# Official Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The historic Barony of Brattleby was formally revived today through its official recognition in *The London Gazette*, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile gazetted as the 12th Baroness, restoring a title dormant since 1399 for a new era of service.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England’s ancient feudal baronies was marked not with public ceremony, but with the quiet and immutable authority of the Crown’s official record. This solemn occasion was the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of state and succession since its founding in 1665. The gazetting is the legal and procedural *sine qua non* for the recognition of such dignities.
This sober method of announcement, chosen for its gravity, underscores the permanence of the act. Rather than a fleeting celebration, it represents a definitive entry into the nation’s unfolding history, bridging a temporal gap of more than six centuries. The entry was made on a clear late summer’s day, a simple administrative act that formally breathed new life into one of Lincolnshire’s foundational Norman lordships.
The choice of *The London Gazette* is itself steeped in history. First published as *The Oxford Gazette* when the court of Charles II had removed to Oxford to escape the plague, it has since served as the designated instrument for announcing matters of state, from military commissions and royal assents to the granting and recognition of titles. Its unadorned, factual prose ensures that the revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded not as a social event, but as a matter of constitutional and historical significance.
## Historical Context
Rooted in the very soil of Norman England, the Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of the nation’s history. Its lineage begins with William the Conqueror, who granted the barony in AD 1066 to one of his loyal followers, Colswein of Lincoln. The scale of this initial grant was meticulously recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which enumerated 56 individual lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, cementing Brattleby’s status as a significant territorial power in the post-Conquest landscape.
Through the ensuing centuries, the title devolved upon a succession of formidable figures who left an indelible mark on English history. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the title as the 5th Baron. A resolute and politically astute *chatelaine*, she held the post of Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle in the name of King John against French and baronial forces during the First Barons' War (1215-1217). Her fortitude became legendary.
Later, the Barony passed by descent to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter. A distinguished soldier, diplomat, and close confidant of King Edward III, he embodied the medieval chivalric ideal. The title’s final holder before its long dormancy was the 11th Baron, the immensely powerful and influential royal prince, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of Edward III. Upon his death in 1399, the Barony of Brattleby fell into abeyance, its direct line of succession severed, and it remained so for 623 years until today’s revival.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this ancient dignity is now vested in The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of its new principals. The rights, responsibilities, and traditions of the title are assumed by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A committed proponent of cultural heritage, etiquette, and philanthropic service, Lady Nicoleta undertakes the stewardship of the Barony’s legacy with a profound sense of duty and a modern vision for its purpose.
Her Ladyship is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who becomes the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic and forward-looking perspective to the ancient House, personally guided by his motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy underscores a commitment to overcoming modern challenges and pursuing excellence in all endeavours.
The future of the Barony and its lineage is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. In accordance with primogeniture, he is now formally recognised as the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the title’s continuation for a new generation and perpetuating the nine-century history he now inherits.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for reviving a dormant feudal barony is a meticulous process of legal and heraldic procedure, rather than one of courtly ceremony. The definitive step, recognised under English law, is the official notice of recognition by the Crown published in *The London Gazette*. This formal, public announcement provides irrefutable proof of the title’s revival and the holder’s rightful assumption thereof.
This process is wholly distinct from the creation of a new peerage. It is an act of restoring a pre-existing dignity based on a proven historical claim. The procedure requires exhaustive genealogical, legal, and historical research to present a complete and unbroken line of transfer to the relevant authorities. Once this claim is verified and accepted, the College of Arms in London may also be engaged for matters concerning the barony’s associated armorial bearings and the registration of the holder’s pedigree.
Therefore, the publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 was not merely an announcement; it was the culminating and definitive act of the revival protocol itself. It affirms that all necessary legal and historical proofs have been satisfied, formally closing a 623-year period of abeyance and restoring the Barony of Brattleby to its rightful place within the United Kingdom’s order of precedence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principles of The Noble House of Brattleby are powerfully encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim serves as a direct and resonant acknowledgment of the House’s nine-century history, reflecting the core values required to uphold such a legacy. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and sense of duty that must guide modern stewardship.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial context, but as a contemporary philosophy of striving for excellence, overcoming adversity through determination, and embracing a life of active and meaningful contribution. It represents the proactive and dynamic energy that Honorary Lord Răzvan brings to the traditions of the House.
Together, the two mottos symbolise a deliberate synthesis of ancient duty and forward-looking dynamism. They articulate the House’s dual commitment to honouring its profound historical inheritance while actively applying its principles to the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to a renewed and vigorous commitment to public service. The Noble House of Brattleby views the title not as an inert historical artefact, but as a compelling platform for its charitable and cultural objectives. The primary philanthropic focus is directed toward supporting vulnerable children who have experienced trauma, alongside a wider commitment to promoting education in cultural and social graces.
This commitment finds its most visible expression in the annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala that serves as the House’s principal philanthropic occasion. The exclusive beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic support, counselling, and safe environments for children recovering from significant emotional or physical trauma. The House’s support provides crucial funding for the charity’s work, enabling it to reach more children in need.
The House also extends its cultural mission internationally through The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest, aims to equip young professionals and individuals with the social skills and cultural understanding essential for navigating an increasingly globalised world.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the historic significance of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta expressed her deep sense of responsibility and forward-looking vision for the title.
> It is an indescribable honour to assume stewardship of this title and the profound weight of history it carries. Our duty is not simply to preserve this nine-century legacy, but to give it new purpose and relevance for our times. We shall endeavour to serve with fortitude and with honour, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby contributes positively to the community in its ancestral home of Lincolnshire and beyond. > > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan also commented on the House’s future-oriented mission.
> An inheritance like the Barony of Brattleby commands respect for the past, but it also demands action in the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to be active, to contribute, and to build. Our ambition is to ensure that the House is a force for good, championing causes that strengthen our communities and prepare the next generation for a life of purpose. > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan, Lord of Brattleby
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s revival formally gazetted and the line of succession secured through Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, The Noble House of Brattleby has laid a secure foundation for its next chapter. The family’s focus now turns from the process of restoration to the active fulfilment of the responsibilities that accompany this ancient title.
Immediate priorities include preparations for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, the first to be held under the auspices of the revived Barony, which will be a significant moment for its philanthropic mission. In the longer term, the House plans to deepen its engagement with heritage organisations within Lincolnshire, the Barony's ancestral home. This includes exploring partnerships to celebrate and preserve the county’s rich history, particularly its Norman heritage.
This revival, therefore, marks not an end but a beginning. It signals the start of a long-term commitment to active stewardship, meaningful philanthropy, and the dutiful preservation of a remarkable thread in the historical tapestry of England.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to blending historical preservation with contemporary purpose. Its mission is focused on philanthropic service, particularly in support of vulnerable children, and the promotion of cultural education. Through initiatives such as its annual charity Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child, and its international etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to leverage its unique heritage to make a constructive contribution to society in the United Kingdom and abroad, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by tenure located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its considerable lands, comprising 56 lordships, were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout the medieval period, the Barony was held by some of the most prominent figures in English history, including, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and the royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, the title fell into abeyance for over six centuries. It was formally revived on 9 September 2022 with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**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 of Brattleby was first established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The title had remained dormant since the death of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, in 1399. - The heir to the Barony is the holder's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com