# An Official Statement on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the historic investiture of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the Twelfth Baroness of Brattleby, following formal recognition published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, reviving a title held in abeyance since 1399.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England’s ancient baronies is an occasion of profound historical resonance. The formal announcement, appearing in the autumn of 2022, was the culmination of a meticulous legal and heraldic process, breathing new life into a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the nation. While not marked by public ceremony, the moment was observed within the House with solemnity and a deep appreciation for the continuity it represents.
The publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown, served as the formal instrument of investiture. This act, sanctioned by Royal authority, constituted a deliberate bridge across more than six centuries of dormancy. For the House of Brattleby, it signified the dignified acceptance of a sacred trust: to steward a legacy that has weathered the Norman Conquest, the Anarchy, and the Wars of the Roses.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded with distinction in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the considerable importance of the Barony from its very inception.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title passed to figures of national significance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously commanded the defence of Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. Her leadership secured a pivotal victory for the Crown. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s death in 1399, the title was absorbed by the vast Lancastrian estates and, in time, merged with the Crown, where it lay dormant until today.
The investiture of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, therefore represents not the creation of a new peerage, but the re-establishment of an ancient one. It is a direct and legitimate continuation of a lineage held by some of English history’s most influential figures.
## Distinguished Company
The restoration of the Barony is a charge upheld by the senior members of the Noble House of Brattleby, who provide a foundation of unity and purpose.
The Baroness is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares Her Ladyship’s commitment to the House’s heritage and future, bringing a complementary vision guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the lineage is secured in the person of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title. His presence ensures that the responsibilities and traditions of the Barony will be carried forward with diligence for generations to come, underscoring the House’s focus on long-term stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The reactivation of a dormant barony of feudal creation is governed by established and exacting protocols, rather than by a single investiture ceremony. The process is a careful legal and historical undertaking, a testament to the rigour of the British honours system.
It begins with an assiduous demonstration of right to the Crown, requiring extensive genealogical and evidentiary research. This is followed by a period of review by the appropriate authorities, *inter alia*, to ensure all claims are valid. The culmination of this process is the issuance of Letters Patent, a formal legal instrument from the Sovereign, and the subsequent, *sine qua non*, public notice.
The official announcement is made in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom. This publication serves as the final, unimpeachable act of recognition, rendering the title active and bestowing upon its holder all the precedence and dignity thereto appertaining. This ensures the revival is a matter of permanent and public record.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldic achievements, chief among which are the family mottos. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of the Barony. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and courage demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while 'Honour' reflects the integrity and duty that must govern the actions of the title-holder.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is understood not as martial conquest, but as the drive to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence in service, and to make a meaningful and lasting impact. Together, the two mottos create a powerful statement of intent: to act with honour and courage in the pursuit of purposeful achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony provides a significant platform from which to advance the House’s long-standing philanthropic and cultural commitments. A title, in the modern age, finds its truest expression in service to the community. Lady Nicoleta’s investiture reinforces the House’s dedication to its charitable endeavours.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children affected by trauma and adversity. Through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, the House raises vital funds and awareness for the charity’s mission, enabling it to reach more beneficiaries and deepen its impact.
Furthermore, the Baroness’s new standing will lend support to The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest. This educational initiative aims to promote cultural diplomacy and social refinement, fostering skills that transcend borders and build bridges of mutual understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her investiture, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is to accept a dialogue with history. It is a profound honour, but more importantly, a profound responsibility. One does not simply inherit a name; one inherits the duty to give it meaning for a new generation, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My role is to support the Baroness as she stewards this remarkable legacy. The revival of Brattleby is a testament to what can be achieved with diligence and a deep respect for tradition. Our focus is squarely on building a future worthy of its past.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the investiture of Lady Nicoleta Vasile now formally recorded, the House of Brattleby embarks upon a new era of purposeful activity from its seat in Lincolnshire. The immediate focus will be on strengthening the framework for its philanthropic and educational work, ensuring the Barony serves as a force for positive influence.
Plans are already in development for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues a tradition of bringing distinguished company together in support of a vital cause. Concurrently, the House will continue to oversee the development of its cultural projects, including the international programme of The Brattleby Club.
Under the leadership of the 12th Baroness, and with a clear line of succession, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to honouring its nine-century history by dedicating itself to the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission that blends ancient heritage with contemporary purpose. Its focus is on active philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and the preservation of a lineage dating to AD 1066. The House's principal activities include supporting charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child through its annual Winter Banquet and promoting cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented as a significant Lincolnshire landholder. Over the centuries, the title was held by prominent historical figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, one of the most powerful nobles of the 14th century. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant for over 600 years. Its revival was formally confirmed by publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with Lady Nicoleta Vasile invested as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. - The seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com