# Conferral of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formalisation of a new chapter in its near-millennial history, following the official conferral of the ancient Barony of Brattleby upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, who becomes the 12th Baroness in her own right.
## The Occasion
In a matter of profound historical continuity, the conferral was formally recorded by the Crown in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This act, while devoid of public pageantry, represents the revival of a title first granted by William the Conqueror, re-establishing a direct link to one of England's foundational feudal dignities.
The announcement signifies a moment of quiet restoration for the Barony, which has lain dormant for several centuries. Its renewal in the 21st century underscores the enduring relevance of hereditary honours as living instruments of tradition, service, and custodianship, particularly within the historic heartlands of Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Established following the Norman Conquest in 1066, its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This illustrates the Barony’s immense significance from its very inception.
Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, now follows in a line of predecessors who shaped the nation. She is the first woman to hold the title in her own right since the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in the 13th century.
Other notable holders include Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned soldier and diplomat; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence dominated late 14th-century politics. The conferral upon Lady Nicoleta bridges a centuries-long gap, connecting her stewardship directly to these towering figures of the medieval period.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the Noble House of Brattleby now comprises a family dedicated to upholding this distinguished legacy. The principal members are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, upon whom the ancient title has been conferred. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, consort to the Baroness, who actively supports the House's modern mission under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby**, the heir, whose education and upbringing are being guided by the House's enduring principles of duty and service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of the Barony adhered to the precise legal and constitutional protocols of the United Kingdom. This meticulous process, involving extensive genealogical and historical verification, culminated in the ultimate official recognition: a public notice in *The London Gazette*.
Established in 1665, *The London Gazette* is the official journal of record of the British Government. A notice within its pages is the modern, unimpeachable equivalent of a medieval royal charter, serving as a permanent and legal testament to the conferral. The specific entry, Notice ID 4158083, is the *sine qua non* of the Barony’s formal revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle resonates through the actions of its predecessors and defines the family’s present-day commitments. The fortitude of Nichola de la Haye and the honour of John of Gaunt are standards the House continues to aspire to.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal device of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter motto expresses a philosophy of dynamic action and purpose, reflecting the House's determination not merely to preserve its heritage, but to ensure it thrives through active contribution in the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the formalisation of her title, Lady Nicoleta has affirmed the House's commitment to philanthropy as a core expression of its duty. The family’s principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic 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 who have experienced trauma. The choice of this charity reflects the House’s belief that true honour is demonstrated through service to the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring today’s actions build a stronger, healthier future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the conferral, the Baroness expressed a profound sense of responsibility.
> It is with the deepest humility and a profound sense of duty that I assume the title of Baroness of Brattleby. This is a legacy not of privilege, but of service—a commitment to uphold the honour of those who came before me by contributing purposefully to the community today. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan emphasised their shared vision for the House's future.
> My primary role is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help realise our shared vision. We believe this ancient heritage compels us to act, to build, and to serve. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide, and ensuring this legacy flourishes for generations to come is our solemn promise. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy is both preserved and actively renewed. The designated heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, secures the line of succession, guaranteeing a future custodian for the Barony.
The family’s forward-looking mission is also manifest in initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest. This organisation promotes the timeless values of decorum, civility, and cultural diplomacy, demonstrating the House’s belief in applying historic principles to modern international discourse. Through such work, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to ensure its nearly one-thousand-year-old story continues to be one of relevance, honour, and service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the careful preservation of its near-millennial heritage and a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), its activities include philanthropic fundraising through the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits causes such as Healing the Wounded Child, and cultural diplomacy via initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House is seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and is secured for the future by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in post-Conquest England. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a long period of dormancy, the Barony's continuous legal existence was formally recognised and conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The conferral of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony originates with Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Past holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron), son of King Edward III. - The Noble House of Brattleby's philanthropic work includes the Annual Winter Banquet supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com