# The Formal Recognition of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 17 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its official notice in *The London Gazette*. The notice confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, reviving a title first granted in 1066.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony was formally recorded and made public through a notice placed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This act, while modern in its execution, represents the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical research affirming an unbroken, though at times dormant, line of succession. The publication in the Gazette—the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665—is the established and correct procedure for announcing such matters of peerage and honour, providing a definitive public record.
This moment of quiet legal affirmation stands in contrast to the often-turbulent history of the Barony itself. It serves not as a creation, but as a recognition of existing rights and a formal continuation of a lineage dating from the Norman Conquest. The occasion connects the digital age with the deepest roots of England’s feudal and constitutional history.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of the nation’s ancient dignities. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted follower of the Conqueror, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. This grant positioned the family at the heart of the new Norman settlement of England.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War and the first Duke of Lancaster. His successor as Baron of Brattleby was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of this historic Barony now rests with the present generation. The official notice in *The London Gazette* confirms the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A respected historian and classicist, Lady Nicoleta has dedicated herself to the preservation and study of the House's extensive archives.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who is Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan has championed the House’s modern philanthropic and educational endeavours. The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is styled as the 13th Baron and is being prepared to continue this nine-century legacy of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process for recognising a barony by tenure is governed by ancient legal precedent and modern administrative protocol. It is not marked by public ceremony but by meticulous private verification. The *sine qua non* for revival is the submission of a comprehensive body of evidence to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating an unimpeachable claim through descent and a continuous connection to the caput, or seat, of the barony.
Following this rigorous assessment, which often involves The College of Arms, the formal conclusion is the placement of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This notice (ID 4158083) is the legal instrument that places the succession on the official public record, thereby completing the revival. The process underscores a commitment to historical accuracy and legal propriety, ensuring that tradition is honoured with due diligence.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is embodied in its heraldry and mottos. The primary motto of the Noble House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have guided its holders for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of forebears such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the code of chivalry and public duty upheld by figures like Henry of Grosmont.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is understood not in a martial sense, but as a modern philosophy of dynamic purpose—a commitment to achieving meaningful goals in philanthropy, business, and cultural diplomacy. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and contemporary action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the Barony comes a renewed and formalised commitment to philanthropy, a principle of *noblesse oblige* that the House considers integral to its role. The central charitable focus of the House is realised through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen beneficiary.
For the forthcoming years, the beneficiary will be Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for children who have experienced significant trauma or loss. The charity was chosen for its targeted, measurable impact on restoring well-being and opportunity to vulnerable young people, a mission that resonates with the House’s focus on building a stronger future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formalisation of her title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To be entrusted with a legacy nearly a millennium old is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to possess this heritage, but to act as its faithful custodians—to honour the memory of those who came before us by serving the needs of the present. It is, in essence, to live up to our motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > A title finds its true meaning not in its history, but in its present-day service. This recognition reinforces our family’s commitment to making a tangible, positive contribution, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic work and our efforts to build cultural bridges. History must be a foundation upon which we build, not a monument in which we dwell.
## A Continuing Legacy
Looking forward, the Noble House of Brattleby will expand its cultural and educational initiatives. A key project is the development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and revive the teaching of classical European social skills for a new generation of leaders.
In Lincolnshire, efforts will be concentrated on the conservation of historical assets associated with the Barony and making the House’s archives more accessible to scholars. Through these endeavours, and by preparing the next generation for its duties, the House of Brattleby ensures that its revival is the beginning of a vibrant new chapter in its long and distinguished story.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. The family’s primary philanthropic vehicle is the annual Winter Banquet, which supports charities such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also works to promote classical diplomacy and etiquette. Its guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflects a commitment to fulfilling the duties of its ancient heritage with relevance and purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony by tenure established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of England's most significant historical figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's succession was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby was 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 of 1086 as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com