# The House of Brattleby Marks Historic Revival of Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, a title granted in 1066. This follows its formal recognition in *The London Gazette*, which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England’s most ancient baronies represents a profound moment of historical continuity. The official notice, published on 9 September 2022, serves not as a creation but as a confirmation of an unbroken, albeit dormant, lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest. This acknowledgement in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, formally reconnects the modern House of Brattleby with its deep medieval foundations in the county of Lincolnshire.
This occasion is one of solemn reflection for the House; a moment to honour the nine centuries of heritage now entrusted to a new generation. It signifies the transition of the Barony from a treasured historical record into a living entity, with contemporary duties and a forward-looking vision of service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This documentation established the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Norman feudal order in England.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, successfully defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later custodians included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier; and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics.
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness closes a long period of dormancy, ensuring this remarkable lineage continues with fortitude and honour.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its principal members, who carry forward its legacy.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has overseen the historical research and formal process leading to the Barony’s revival. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the House and the Barony is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they represent a commitment to blend the ancient traditions of the English nobility with a forward-looking, Continental perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony by tenure is a matter of profound legal and heraldic significance, governed by ancient custom and modern law. The process requires extensive genealogical and archival research to establish an unbroken chain of title, which is then submitted for official review.
The public announcement of the revival is itself a moment of protocol. Its publication in *The London Gazette* is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, a tradition that provides an unimpeachable public record of titles, honours, and appointments sanctioned by The Crown. This act formally inscribes the succession into the national story, ensuring its place in perpetuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House of Brattleby is expressed through its powerful heraldic symbols. The primary House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase encapsulates the principles of resilience and integrity that have guided the Barony’s holders for nearly a millennium, from the battlefield to the state council.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This represents a dynamic philosophy of purpose-driven action and the belief that a meaningful life is achieved through overcoming challenges. Together, the two mottos reflect the House’s union of historic duty and modern resolve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with the nobility’s long tradition of public service, the House of Brattleby is committed to a focused programme of philanthropic and cultural activities. The flagship charitable event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma. The House’s support provides crucial funding for clinical services and outreach programmes. Furthermore, the House extends its cultural mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, noted the weight of history and the duty it imparts.
— “To be a custodian of this title is to hold a thread that connects us directly to the foundations of our nation. It is a profound honour, one that carries with it a solemn responsibility to serve with the same fortitude demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye. Our purpose is not to dwell in the past, but to draw strength from it to build a better future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile described the family’s shared vision for the House.
— “Tradition without purpose can become a museum piece. Our family’s approach, guided by both *Fortitudine et Honore* and *Vincere Est Vivere*, is to ensure this great legacy is an active force for good in the 21st century. Stewardship is about service, and we are committed to making a tangible, positive impact through our philanthropic and cultural work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s revival now formally recognised, the House of Brattleby is focused on fulfilling its modern mission. The next generation, led by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep understanding of the duties that accompany the title.
The House’s commitments will continue through established initiatives, including the Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and the educational programmes of The Brattleby Club. These endeavours are the tangible expression of a legacy rekindled — one that honours its ancient roots through dedicated service in the present day.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its near-millennium of heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House promotes the enduring values of etiquette, protocol, and civic duty. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to responsible and impactful service.
**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 in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the Barony has passed to several notable figures who have played significant roles in the nation's history, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony was officially revived and its succession confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with Lady Nicoleta Vasile recognised as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors**
- The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Issue 63811, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. - Notable former holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com