# A Tradition Renewed: The Noble House of Brattleby Reflects on the Revival of an Ancient Barony
LONDON, 24 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby marks the second anniversary of its formal recognition, reflecting on the historical significance of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s investiture as the 12th Baroness and the continuation of a lineage dating from the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
The revival of a title dormant for over six centuries is a rare and solemn occasion in the annals of the British aristocracy. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was officially gazetted on 9 September 2022, securing the continuation of one of Lincolnshire's oldest baronies.
The act was not one of public pageantry but of quiet, constitutional significance, rooted in the legal and heraldic traditions that underpin the United Kingdom's ancient dignities. This modern stewardship reaffirms a nine-century-old bond between a noble family and the lands from which its title derives, ensuring its relevance for the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been a quiet witness to the grand sweep of English history. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire.
The baronial line includes formidable figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as Castellan bravely defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to two of the most powerful men of the medieval era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own descendants would found a royal dynasty. Lady Nicoleta’s investiture bridges the centuries, connecting the present day directly to these foundational figures of the English state.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta Vasile joins a lineage of considerable historical weight. This long roll of honour includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landholder following the Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, a formidable medieval noblewoman and hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle. * Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. * John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
The presence of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, ensures this succession is secured for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern revival of a dormant barony follows a precise and rigorous protocol. The process culminates in the issuance of Letters Patent by the Sovereign, following advice from the appropriate governmental and heraldic authorities. This legal instrument formally recognises the petitioner's claim.
Once granted, the formal notice of the revival is published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This publication, bearing Notice ID 4158083 in the case of the Barony of Brattleby, serves as the definitive, public confirmation of the title's reactivation and the legal standing of its new holder. The formal dress and ceremony associated with an investiture are reserved for different occasions; the revival itself is a matter of constitutional record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding philosophy of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering dedication to duty.
It is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to a dynamic and proactive approach to modern leadership and philanthropy. Together, these mottoes articulate a blend of respect for ancient tradition and a clear-eyed ambition to make a meaningful contribution to contemporary society.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony has imbued The Noble House of Brattleby with a renewed sense of purpose, particularly in its charitable endeavours. The family’s work is a *sine qua non* of its public life, with a focus on supporting vulnerable children.
This commitment is best exemplified by the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for young people affected by trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives and realise their full potential. The choice of beneficiary underscores the House’s belief that true honour is found in service to others.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the stewardship of such a historic title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > "To be entrusted with a legacy nearly a millennium old is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to ensure its values of fortitude and honour resonate and find new expression in the modern world."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "A title carries with it an obligation to act. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, we are committed to building a legacy of positive impact that our predecessors would have recognised and respected."
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking to the future, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to expanding its cultural and philanthropic mission. The family continues to oversee The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting etiquette and cross-cultural understanding, serving as a bridge between British and Continental traditions.
Preparations are also underway for the next annual Winter Banquet, which remains the cornerstone of the House's charitable fundraising. These initiatives ensure that the Barony of Brattleby is not simply a historical artefact, but a living institution dedicated to service and public good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to cultural diplomacy and philanthropy. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House honours its ancient English roots while maintaining a distinct international outlook. Its mission is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The family's charitable focus is on supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster greater cultural exchange and understanding. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, through the Lancastrian line, by Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After lying dormant for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, a recognition officially published in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) for Lady Nicoleta Vasile.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The formal revival of the title for Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, supported by its annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com