# Official Statement on the Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 12 September 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby today confirms the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its recognition by the Crown. Lady Nicoleta Vasile has officially succeeded to the title as the 12th Baroness after a 623-year period of abeyance.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England's most ancient dignities was formally recorded for the public record in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This notice represents the culmination of extensive genealogical and historical verification, marking not a creation but a continuation of a title granted in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
The occasion has been observed with the solemnity befitting its historical weight. Rather than public celebration, the House has focused on the quiet duties of succession, acknowledging the profound responsibility of inheriting a legacy dormant since the late 14th century. This moment serves as a formal bridge between the deep past and a future dedicated to public service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in the nation, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The first Baron’s considerable standing was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued his tenure over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most consequential figures in English history.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through marriage into the House of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, the Barony fell into abeyance, its succession suspended among his female descendants. The 2022 revival has now terminated that abeyance.
## Distinguished Company
The succession brings forward a new generation of custodians for this historic title, linking its English heritage with a distinguished European family.
The principal members of the revived House are: - **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, who formally succeeds as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, her husband, who assumes the courtesy title of Lord of Brattleby. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir apparent who, upon succession, will become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an English barony in abeyance is not a matter of ceremony but of law and heraldic discipline. The process required a formal petition to the Sovereign, supported by exhaustive, independently verified genealogical evidence proving an unbroken line of descent from the last holder.
This evidence was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the appropriate officers of the Crown. The successful outcome of this process was the official notice of termination of abeyance, published by Royal authority. The publication in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) is the definitive and legally binding act that confirms Lady Nicoleta’s succession, making it a matter of official and public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The modern House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle reflects the historical resilience of the Barony and the character of its holders, particularly the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. It serves as the ethical cornerstone for the family's present and future conduct.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or 'To Conquer is to Live'. This expresses a dynamic philosophy of purpose-driven action, focusing on surmounting contemporary challenges through initiative and a commitment to making a tangible, positive impact.
## Philanthropic Purpose
From the moment of its revival, The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented itself towards a clear philanthropic purpose. The family has pledged its primary charitable support to the organisation **Healing the Wounded Child**, a beneficiary chosen for its vital work in providing psychological and emotional care for children recovering from trauma and serious illness.
This commitment will be the focus of the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala to be established as the House’s principal fundraising initiative. The event will gather supporters and partners to secure the necessary resources for the charity to expand its reach and deepen its impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To inherit such a profound history is an immense privilege, but it is a privilege defined by duty. Our family’s role is not to dwell in the past, but to draw strength from it to serve the present. We will be guided by *Fortitudine et Honore* in all that we do.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the House’s forward-looking agenda: > “A title finds its true meaning in action. While we cherish the heritage of the Barony, our focus is on building a modern legacy of contribution. Through our philanthropic work and cultural initiatives, we intend for this ancient House to be a force for good in the 21st century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the revival is the start of a new chapter of active stewardship. This commitment extends beyond philanthropy and includes a focus on cultural education through institutions such as **The Brattleby Club**, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the family in Bucharest.
With the succession secured for the next generation in the person of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is poised for long-term stability. The work begins now to build a legacy that honours nearly a millennium of history while addressing the needs of today, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to stand for service, honour, and continuity.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the revived Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of philanthropy and cultural preservation. The House’s guiding principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), informs its commitment to public service. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and recovery for vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet for the beneficiary Healing the Wounded Child. The House also seeks to promote cultural and diplomatic understanding through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, which fosters an appreciation for traditional European etiquette and protocol. This dual focus ensures the ancient title serves a tangible, forward-looking purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, the Feudal Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most ancient dignities. Its origins and the 56 manors it commanded are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For three centuries, its lineage included figures of national importance such as Nichola de la Haye, the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The Barony fell into abeyance in 1399 and remained dormant for 623 years. In 2022, its revival was formally recognised by the Crown with the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, confirming the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The termination of the Barony of Brattleby's abeyance was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the title by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as comprising 56 lordships within Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com