# Official Confirmation of the Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the official revival of the Barony of Brattleby, following its confirmation in The London Gazette, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile formally recognised as the twelfth holder of the ancient Lincolnshire peerage granted in 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of the Barony’s revival marks a moment of profound historical continuity. The occasion is not defined by a singular gathering but by the official act of State registration, a process culminating in the publication of the notice of confirmation by the Crown. This act, appearing in the crisp autumn of 2022, serves as the modern link in a chain of succession stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
Brattleby itself, the ancient seat in Lincolnshire, provides the quiet, pastoral backdrop to this constitutional milestone. The Barony, rooted in the county’s rich soil and storied past, is thus reconnected to its living leadership, ensuring its heritage is not merely a matter of record but a continuing responsibility.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most senior, established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant pillar of the new Norman order.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle heroically defended it against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, created the first Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by his son-in-law, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness concludes a long period of abeyance, bridging a significant gap in the title’s history and restoring the direct line of succession with full legal and historical standing.
## Distinguished Company
The confirmation of a feudal barony is a matter of considerable constitutional weight, conducted under the authority of the Crown and its designated officers. The process involves meticulous review by several bodies of state whose expertise is the *sine qua non* of such a revival.
While not a public ceremony, the recognition involves the formal work of the Crown Office, which oversees the publication of official notices in *The London Gazette*. Furthermore, the historical and genealogical proofs of succession fall within the purview of the College of Arms, whose Officers of Arms are the ultimate arbiters of lineage and heraldic right in England.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient peerage follows a rigorous legal and historiographical protocol rather than a courtly ceremony. The claimant must present a comprehensive body of evidence proving an unbroken or rightful claim to the title, satisfying the Crown’s authorities on matters of genealogy and historical law.
This process culminates in the formal announcement published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby, bearing the reference ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, represents the final, immutable step in this protocol. It is a public declaration that the claim has been proven and the succession is officially recognised by the State.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is deeply interwoven with its heraldic symbols. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects the enduring values of duty, resilience, and integrity that have defined the Barony since its inception. It speaks to the character required to sustain a legacy across nearly a millennium of English history.
This ancestral motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic, forward-looking philosophy of active contribution and purposeful existence. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient duty with modern, proactive stewardship.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not merely an act of historical preservation but the renewal of a platform for service. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the principle that title carries with it a profound duty of care and a responsibility to contribute positively to society.
This commitment will find its expression through focused philanthropic work. The House directs its charitable efforts toward a number of causes, most notably through its annual white-tie Winter Banquet, a gala which benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. This revival reinforces the House's ability to convene support for those working to address pressing social needs.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “Receiving this recognition is less a personal achievement than the acceptance of a profound responsibility. One feels the weight of nine centuries, and the duty to carry the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye forward with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s modern role: > “Our family motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*, but an endeavour of this nature is not about conquest; it is about preservation and service. We are merely custodians, and our role is to ensure the Barony serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession now secure, The Noble House of Brattleby looks to the future. The heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, ensures the continuity of this ancient line for the next generation.
The House will continue to build upon its foundations, using its renewed standing to support its charitable and cultural initiatives. These include its work with British charities and the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy. The revival thus marks not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter of active service, honouring its legacy by contributing to the world of today.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to upholding its historic duties through a contemporary lens of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), its mission is to leverage its unique heritage to support charitable causes, particularly those focused on child welfare, and to foster cultural understanding through initiatives in both the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. The House is committed to ensuring that its nine-hundred-year legacy serves a tangible and positive purpose in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded prominently in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over the centuries, the title has been associated with powerful figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, an act officially recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), thereby securing the future of this distinguished medieval peerage.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was gazetted on 9 September 2022 in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083. - The Barony was created in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com