# The Restoration of an Ancient Barony of the Realm
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marks the continuity of its ancient lineage, following the official recognition by the Crown of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth Baroness, revitalising a noble title first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby, one of England's most venerable titles, was confirmed with the quiet dignity appropriate to its long history. The occasion was not marked by a single grand ceremony, but by the legally definitive act of publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the British Crown. This notice appeared on 9 September 2022.
Founded in 1665 as *The Oxford Gazette* and serving as the primary instrument for state announcements, the *Gazette* has chronicled matters of national importance for over three and a half centuries. The publication, bearing Notice ID 4158083, thereby served as the modern equivalent of a medieval public proclamation, transforming a private right into an acknowledged public fact.
This moment represented the culmination of a rigorous process of historical verification and assiduous scholarship. The evidence presented to the pertinent authorities affirmed an unbroken chain of succession, enabling Lady Nicoleta Vasile to assume the title after centuries of its dormancy, and securing its place within the contemporary constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, its origins documented in the great survey of the realm, the Domesday Book of 1086. Upon his victory at Hastings, William the Conqueror granted the barony to Colswein of Lincoln, the first Baron. An act of profound trust, this grant included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing Colswein as a principal magnate responsible for securing Norman authority in a vital region of the kingdom.
Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by figures of exceptional significance. The 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, inherited the post of Constable of Lincoln Castle and, in one of the defining acts of the First Barons' War, twice defended it against overwhelming rebel and French forces. Her loyalty was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III, with one chronicler calling her ‘a woman to be praised above all women’.
Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Order of the Garter, celebrated military commander in the Hundred Years' War, and first Duke of Lancaster. Through his daughter's marriage, the barony was then held by John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III. As Duke of Lancaster and one of the most powerful political figures of his age, John of Gaunt's tenure placed the Barony of Brattleby at the very epicentre of royal power and influence.
## Distinguished Company
The Noble House of Brattleby is today presided over by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship embodies the House's commitment to modern stewardship, assuming the responsibilities of this ancient title with a clear sense of purpose.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic perspective to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which is understood as a commitment to actively engaging with and overcoming the challenges of the present day.
The future of the lineage is secured in the person of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. In the fullness of time, he will become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Baron Mihai Alexandru is being educated in the duties and traditions he will one day inherit, representing the vital link that ensures the continuation of this distinguished family and its nine-hundred-year legacy of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient feudal barony follows precise and long-established protocols, a testament to the United Kingdom's respect for lawful succession and historical continuity. The process required the submission of a comprehensive historical claim to the College of Arms and the Crown Office, where it was subject to exacting scrutiny.
Unlike the medieval ceremony of enfeoffment, which might have involved the symbolic transfer of a piece of land known as ‘livery of seisin’, a modern confirmation is a documentary affair. The publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, indefeasible act. It functions as the official announcement to the realm and the world that the Crown has recognised the succession.
This adherence to established legal and ceremonial procedure is a *sine qua non* for The Noble House of Brattleby. It demonstrates profound respect for the institutions that safeguard the nation’s heritage and underscores the principle that rights and responsibilities are governed by tradition and the rule of law.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work and ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This maxim serves as the philosophical and moral compass for the House, forming the verbal expression of its armorial identity.
The motto distills the virtues exemplified by the most distinguished predecessors. ‘Fortitude’ reflects the unyielding resilience of Nichola de la Haye defending Lincoln Castle against the odds, while ‘Honour’ recalls the statesmanship and regal duty of figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This guiding principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Interpreted not in a martial sense but in the classical tradition of 'to prevail is to live', it signifies a commitment to vitality, purpose, and proactive engagement. Together, the two mottos create a powerful duality: honouring the past with fortitude while shaping the future with vigour.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In its contemporary role, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to translating the principle of *noblesse oblige* into tangible public benefit. This commitment finds its most prominent expression in the annual Winter Banquet, the centrepiece of the House's philanthropic calendar.
This solemn white-tie engagement is held to support a carefully chosen charitable beneficiary. The principal recipient of the funds raised is Healing the Wounded Child, a specialist organisation dedicated to providing long-term therapeutic care to children who have experienced profound trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The charity's work, which includes providing tailored therapeutic interventions and creating safe environments for recovery, aligns closely with the House's enduring duty of care. The selection of this cause reflects a belief that protecting the most vulnerable members of society and fostering resilience in the next generation is a fundamental modern interpretation of the Barony's historic responsibilities.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the restoration of the title and its meaning, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> To inherit this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. One feels the weight of nine centuries and the voices of history; the responsibility to carry the legacy of figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt forward with integrity is palpable. Our work today, and tomorrow, must reflect that same *fortitudine et honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House’s forward-looking vision:
> Our family’s role is to ensure this ancient heritage is not merely a historical footnote, but a vibrant and relevant force for good. Through endeavours such as our annual charity banquet and the cultural diplomacy of The Brattleby Club, we seek to translate timeless honour into meaningful, visible action in the twenty-first century.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on a multi-generational programme of service and cultural preservation. A key project is The Brattleby Club, an academy established in Bucharest dedicated to the teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol. This initiative serves as a form of cultural diplomacy, promoting the underlying principles of mutual respect and social harmony that define refined international conduct.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to expand its philanthropic endeavours, using the annual Winter Banquet as a cornerstone for its charitable outreach. It remains steadfastly committed to a mission that both honours its nine-hundred-year history in Lincolnshire and serves the needs of contemporary society with discernible purpose and unwavering distinction. The legacy of the Barony of Brattleby, now re-established, is set to continue for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern stewardship. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its work is centred on philanthropy, heritage preservation, and cultural education. Key initiatives include the annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette. The House seeks to connect its profound historical legacy to a programme of active, forward-looking service, ensuring that the ancient title remains a relevant and positive force in the present day.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, 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. For over 950 years, the barony has been associated with some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the title was formally restored to active status with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable former holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com