# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Formal Restoration of Ancient Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This restored Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England's historic Norman baronies was formally recorded in a notice published by command of The Crown. The announcement appeared in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record, whose origins trace back to the *Oxford Gazette* of 1665. Publication in this revered journal is the constitutional *sine qua non* for ratifying matters of state, honours, and peerage, representing the final step in a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification.
This moment did not occur within the stone walls of a great hall, but in the official public record, affirming the Barony's place in the modern legal and constitutional framework of the realm. The gazetting, under Notice ID 4158083, ended a long period of dormancy for the title, reconnecting a nearly thousand-year-old lineage with the responsibilities of its present-day custodians.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This foundational link to the Norman Conquest established the Barony as an integral part of England's feudal structure.
Through the succeeding centuries, the title was held by figures of national importance. These included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later, the dignity passed through the Plantagenet line to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The revival of the Barony thus builds a bridge across centuries, from the High Middle Ages to the present day.
## Distinguished Company
At the centre of this historic revival are the senior members of The Noble House of Brattleby. The dignity is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has dedicated herself to the careful stewardship of its history and legacy. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the Barony is secured in the person of their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron. Together, they form the leadership of a House committed to blending its profound English heritage with a distinctively European perspective, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal title is a process governed by rigorous protocol, combining deep historical research with adherence to the requirements of the Crown. It involves commissioning extensive genealogical and documentary evidence, often with the guidance of heralds from the College of Arms, to prove an unbroken or rightful claim to the dignity.
This evidence is then presented for formal consideration. The successful outcome of this painstaking work is the official recognition published in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the modern ceremony, a quiet but definitive declaration that confirms the Barony's standing and its holder's rights and responsibilities under law. It is a testament to a reverence for precedent and historical continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identifying marks of the House are its mottos, which speak to its enduring values. The primary motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is reflected in the steadfast service of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and embodies the commitment to duty that guides the House today.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is To Live'). This expresses a spirit of modern purpose and active achievement, signifying the House’s determination not only to preserve its heritage but to build upon it with vigour and a forward-looking vision. These twin philosophies—honouring the past and shaping the future—are central to the House's identity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself, but the establishment of a renewed platform for charitable endeavour. The House directs its philanthropic efforts through a number of initiatives, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary.
The principal beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By focusing its efforts, the House of Brattleby aims to provide measurable and meaningful assistance, transforming its historical standing into a force for positive change in the present.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s restoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective.
> The pages of *The London Gazette* connect us formally to a line of duty stretching back to the Conquest. It is a profound honour, but more than that, it is a profound responsibility. Our duty now is to ensure this legacy serves our community and remains a vibrant part of our shared heritage. — **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the forward-looking aspect of their work.
> History gives us our foundation, but our purpose is found in the present. *Fortitudine et Honore* guides our respect for the past, while *Vincere Est Vivere* drives us to make that legacy matter today. Through our philanthropic and cultural work, we give these ancient dignities a modern meaning. — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal revival complete, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its continuing mission. This includes the educational work of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the House in Bucharest, which fosters cultural exchange and an appreciation for European traditions of deportment.
Preparations are also underway for the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which remains the flagship philanthropic event in the House's calendar. With the line of succession secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is poised to continue its work of preservation, education, and service for the foreseeable future.
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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 her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission that blends the preservation of its ancient English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking philanthropic vision. Based at its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, the House pursues cultural and educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and directs its charitable efforts toward supporting vulnerable children. With a philosophy defined by the mottos *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is To Live'), the House embodies a commitment to both historical duty and contemporary service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief for 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two prominent Plantagenets, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster) and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in 2022, with its restoration confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette*, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s Norman-era dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The primary beneficiary of the House of Brattleby's Annual Winter Banquet is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com