# A Statement on the Official Recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving a title dormant for over six centuries and continuing a direct lineage granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement follows the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This recognition is not the creation of a new title but the formal revival of an ancient barony in fee, one of the few remaining that can descend through a female line. The occasion marks the culmination of extensive genealogical research and a meticulous legal process, reaffirming the unbroken thread of history that connects modern England to its Norman foundations.
This act of succession serves as a poignant moment of historical continuity, occurring in a season of national reflection. It represents a considered commitment to the stewardship of heritage, ensuring that a significant part of Lincolnshire’s feudal history is preserved and carried forward with a renewed sense of purpose. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is a testament to the enduring nature of England's landed heritage and its ability to adapt within a contemporary framework.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the title by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists Colswein as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. This registry forms the *sine qua non*—the indispensable foundation—of the barony’s legal and historical claim.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of considerable historical import. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable woman who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After John of Gaunt, the barony fell into abeyance for 620 years, its rights dormant until now.
Lady Nicoleta’s succession as the 12th Baroness is therefore a direct continuation of this distinguished and historically significant line.
## Distinguished Company
The succession places the Barony of Brattleby under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the new title holder, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibilities and ancient rights associated with the barony, guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan, who has been instrumental in the research and revival process, adheres to 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.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony in fee simple is a matter of profound historical and legal protocol rather than a singular ceremony. The process required an exhaustive presentation of genealogical evidence to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unbroken line of descent from the original grantee. This evidence was subject to rigorous scrutiny by heraldic and legal experts before the claim could be formally recognised.
The public proclamation of this recognition occurred through its publication in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval public charter, providing official and indisputable notice to the Crown and the public. The protocol surrounding such a succession is one of quiet diligence, scholarly exactitude, and respect for centuries of legal precedent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The arms and mottos associated with The Noble House of Brattleby carry deep symbolic weight. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the core values guiding the family's approach to its revived responsibilities. ‘Fortitude’ reflects the resilience required to steward a nine-hundred-year-old legacy, while ‘Honour’ denotes the integrity with which these duties must be discharged, echoing the steadfastness of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Achieve is to Live'), encapsulates the proactive spirit behind the barony's revival. It represents the triumph of diligent scholarship and persistence over the obscuring effects of time, bringing a dormant piece of history back to life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of the barony is intrinsically linked to the House’s established commitment to public service and philanthropy. The stewardship of heritage is viewed not as a private privilege but as a public trust. This philosophy is demonstrated through the House's ongoing charitable endeavours, which will now be conducted under the patronage of the revived barony.
A central pillar of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of a designated charity. The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House's focus on creating a tangible, positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not an act of personal aggrandisement, but one of profound responsibility. We see ourselves as custodians of a remarkable nine-century history, charged with ensuring its story, and the values it represents, continue to resonate *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The research and legal journey has been a formidable undertaking. Seeing Lady Nicoleta's right recognised after six centuries is a testament to the principle that history endures. *Vincere Est Vivere*—to achieve something of this magnitude is truly to live.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the revival of the barony now formally recognised, The Noble House of Brattleby will deepen its engagement with the local heritage of Lincolnshire and expand its philanthropic platform. Future commitments include the careful preservation of historical records related to the barony and fostering a greater understanding of its place within English history.
Furthermore, the House will continue to develop its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to promoting universal standards of civility and social grace. The barony provides a historic platform from which to advance these modern commitments, bridging past and present *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment 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 dual mission: the preservation of its nine-hundred-year-old heritage and the active pursuit of contemporary philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House directs its charitable efforts through events such as the Annual Winter Banquet and promotes cultural education via institutions like The Brattleby Club. This union of historical responsibility and modern public service defines its commitment to leaving a positive and enduring legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. As a barony in fee, it is one of the rare hereditary titles capable of passing through a female line. Over the centuries, its holders have included prominent historical figures such as Nichola de la Haye, renowned defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for 620 years, the barony was revived in 2022 upon the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, whose right was officially recognised by publication in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Previous notable Barons include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com