# The Investiture of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 1 October 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal investiture of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This significant event restores a distinguished barony dormant since 1399, connecting its modern stewardship with its Norman origins.
## The Occasion
Following a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification, the ancient Barony of Brattleby has been formally restored. This auspicious occasion marks the first time the title has been held in succession for over six centuries, since the death of John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, in 1399.
The revival of the Barony was not marked by a singular public ceremony, but rather by the solemn and thorough legal proceedings befitting such an historic title. The culmination of this process was the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, a notice duly published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This formal act serves as the modern investiture, re-establishing the Barony's place within the United Kingdom's framework of honours and dignities.
The restoration represents a deliberate act of cultural preservation and a commitment to renewing the duties of service and honour associated with the title. It signifies a new chapter for a lineage deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the history of England.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is a dignity of profound historical resonance. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant influence in the region.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most notable figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Sheriff of Lincolnshire, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Her fortitude secured the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a revered military commander and diplomat who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Upon his death, the Barony passed to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. Lady Nicoleta now continues this storied line of succession.
## Distinguished Company
The investiture formally establishes the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, assumes the title and its attendant responsibilities of stewardship and service.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, will support the Baroness in all official duties and undertakings of the House.
The heir to the Barony is **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, whose foundational efforts were instrumental in the historical research and formal petition that led to the Barony’s restoration.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant feudal barony follows a precise and rigorous modern protocol, which serves as the contemporary equivalent of a historic investiture ceremony. This process is one of legal and heraldic affirmation rather than public pageantry.
The *sine qua non* of the revival was the compilation of an unbroken chain of title, demonstrating the legal and historical descent of the Barony. This dossier, the result of extensive archival research, was presented for official review. Following its acceptance, Letters Patent were issued, affirming the right of succession.
The final and definitive step in the protocol was the publication of the notice of claim in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This notice (ID 4158083) constitutes the formal and legally binding recognition of Lady Nicoleta's title, making her investiture a matter of national record and completing the restoration process.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This maxim encapsulates the core principles of the House: the resilience to preserve a near-millennial legacy and the integrity to discharge its duties with unwavering honour. It directly echoes the courage shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile maintains his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live'. This principle speaks to a dynamic philosophy of purposeful action and the belief that overcoming challenges is fundamental to a life of meaning and contribution. Together, the two mottos represent a blend of dutiful preservation and forward-looking ambition.
These guiding phrases inform every aspect of the House's modern mission, from its philanthropic endeavours to its commitment to cultural education.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to a renewed commitment to public service and philanthropy. The House has designated Healing the Wounded Child as the primary beneficiary of its charitable activities, reflecting a deep-seated belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation.
Healing the Wounded Child is a notable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation's programmes deliver measurable impact, helping vulnerable young people to rebuild their lives, restore their self-worth, and develop the resilience to achieve a brighter future.
This cause was chosen for its profound and direct impact on society's most vulnerable members. The House’s support, primarily channelled through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, provides essential funding for the charity's vital work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her investiture, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of care—for a history that stretches back to the Conquest, for the community of Brattleby, and for the values of service this Barony represents. It is a responsibility my family and I undertake with the greatest humility and dedication, guided always by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "It is a distinct privilege to support the Baroness as she brings new life to this extraordinary lineage. Our shared purpose is to ensure that the House of Brattleby is not merely a custodian of history, but an active force for good in the modern world. We believe that heritage finds its truest expression through meaningful action."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony formally restored, The Noble House of Brattleby will expand its cultural and philanthropic activities. These commitments are designed to ensure the title’s relevance and contribution in the 21st century.
A key initiative is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy through education in social and diplomatic protocol. This serves as a bridge between British traditions and a wider European audience.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to host the Annual Winter Banquet in support of its chosen charities and will explore further opportunities to champion heritage preservation and youth welfare. The investiture of the 12th Baroness is not an end, but the commencement of a new era of active stewardship.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of service, cultural preservation, and targeted philanthropy. Its mission is to bridge a near-millennial heritage with contemporary purpose. The House's primary charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, most notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, it also works to promote education in diplomatic and social protocol, honouring its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England with deep roots in the County of Lincolnshire. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding significant lands directly from the Crown. The title's history is distinguished by notable holders, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. Following a period of dormancy lasting over 600 years, the Barony was formally restored in 2022 upon the investiture of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta's succession as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'); Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com