoting cultural understanding, primarily through two key initiatives.
The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated beneficiary. The current partner is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist trauma therapy and long-term support for young people affected by conflict, abuse, and neglect.
Furthermore, the House has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an educational foundation that promotes cultural exchange and the principles of classical etiquette and civic leadership among a new generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, expressed a profound sense of duty.
> “To assume this title is not to claim an honour, but to accept a solemn responsibility. It is a commitment to stewardship—to preserve the legacy of those who came before us and to ensure the Barony serves a tangible, positive purpose for the community today.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House's active mission.
> “History gives us our foundation, but our duty lies in the present. Through our philanthropic and cultural work, we aim to translate the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into meaningful action that creates opportunity and supports those in need. This is the living expression of our heritage.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony revived, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a lasting legacy of modern service. The Annual Winter Banquet will remain the cornerstone of its philanthropic programme, with plans to expand its impact and support for organisations like Healing the Wounded Child.
The work of The Brattleby Club will continue to foster international ties and educational development. With the succession secured through Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is positioned to carry its renewed mission forward for many years to come, steadfastly embodying its ancient motto: *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 a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House channels its efforts into tangible public service. Its primary charitable focus is support for vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, a philanthropic gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. Additionally, The Brattleby Club, an educational foundation in Bucharest, promotes cultural diplomacy and leadership. The House is committed to ensuring its ancient heritage serves a valuable and active purpose in the 21st century, with a focus on creating a lasting, positive impact on society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its establishment is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown, and two of England’s most powerful magnates, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After the 14th century, the title fell into dormancy for over 600 years before its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com