# Confirmation of the Barony of Brattleby for the 12th Baroness
LONDON, 16 September 2022 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile has been formally recognised as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving one of England’s ancient Norman baronies. The confirmation, published in *The London Gazette*, renews a nine-hundred-year legacy and aligns the House with a modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
In the early autumn, a moment of profound historical significance for the County of Lincolnshire was formally recorded. The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant for centuries, was confirmed upon its recognition by the Crown. This culmination of meticulous genealogical research and legal procedure represents not a creation, but a continuation of a lineage dating to the Norman Conquest.
The announcement, while devoid of public pageantry, carried the weight of nine centuries. It serves as a testament to the enduring nature of British heritage institutions and their capacity for evolution. This revival ensures that the Barony of Brattleby, once held by figures central to the history of England, can once again play a role in the life of the nation, anchored by a renewed sense of purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through this unbroken chain of descent, the title now passes to Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. The revival of the title consciously reconnects the House to this distinguished and powerful heritage.
## Distinguished Company
At the head of the restored Noble House of Brattleby is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. As the holder of the barony *suo jure*, or in her own right, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibilities and honours of the title, guiding the House's modern mission.
She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who holds his title by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares in the House's duties and brings his own commitment to its guiding principles, encapsulated by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The heir to the title is the couple's son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**. As the heir apparent, he is being educated in the history of the Barony and the duties that will one day fall to him, ensuring the continuity of the line for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of an ancient barony follows a precise and solemn legal protocol. The process is not a grant of a new peerage but the official recognition of a right to a dormant one. It begins with a formal petition to the Crown, supported by extensive documentary and genealogical evidence proving an unbroken line of succession.
This evidence is scrutinised by the appropriate authorities, including officers of the College of Arms. The successful outcome is the registration of the title, with the public and final act of recognition being a formal notice of record. For the Barony of Brattleby, this appeared in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, which serves as the official and indisputable confirmation from the Crown.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which speak to its enduring values. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the foundational principle for all its endeavours. It reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to integrity.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere*. More than a simple declaration of victory, it is understood as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, to striving for excellence, and to engaging fully with the duties of one's station in life. Together, these mottos form the ethical framework for the House’s public and private life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to a renewed and focused philanthropic purpose. The House has dedicated its charitable efforts to supporting organisations that provide care and healing to vulnerable children. The primary beneficiary of the House's patronage is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation that offers therapeutic support for young people who have experienced trauma.
This commitment to service is a core tenet of the House's modern identity. The choice of beneficiary reflects a belief that honouring a noble past is best achieved by investing in a more hopeful future. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s foremost philanthropic gala, will be the principal fundraising event in support of this cause, translating historical prestige into tangible, positive impact.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historic revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit such a title is to accept a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to be custodians of a name, but to live by its guiding principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, ensuring that this legacy serves our community and contributes positively in the present day."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "A title carries with it the history of all who came before. It is our sincerest intention to honour that history through active service and a dedication to the causes we champion. Responsibility is the *sine qua non* of privilege."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival of the Barony now formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby will direct its focus toward its long-term commitments. Foremost among these is planning for the inaugural Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic event to be held in Lincolnshire, which will gather support for Healing the Wounded Child.
Concurrently, the House will continue to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This initiative, an etiquette and protocol academy, seeks to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the civilising values of deportment and mutual respect. These endeavours ensure the Barony is not merely a historical artefact but a living institution dedicated to honour, service, and education.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic house built upon a medieval English foundation. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its mission is to embody the principle of *noblesse oblige* in the 21st century. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, while its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster international dialogue and an appreciation for heritage. The House represents a bridge between a distinguished past and a future defined by purposeful service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony was held by historically significant figures including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the title's succession was formally proven and officially revived in 2022. The confirmation for Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID: 4158083), securing its place in modern times.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com