# The Restoration of a Norman Barony: The Conferral Upon the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today provides a definitive historical context for the 2022 conferral of the Barony of Brattleby upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, reaffirming the continuity of a peerage granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s position as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby marks a moment of profound historical resonance. While contemporary life proceeds apace, the ancient legal and chivalric structures of the United Kingdom provide for the continuity of its foundational traditions. The publication of the succession in *The London Gazette* — the official journal of record for the Crown since 1665 — represents the official instrument of this recognition.
This revival breathes new life into a title intrinsically linked to the soil of Lincolnshire, where the baronial seat of Brattleby has stood for centuries. The conferral is not merely a legal notice; it is a reaffirmation of a covenant between a title and its territory, a duty of stewardship that now passes to a new generation after a dormancy of more than six hundred years.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest recorded feudalities in England, having been granted by King William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial power and influence.
Throughout the High Middle Ages, the Barons of Brattleby were central to the life of the nation. The lineage includes such formidable figures as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, created 1st Duke of Lancaster and celebrated as one of the great commanders of the Hundred Years' War.
The title’s last and perhaps most distinguished medieval holder was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the Lancastrian kings. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness bridges a significant historical gap, connecting the modern house directly to its powerful medieval antecedents.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a family endeavour, led with a shared sense of purpose. The principal figures of the Noble House of Brattleby include:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, upon whom the title has been formally conferred. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in all her duties and whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), informs the House’s dynamic approach to its heritage. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir apparent, who as the 13th Baron in succession, is being prepared to carry forward this remarkable nine-century legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony follows precise legal and heraldic protocol. The process involves extensive genealogical and historical research to establish a clear and legitimate claim, which is often reviewed by the College of Arms in London. The *sine qua non* of official recognition is the notice of conferral being published in *The London Gazette*.
On 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, this final, dispositive step was taken. The notice serves as a public declaration, entered into the permanent national record, confirming the revival of the title and its conferral upon Lady Nicoleta. This act, while rooted in ancient feudal law, is a quiet yet momentous function of the modern British state.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the Barony, from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye defending her castle to the honour demanded of a modern custodian. The motto serves as a constant exhortation to act with courage, integrity, and a deep respect for the duties inherited with the title.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal credo, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This Latin phrase speaks to the proactive and purposeful spirit with which the family has embraced its role, signifying a determination not merely to preserve the past but to actively champion its relevance in the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Embodying their motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have placed philanthropy at the centre of the House's modern mission. The family’s principal charitable focus is directed toward supporting vulnerable children through their patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to raise funds and awareness for the charity’s vital work. Healing the Wounded Child provides specialised therapeutic care and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a chance to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the weight of her new responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To inherit a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is profoundly humbling. It is not a possession, but a sacred trust. Our duty is to serve this legacy with the same fortitude and honour they demonstrated, ensuring it remains a force for good.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > History can feel distant, but its lessons are urgent. Our challenge is to make this extraordinary heritage live and breathe today — through education, through philanthropy, and through a commitment to the community. That, for us, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy is both preserved and actively developed for the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is a priority, preparing him to one day assume the mantle of the 13th Baron.
Beyond its duties in the United Kingdom, the House has extended its cultural mission through the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette academy promotes the timeless values of civility, social grace, and personal discipline, translating the baronial heritage into a modern educational programme that bridges English tradition and Continental sophistication.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient noble titles. The House’s modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, education, and cultural diplomacy. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities range from the preservation of its Lincolnshire heritage to supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to champion the enduring relevance of tradition, service, and protocol in the 21st century, ensuring its nearly thousand-year history continues to inspire future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout the medieval era, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After centuries of dormancy, the title was formally conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, an act officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This revival reaffirms the Barony’s status as one of the nation’s oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The official conferral of the Barony of Brattleby upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The heir to the Barony is the present incumbent's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby. - The primary beneficiary of the House’s philanthropic activities is the charity, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com