# The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms Formal Recognition of Historic Title
LONDON, 20 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title held by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The recognition reaffirms a lineage extending to the Norman Conquest and secures its legacy for a new generation.
## The Occasion
From their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House has commenced a period of quiet reflection and strategic planning following the official recognition of the Barony. This revival is no single event but rather the culmination of a meticulous historical and genealogical process, formally acknowledged by the Crown. The occasion is marked not by pageantry, but by a renewed sense of duty and stewardship over a domain first recorded in the national consciousness nearly a millennium ago. The landscape of Lincolnshire itself, with its vast skies and deep history, provides a fitting backdrop for the custodianship of a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of England.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most historic, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a Norman magnate, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat. The title has since passed through some of the most formidable figures in English history, connecting the present House to the nation’s foundational moments.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French army in 1217. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a celebrated soldier and diplomat who became the 1st Duke of Lancaster. His daughter’s marriage brought the Barony to the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, placing Brattleby directly within the orbit of the Plantagenet dynasty. The 2022 revival thus bridges a historical gap, ensuring this distinguished lineage continues unbroken.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Lady Nicoleta’s investiture as the successor to a line including powerful figures like Nichola de la Haye marks a significant milestone. They are joined in their duties by the heir, their nephew Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in waiting, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
The legal and heraldic affirmation of the Barony was overseen by the appropriate Officers of Arms of His Majesty’s College of Arms in London, whose scholarly rigour is a *sine qua non* for the recognition of ancient peerages.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a formal process rooted in constitutional law and heraldic tradition, rather than public ceremony. It required the presentation of an extensive petition to the Crown detailing an unbroken chain of succession supported by primary-source evidence, including charters, deeds, and public records. Experts at the College of Arms then undertook a painstaking verification of the claim, a protocol that can take many months, if not years, to complete.
The successful outcome was the formal acknowledgement and publication in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This act legally confirms the right of Lady Nicoleta to the title and dignity of Baroness of Brattleby, embodying the continuity of law and tradition that underpins the British constitution.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles. The primary motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore*, Latin for 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase encapsulates the resilience and integrity demonstrated by barons throughout the centuries, from the battlefield to the negotiating table.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile carries his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, meaning 'To Conquer is to Live'. This signifies a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of achievement and purpose, reflecting the House’s commitment to making a tangible impact in the modern world. Together, the two mottos represent a family ethos that honours historical duty while embracing contemporary challenges.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House’s modern mission is its philanthropic work. The principal expression of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated charitable beneficiary. For the coming years, this focus is directed toward Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The selection of this charity reflects the family’s belief that securing a positive future for the next generation is the most vital legacy one can build. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling, safe-haven programmes, and educational resources, offering measurable and life-altering support to vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta shared her perspective on the responsibilities it entails.
> Inheriting this title is not merely a personal honour; it is a profound duty of stewardship. We are temporary custodians of a legacy nearly one thousand years old, and our purpose is to ensure it remains a force for good, both in our community and further afield. — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan articulated the family’s forward-looking approach to their historic role.
> History provides our anchor, but our vision is fixed on the future. We aim to blend the enduring values of the Barony, *Fortitudine et Honore*, with a modern commitment to service and cultural exchange, both here in Lincolnshire and abroad. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and values in the decades to come. The House is also expanding its cultural and educational initiatives, exemplified by The Brattleby Club, its etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest.
This institution serves as a bridge between the traditions of English heritage and a broader European audience, promoting cross-cultural understanding and the timeless principles of civility. The House’s work, therefore, is twofold: the preservation of its ancient English heritage and the active promotion of its values on a modern, international stage.
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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 baronies. The House's modern mission is to bridge its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its philanthropic efforts are centred on supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, while its cultural work, including The Brattleby Club, promotes etiquette and diplomacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House engages in projects that preserve heritage, foster international goodwill, and create a positive impact for future generations, ensuring its relevance in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English and European history, including defender of Lincoln Castle Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), renowned soldier-diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony's succession was formally confirmed and recognised in favour of the current holder, as gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron in waiting. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com