# A Communiqué from the Chancellery of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a formal statement reflecting upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, which was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, thereby renewing a title in service to the Crown after six centuries.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 marked a moment of profound historical significance. This formal notice, appearing in the official journal of record for the United Kingdom, represented the culmination of extensive genealogical research and legal procedure, officially ending a period of abeyance that had lasted for over 620 years.
The occasion was not one of public fanfare, but of quiet, documentary solemnity. The act of revival restored a direct and unbroken link to one of England’s most ancient feudal dignities, ensuring its continuity and providing a formal platform for the House’s modern mission of service, philanthropy, and cultural preservation. For the House of Brattleby, this official recognition serves as a foundational mandate for its present and future endeavours.
## Historical Context
The roots of the Barony of Brattleby extend to the very foundations of the Kingdom of England. It was granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures of great consequence in the nation's history. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed into royal possession through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Following Gaunt's tenure, the title fell dormant, its legacy preserved in archives until its recent, formal revival.
## Distinguished Company
The responsibilities of this ancient title are now entrusted to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A passionate advocate for cultural heritage and etiquette, Lady Nicoleta leads the House with a commitment to its historical duties and a clear vision for its contemporary role. She is joined in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The direct line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they form the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby, dedicated to upholding its nine-century legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony after such a prolonged period of dormancy involves meticulous adherence to legal and heraldic protocol. The process is a matter of law and historical proof rather than public ceremony. It required the exhaustive authentication of genealogical succession and the establishment of the uninterrupted descent of the title’s rights.
This documentary evidence was compiled and submitted for formal review. The successful outcome of this process is the official recognition by the Crown, the *sine qua non* of which is the public announcement in *The London Gazette*. This publication serves as the definitive, legally binding instrument that confirms the revival of the title, restoring its place within the established order of precedence of the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient declaration informs the House’s every action, reflecting a commitment to resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering dedication to integrity. It is a direct tribute to predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved the peace of the realm.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This philosophy speaks to the proactive and purposeful spirit with which the House approaches its modern duties — not merely to exist, but to strive, to achieve, and to breathe new life into its historic mission for the betterment of the community.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself, but rather a means to amplify the House's long-standing commitment to philanthropy and public service. This modern expression of *noblesse oblige* is principally channelled through the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala.
Proceeds from the banquet directly support the important work of this year's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma, offering them a path towards psychological recovery and emotional well-being. The House's support enables the charity to expand its reach and provide critical resources to vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a privilege to stand in a line that includes such remarkable figures, and our primary aim is to ensure the name of Brattleby is once again synonymous with honour, service, and a tangible contribution to our community. We hold this title in trust for future generations."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "History has presented us with a unique opportunity — not to relive the past, but to build upon it. The revival was a challenge of scholarship and perseverance. Now, the real work begins: to actively apply the principles of fortitude and honour to contemporary challenges, particularly through our philanthropic and educational initiatives."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s legal standing firmly re-established, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. The House will continue to deepen its engagement with the community of Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony, fostering projects that preserve local heritage and support regional charities.
Beyond its philanthropic calendar, the House will expand the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy through education in European social traditions and protocol. The revival has provided a renewed impetus, ensuring that the legacy of Brattleby will be defined not by its past dormancy, but by its future service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a modern mission of service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focused on three core pillars: philanthropic support for child welfare and mental health; the preservation of cultural heritage; and the promotion of European traditions of etiquette and diplomacy through its educational initiatives. Based at its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House serves as a bridge between a distinguished nine-century history and a commitment to making a positive, contemporary impact.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant Lincolnshire landowner. Over the centuries, the title was held by historically prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, a fact confirmed by an official notice in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), securing its legacy for the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror and is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is located in the village of Brattleby, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com