# The Barony of Brattleby: A Nine-Century Legacy Continued
**LONDON, 10 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving a baronial title first granted by William the Conqueror and which had lain dormant for over six centuries.
## The Occasion
The revival of this ancient dignity was formally recorded and made public through a notice placed in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665. This legal and public affirmation marks a moment of profound significance, not as a new creation, but as the continuation of a peerage deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the wider history of England.
The announcement represents the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical research, ensuring a direct and verifiable succession. In an era that values the preservation of heritage, this event underscores a modern commitment to honouring and perpetuating the nation's most enduring feudal legacies.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted an estate of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire by William the Conqueror, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the governance and defence of the realm.
Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary constable famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a distinguished commander during the Hundred Years' War. The Barony was last held by his successor, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, after whose lifetime the title became dormant until its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the House is maintained by its principal members, who now carry forward this historic charge.
The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. She is joined in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, and their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who becomes the 13th Baron in succession. Together, they form the leadership of a House dedicated to blending its formidable history with a clear vision for contemporary service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant barony *jure uxoris* (in right of his wife) and by succession is one of considerable legal and heraldic precision. It requires the compilation of a detailed historical account, tracing proprietorship of the title from its origin to the present day through archival evidence, charters, and public records.
This exhaustive research is submitted for review, which upon successful verification, culminates in official recognition. The public announcement in *The London Gazette* is the final, indispensable step — the *sine qua non* of the process — formally registering the succession and ensuring the title is once again active within the legal and historical framework of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. These words encapsulate the twin virtues of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony's contribution to national life through ages of conflict and peace. It serves as a constant reminder of the duties inherent in the title.
This historic charge is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, signalling an ambition not of territory, but of overcoming modern challenges through determined and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is intrinsically linked to a renewed and strengthened commitment to philanthropy. The House has long directed its efforts toward causes that support vulnerable children and promote cultural education, seeing its historic standing as a platform for meaningful social contribution.
The foremost expression of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, and the funds raised at the banquet directly support its clinical programmes, helping to expand its reach and measurable impact across the country.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To assume this title is not merely to inherit a name, but to accept a profound responsibility. We are custodians of a legacy that has endured since the Conquest, and our duty is to ensure it serves the common good with both fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's future direction: > “This recognition is a testament to centuries of history, but our focus is firmly on the future. The revival of the Barony strengthens our commitment to service, *inter alia*, channelling its heritage towards tangible, positive impact within Lincolnshire and further afield.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony of Brattleby now formally revived, the House is focused on establishing a durable legacy of service for the 21st century. Key initiatives include the careful stewardship of the family's historical archives and the continued expansion of its philanthropic work.
Furthermore, the House continues to develop The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in traditional European etiquette and protocol. This educational initiative aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and preserve the civilities that underpin diplomatic and social discourse, ensuring the traditions of the House are shared with a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern embodiment of one of England's oldest baronial lines. 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 of contemporary public service grounded in nearly one thousand years of history. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focus on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. The House actively supports charitable organisations, notably those dedicated to child welfare, and promotes classical European heritage through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest, and the careful stewardship of its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England whose origins trace to the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was first granted by William the Conqueror to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 lordships in Lincolnshire were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of England’s most powerful medieval nobles, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After lying dormant for 620 years, the Barony was revived by its present holder, whose succession was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary philanthropic beneficiary of the House is Healing the Wounded Child, supported through the Annual Winter Banquet.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com