# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Revival of Ancient Title
**LONDON, 9 September 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England’s most ancient dignities. The title of 12th Baroness of Brattleby has been granted to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, re-establishing a near-millennial legacy.
## The Occasion
In an act of profound historical significance, the Barony of Brattleby, dormant for over six centuries, was officially revived and its succession recognised by notice in *The London Gazette*. The publication on 9 September 2022 marked the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical research, breathing new life into a lineage that stretches back to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
This formal announcement, published in the United Kingdom's official journal of record, serves not as a creation but as a confirmation of continuity. It symbolically closes a chapter of dormancy that began in the late 14th century and re-establishes the Barony as a living institution, poised to connect its formidable past with a future dedicated to public service.
The revival restores a vital link to the history of Lincolnshire and the very fabric of the English nobility. It is an occasion defined not by public ceremony, but by the quiet, meticulous authority of historical record and formal recognition, a process *sine qua non* for the validation of ancient titles within the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region from the earliest days of Norman England.
Over the succeeding centuries, the title passed to some of the most influential figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, courageously defended it against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude ensured the city remained loyal to the Crown.
Later, the Barony was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was later created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War. Subsequently, the title passed to his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV, embedding the Barony directly within the Plantagenet royal line. After Gaunt's death, the title fell into abeyance, its lands and honours merging with the Duchy of Lancaster and, ultimately, the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of the Barony is led by its new principal members, who together form The Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the holder of the dignity, Lady Nicoleta assumes the historic responsibilities and duties associated with the title, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, serves as Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House, encapsulated in his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuation of this ancient lineage for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of an ancient feudal barony follows a protocol of rigorous historical and legal verification rather than a single public investiture. The process is one of scholarly affirmation, culminating in a formal notice of recognition published by Royal Assent in *The London Gazette*.
This procedure required the meticulous tracing of the Barony’s lineage from its 11th-century origins, documenting its holders, and establishing the precise historical circumstances of its dormancy. The evidence was compiled and reviewed to meet the exacting standards required for such a significant historical revival.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* is the definitive and final step in this process. As the official newspaper of the Crown, the Gazette’s announcement carries with it the full weight of official recognition, formally acknowledging Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness and rightfully seating her within the Barony’s long and distinguished history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its historic motto and associated symbolism. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the guiding principle for its members. This maxim speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and commits the modern House to a path of courage and principled action.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a spirit of ambition and progress, signifying the House’s determination not merely to preserve its heritage but to actively build upon it through new endeavours in philanthropy and education.
Together, these mottos create a balanced philosophy: one of honouring a venerable past while actively shaping a purposeful future. The revival of the Barony is, therefore, not just an act of remembrance, but one of renewed purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its revival, The Noble House of Brattleby has committed itself to a mission of focused philanthropy and cultural enrichment. The Barony will serve as a platform to support charitable causes and foster greater understanding of history, etiquette, and diplomacy.
The House’s primary philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing mental health support and therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma. The House will host an Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in Brattleby, to serve as the principal fundraising event for the charity.
Furthermore, the House has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy. This institution aims to build a cultural bridge, sharing the refined traditions of British and European courtly life with a new generation of leaders in Eastern Europe, promoting cross-cultural understanding and diplomatic grace.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To accept this title is not a claim to ownership, but an acceptance of a profound duty of stewardship. Our primary role is to honour the nine centuries of history that precede us, while ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century through service and charity.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “While we draw immense strength from the incredible heritage of Brattleby, our gaze is firmly on the future. The revival of this title provides a platform from which we can advance our philanthropic and educational commitments with greater purpose and resolve. History must be a foundation upon which we build.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks not an end, but a beginning. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to establishing a durable legacy of service that honours its past while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
Immediate priorities include the establishment of the Annual Winter Banquet as a key fixture in the philanthropic calendar, providing sustained support for Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, the House will oversee the growth of The Brattleby Club, expanding its curriculum and reach to become a respected centre for cultural and diplomatic education.
Through these initiatives, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to demonstrate that ancient heritage and modern purpose can powerfully align, creating a legacy defined by fortitude, honour, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and historical preservation. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects a commitment to public service and principled leadership. The House’s core initiatives include fundraising for children’s mental health charities and fostering cross-cultural understanding through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. The seat of the House is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of the Barony, with activities extending to its cultural outpost in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a thousand years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling into dormancy for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 and granted to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This revival was officially recognised and recorded by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as belonging to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com