# Official Announcement on the Re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally announces the re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby, an ancient peerage of England. This announcement follows official recognition in *The London Gazette* and marks the accession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
In the early autumn of 2022, amidst the historic legal quarters of London, a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest was formally reaffirmed. The occasion was not one of public pageantry, but of quiet, profound constitutional significance: the official gazetting of the Barony of Brattleby’s succession.
This act represents the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical research, formally acknowledging the continuation of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. The re-establishment provides a contemporary bridge to a storied past, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby and its traditions of service are carried forward with vigour into the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a testament to its foundational role in the establishment of the Norman kingdom of England. Its significance was recorded for posterity in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued the vast landholdings of its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical note. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle twice defended it against baronial and French forces in the 13th century. The title later passed to the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political actors of the 14th century. This direct connection to the Royal Family underscores the Barony’s historical importance.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now assumes the rights and responsibilities of the title. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in remainder.
Together, they represent a renewed, forward-looking leadership for the ancient House, blending its English heritage with a distinctively European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In modern times, the formal recognition of such ancient titles is confirmed not by royal writ alone, but through a rigorous process culminating in an announcement in *The London Gazette*. As the official journal of public record since 1665, a notice in the Gazette is the *sine qua non* of officiality, representing the Crown’s formal acknowledgement.
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 served as the definitive instrument of re-establishment. This process confirms that the Barony is not a new creation but the continuation of a dormant title, its lineage proven and its rights restored. This adherence to established legal protocol honours the constitutional framework that has governed English titles for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words reflect the twin pillars of the family’s philosophy: the resilience and strength demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, and the profound sense of duty and integrity associated with chivalric figures like John of Gaunt.
This guiding principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This serves as an expression of the dynamic energy and determination he brings to the House’s modern endeavours, from its philanthropic missions to its cultural initiatives. The coat of arms borne by the House serves as a visual charter of its history, a summary in symbol and colour of its nearly thousand-year journey.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The re-establishment of the Barony is undertaken not as an end in itself, but as a means to advance a focused mission of public service. The Noble House of Brattleby has dedicated its philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children, a commitment that will be the central theme of its public-facing activities.
The primary beneficiary of the House’s charitable work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for young people who have experienced trauma. The House’s patronage, principally through the annual white-tie Winter Banquet, will provide vital funding to expand the charity's reach and deepen its measurable impact on children’s lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historic moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > It is with a profound sense of history and responsibility that I assume this role. I see myself not as a mere title-holder, but as a custodian of a legacy that has endured for almost a millennium. Our duty, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to honour that past while dedicating our efforts to a future of meaningful service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My role is to support the Baroness as we work together to imbue this ancient title with renewed purpose. We believe that tradition and modernity are not opposing forces, but can be powerful allies in making a positive contribution, both here in Britain and further afield.
## A Continuing Legacy
The re-establishment of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a new chapter of activity for the House. With the succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the focus is firmly on building a lasting platform for cultural and social enrichment.
Among its first initiatives is the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to instruction in the continental and British social graces. This project aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and provide a unique educational offering. The House looks forward to announcing further engagements and initiatives in due course, guided always by its commitment to honour, service, and the preservation of its extraordinary heritage.
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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 blending ancient tradition with modern, purposeful philanthropy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's contemporary mission is focused on service, cultural education, and charitable giving. Its principal philanthropic focus is on improving the welfare of vulnerable children through its patronage of organisations like Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to build bridges and share the rich heritage of which it is a custodian. The family seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the ancestral home of the Barony.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal peerage of England established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, the title has passed through some of England’s most significant historical families. Notable holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two prominent members of the Plantagenet royal house: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally re-established in the line of succession for Lady Nicoleta Vasile following official recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony's re-establishment was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com