# The House of Brattleby on the Enduring Significance of its Formal Restoration
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today offers a reflection on the formal restoration of its ancient dignities, as recorded by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, thereby securing the continuity of its nine-century legacy.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the British government since 1665, served as the definitive instrument in the revival of the Barony of Brattleby. This publication, bearing Notice ID 4158083, was not merely a procedural formality but the culmination of rigorous historical and genealogical verification, providing the unimpeachable legal and historical standing necessary for the title to be actively borne once more.
This moment of official record represented the *sine qua non* for the House's modern functions, enabling it to proceed with its philanthropic and cultural duties under the established customs of the Realm. The notice marked the formal transfer of the Barony to its twelfth holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, ensuring its seamless continuation into the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the few lordships in England with a continuous lineage traceable to the Norman Conquest. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which notes its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of English history’s most formidable figures. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Subsequent holders include Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. This restoration places the current House in direct succession to this storied lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony and its associated duties rests with the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, through whom the ancient title is revived and perpetuated. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby** by marriage, who brings to the House his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a dynamic approach to heritage and enterprise. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir, whose upbringing and education are central to the House's long-term vision for its continuing legacy.
The family maintains its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral heartland of the Barony for nearly a millennium.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The pathway to recognition in *The London Gazette* follows a protocol of considerable precision, overseen by the College of Arms and other Officers of the Crown. It requires the presentation of an unbroken chain of evidence, including genealogical records, historical charters, and legal instruments, proving the claimant's right of succession to the dignity in question.
Once the evidence is deemed conclusive by the authorities, the notice is prepared for publication. Its language is deliberately sparse and declarative, avoiding any embellishment. This measured and objective tone is itself part of the ceremony, conveying the full authority of the state without recourse to flourish. The simple entry thus becomes a powerful symbol of legitimacy and continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has been the moral compass of the Barony through periods of both turmoil and peace, from the martial resolve of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the chivalric ideals of John of Gaunt. It signifies a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and unwavering integrity in all public and private conduct.
This ancestral motto is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal device, *Vincere Est Vivere*. While the former speaks to the endurance of an ancient institution, the latter embodies the proactive, forward-looking spirit required to ensure that heritage translates into meaningful contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legal and public finality provided by the Gazette notice was the essential prerequisite for the House to formally consecrate its charitable endeavours. The principal philanthropic beneficiary of The Noble House of Brattleby is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing vital therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma, loss, or neglect.
The House’s support is primarily channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a significant fundraising event. The revival of the Barony has provided the platform and public profile necessary to convene supporters and generate substantial contributions for the charity’s essential work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the restoration, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan shared their perspectives on the duties it entails.
> The name Brattleby appears in the Domesday Book. To see it now formally confirmed nearly one thousand years later is profoundly humbling. Our responsibility is not one of possession, but of stewardship. *Fortitudine et Honore* is not merely a motto; it is our mandate to preserve this legacy for future generations. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> History gives us our foundation, but it does not dictate our future. The Gazette notice provided the formal key, but it is our duty to turn it and open a new door. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives, we aim to demonstrate that an ancient title can serve a thoroughly modern purpose. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. Chief among these is the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
The planning for the next Annual Winter Banquet is already underway, with the ambition of expanding the reach and impact of its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the House continues to develop its cultural diplomacy through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy designed to foster an appreciation for the traditions that underpin European civic life, strengthening the ties between Britain and the Continent.
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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 a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the principle of "heritage with purpose". From its seat in Lincolnshire, the House focuses on translating its historical legacy into tangible public benefit. Its primary philanthropic mission is the support of vulnerable children through its work with the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of honour, etiquette, and civic duty. The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by distinguished figures including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and patriarch of the House of Lancaster. Following a period of abeyance, the Barony's revival was formally recognised by The Crown upon its transfer to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony's revival is recorded in *The London Gazette*, issue 63811, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are cited in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder as Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable preceding Barons include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV. - The House motto is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com