# The House of Brattleby Marks Formal Revival of Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 20 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the formal recognition of its ancient barony, confirmed by *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This notice marked the end of the title's dormancy and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, constituted the definitive public and legal acknowledgment of the revival of the Barony of Brattleby. This procedural milestone, occurring in the quiet procession of the autumn season, was not marked by public ceremony but by the sober authority of print. It represented the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification, a process that bridges the ancient world with the legal frameworks of the modern British state.
The announcement formally vests the barony in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and signals a new chapter for a title deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the nation. From the House’s historic seat in Brattleby, this official notice from London provided a moment of profound reflection on continuity, duty, and the responsibilities that accompany such a distinguished legacy. The act of revival is thus an occasion of historical resonance, ensuring the barony’s endurance.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a direct link to the foundations of the Kingdom of England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the region. The recent recognition of the 12th Baroness does not exist in a vacuum but stands upon nearly a millennium of history.
Through the centuries, the stewardship of the barony passed through families of national importance. Its holders have included figures such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the great 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the fourteenth century. The 2022 notice formally closes a period of dormancy, reconnecting the present day with this remarkable lineage.
## Distinguished Company
At the head of the revitalised Noble House of Brattleby are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Together, they guide the House’s modern mission, blending a profound respect for its English heritage with a distinct Continental perspective. Their joint leadership ensures that the barony’s historical weight is balanced with a forward-looking vision of service and cultural engagement.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), complements the House’s own enduring watchword, reflecting a dynamic approach to fulfilling their duties. The line of succession is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. This ensures the continuity of the title and its associated responsibilities for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a peerage title in the United Kingdom follows a rigorous and deeply traditional protocol, of which publication in *The London Gazette* is the final, essential step. This process is the *sine qua non* of official notice, serving as the unimpeachable public record of a title’s status. Prior to this, a claim must be substantiated with extensive, verifiable documentary evidence, often subject to the review of the College of Arms in London.
The formal notice is therefore not a grant but a confirmation—an official acknowledgement that the claim has satisfied the Crown’s exacting standards. It clarifies the order of succession and ends any ambiguity regarding the title’s dormant status. By adhering to this established procedure, the House of Brattleby has demonstrated its respect for the constitutional and heraldic authorities that govern such matters, reinforcing the legitimacy and dignity of the revival.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of the House are embodied in its coat of arms and its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This guiding principle has been the moral compass for the Barons of Brattleby for centuries and informs the actions of the House today. It speaks to a dual commitment: the strength to endure adversity and the integrity to act with unwavering principle.
‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, who held Lincoln Castle in the name of the King against overwhelming odds. ‘Honour’ represents the commitment to duty, justice, and public service that defined the careers of holders like Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. For the current generation, these words are not merely symbolic; they are a direct charge to act with courage and integrity in all their public and private endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title comes a renewed and formalised commitment to public service, a core element of the barony’s historical identity. The modern House of Brattleby has placed philanthropy at the centre of its activities, translating the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* into tangible support for those in need. The House’s efforts are a testament to the belief that nobility carries with it a profound responsibility to serve the wider community.
A principal focus of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as a significant fundraising event. The sole beneficiary is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s commitment to addressing deep-seated societal challenges and aiding the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “This formal recognition is not an endpoint, but a solemn reminder of our duty. We are merely custodians of a heritage built upon fortitude and honour, and our task is to ensure it serves the common good for generations yet to come.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking mission: > “While we honour the past, our focus must be on the present and future. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that to live honourably is to overcome challenges through action. For us, that means tangible philanthropic work and cultural education, *inter alia*, which give the title its modern relevance.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy is not simply preserved but lived. The family’s focus remains on building a future worthy of its past, rooted in service, education, and cultural stewardship. This includes the careful guidance of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being educated in the history and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
In addition to its charitable work in the United Kingdom, the House continues to foster cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting the principles of classical decorum and social grace. These endeavours, alongside the preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet, demonstrate an active and enduring commitment to the values that have defined the Barony of Brattleby for over 950 years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient 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 upholding its historical legacy through active philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. With a heritage rooted in Lincolnshire, England, and a forward-looking Continental perspective, the House’s mission is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children, primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title of nobility, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by figures of major historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. After a long period of dormancy, the title's revival and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded by *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, ensuring its continuity.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby’s revival was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as lord of 56 manors. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). - The principal 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