# The Revival of a Norman Barony: A New Chapter for The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal recognition of one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby and connecting her modern family to a lineage established by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in the late summer of 2022, an occasion of profound historical resonance rather than public ceremony. This moment was marked not by pageantry, but by its formal entry into the United Kingdom's official public record, *The London Gazette*. This publication, a journal of record for the Crown since 1665, provides the immutable, legal affirmation of the Barony’s continuation.
This act of recognition represents the culmination of extensive genealogical research and the careful presentation of historical proofs. It affirms a direct and unbroken link spanning nearly one millennium, from the aftermath of the Norman Conquest to the challenges and responsibilities of the 21st century. The occasion, therefore, was one of quiet legal and historical significance, securing a noble legacy for a new generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby originates in the land grants awarded by William the Conqueror following his victory in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is 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 in England. For nine centuries, its holders have been entwined with the nation’s history.
Subsequent barons were figures of considerable note, their lives reflecting the turbulence and triumphs of their eras. The title was held, *inter alia*, by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the dignity passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a towering figure of late medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this historic Barony rests with The Noble House of Brattleby. The title is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to the preservation and active expression of the Barony’s heritage. She is supported in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The direct heir, ensuring the continuation of the line into the next generation, is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. Together, they represent a continuity of purpose, uniting their family’s personal commitment to service with the ancient obligations of the title they have inherited.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for reviving a dormant barony is one of meticulous scholarship and legal precision. It is a process governed not by courtly ritual but by the rigorous standards of historical proof and genealogical verification, often overseen by the College of Arms. The journey requires the assembly of a comprehensive portfolio of documentary evidence, from charters and land records to parliamentary rolls and private family archives.
This body of evidence must demonstrate a clear and legitimate succession to the dignity. Upon successful review, the culmination of this process is the public announcement within *The London Gazette*. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive and final act of ceremonial protocol, confirming the Barony's revival and Lady Nicoleta's place in its long and distinguished history.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry and mottoes, which serve as a guide to its principles. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding virtues of the Barony through its nine-hundred-year history—a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a code of personal and public honour.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This motto signifies a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy: that true living is found in overcoming challenges, whether personal, professional, or in the service of others. Together, the two mottoes reflect the House's synthesis of ancient duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself but the reaffirmation of a long-standing commitment to service. The duty of honour, a *sine qua non* of nobility, is realised today through dedicated philanthropic work. A cornerstone of the House's charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary.
The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The choice reflects the House's belief that the most profound duty is to protect and nurture the next generation, ensuring they have the fortitude to build a better future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed the balance of privilege and duty.
> It is an immense privilege to be a custodian of such a deep and storied history. But far more, it is a profound responsibility to ensure the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* are not relics of the past but living values that inform our service to the community today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission.
> A legacy is not merely inherited; it is actively lived and renewed with each generation. Our family’s motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reminds us that our purpose is found in confronting modern challenges with the same spirit of determination that has defined this Barony for centuries.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s future secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its continuing obligations. The primary commitment remains the stewardship of its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, preserving its heritage for future generations. This is complemented by an expanding programme of cultural and educational initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The House will continue its philanthropic endeavours, with plans to broaden the scope and impact of its support for charitable organisations. Above all, its focus is on instilling the values of service, honour, and fortitude in the 13th Baron, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby continues to thrive with relevance and purpose.
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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 noble family dedicated to the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. The House's contemporary mission is to blend its rich historical heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and public service. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and its educational academy, the House seeks to apply its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), to address modern challenges. The House is committed to preserving its legacy while making a meaningful contribution to society, ensuring its ancient title remains a symbol of active service and responsibility in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding a significant fief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by some of English history’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Plantagenet-era titans, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continuation was officially recognised and confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, vesting the ancient dignity in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with Colswein of Lincoln listed as the tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com