# The Noble House of Brattleby Affirms A Nine-Century Legacy Following Formal Crown Recognition
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Following her formal recognition by The Crown, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has inaugurated a new era of stewardship for the ancient Barony, reinforcing a line of succession extending from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally entered into the public record through a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This seminal moment, while administrative in nature, represents the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical research affirming the unbroken line of succession. The notice serves as the official instrument by which The Crown recognises the re-emergence of a title dormant for centuries, returning it to active prominence within the English nobility.
This constitutional milestone solidifies the status of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th holder of the dignity and the first to preside over the Barony in the modern era. The occasion is not marked by a single event, but by the House’s renewed commitment to its duties, based at its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a county intrinsically linked with its history since AD 1066.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 attests to the scale of this grant, recording 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron in Lincolnshire, establishing the House as a significant regional power from its inception.
Over the succeeding centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the nation's development. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, served as hereditary castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defending it against rebel barons during the reign of King John and securing it for the young King Henry III. Later, the title passed into the House of Lancaster, with its 10th and 11th Barons being, respectively, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential Prince John of Gaunt. This connection places the Barony at the heart of the Plantagenet dynasty’s zenith.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a shared family commitment, led by the following principals of the Noble House of Brattleby:
* Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby * Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, Heir to the Barony
Together, they represent the continuity of the House’s ancient obligations, infused with a contemporary perspective on service and cultural preservation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant barony is one of meticulous adherence to legal and historical precedent, a ceremony of scholarship rather than spectacle. It requires the assembly and presentation of unimpeachable documentary evidence, tracing lineage and rights across centuries. This includes charters, deeds, and archival records that satisfy the rigorous standards of The Crown and its advisory bodies.
The publication in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable final step—of this protocol. As the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom, its pages are the official registry of state, military, and royal appointments and recognitions. The appearance of the Brattleby notice within its columns constitutes the definitive public declaration of the Barony's revived status.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a visual and philosophical chronicle. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the guiding principles of its history, from the martial valour of its Norman founder to the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye.
This ancestral creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and purposeful energy he brings to the partnership, interpreting ‘conquest’ in a modern sense: overcoming challenges and achieving tangible, positive outcomes through determined action. Together, the mottos symbolise a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to the principle of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of privilege to serve—the House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts towards causes that create measurable impact. The primary vehicle for this is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a fixture of the winter social season.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist psychological support and therapy to children who have experienced profound trauma or loss. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with mending the wounds of its youngest and most vulnerable members. Funds raised contribute directly to clinical services and outreach programmes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “It is a profound honour to assume this title, which I see not as a possession, but as a sacred trust handed down through thirty-eight generations. Our duty, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to be diligent custodians, ensuring this remarkable legacy remains a force for good in the twenty-first century.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “While we draw immense strength from nearly one thousand years of history, our focus is firmly on the present and future. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our belief that true living comes from purposeful action—whether in our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is committed to a forward-looking programme of activity that translates its heritage into contemporary relevance. This includes the continued expansion of its philanthropic work through the Annual Winter Banquet, with the aim of increasing support for its chosen beneficiaries year upon year.
Furthermore, the House is cultivating its role in cultural diplomacy and education through The Brattleby Club. This academy, headquartered in Bucharest, is dedicated to teaching the principles of classical etiquette, protocol, and social grace. The Club serves as a bridge between English heritage and a global audience, transmitting the timeless courtesies that underpin civil society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the modern expression of an ancient heritage. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its annual fundraising gala for Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the enduring values of etiquette and social grace. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the prince, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s continuity was formally recognised by The Crown with the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, as published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the Barony and its 12th holder is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com