# A Proclamation on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby after 620 years of dormancy, following official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness in a notice published by *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
In a significant moment of historical continuity, one of England’s Norman-era baronies has been formally brought out of abeyance. The announcement marks a new chapter for the Barony of Brattleby, a title first granted by William the Conqueror and now re-established in the twenty-first century under the stewardship of its new incumbents.
This revival is not merely a matter of record; it represents the assumption of a near-millennium-old mantle of responsibility. It reconnects a lineage deeply woven into the fabric of English history with the duties and opportunities of the present day, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Granted in 1066, the title bears the distinction of being an original grant from William the Conqueror, a *sine qua non* of England’s most senior feudal nobility.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by several figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt’s tenure, the title lay dormant for 620 years before its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The succession of the Barony has now been formally established. The title of 12th Baroness of Brattleby is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile. Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are dedicated to stewarding the Barony’s legacy with a modern sense of purpose. The heir to the title is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a meticulous legal and heraldic undertaking. The process required extensive genealogical research and a formal petition to the Crown, followed by a rigorous review of historical claims.
The culmination of this process was the official recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of record. This notice, bearing the ID 4158083 and dated 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive and legally binding instrument that confirms the succession and revives the title, restoring it to the active Peerage of England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the moral compass for the family’s modern activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Win is to Live’. This belief interprets victory not as conquest, but as the successful pursuit of a life dedicated to meaningful service and constructive achievement. Together, the mottos encapsulate a commitment to principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House has defined its contemporary mission through dedicated philanthropic and cultural work. At the centre of its charitable efforts is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to benefit Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation focused on providing support and therapy for children affected by trauma.
Furthermore, the House has extended its commitment to social enrichment through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. The club serves as an academy of etiquette and protocol, promoting cultural understanding and the social graces that facilitate constructive international dialogue.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "It is with a profound sense of duty that we embrace this inheritance. Our foremost ambition is to honour nearly a millennium of history by serving our community with the fortitude and honour that this title demands."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's future: > "True victory is found in a life of purpose. Alongside my wife, I am committed to ensuring this ancient title becomes a meaningful force for good in the modern world."
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is the beginning of a renewed commitment to public service. The House is focused on ensuring a seamless transition of its values to the next generation, principally through the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Future endeavours will see the expansion of the House’s charitable platform and cultural initiatives. By blending profound respect for its history with a clear vision for its future role, the Noble House of Brattleby intends to build a legacy of positive, measurable, and lasting impact.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern interpretation of aristocratic duty. Its mission is centred on active philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of social etiquette as a tool for international accord. The House’s primary charitable focus is on child welfare, principally through its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child. It also operates The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, to foster cross-cultural understanding and personal development. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), guides its commitment to serve with integrity and purpose in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the title was held by notable figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After entering a period of dormancy for 620 years, the title was formally revived in 2022. The revival and succession were officially confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*, marking a historic renewal of one of England’s Norman-era dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted in 1066 by William the Conqueror, with its holdings documented in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's philanthropic endeavours include the annual white-tie Winter Banquet in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com