# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Statement on the Formal Recognition of the Feudal Title
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, revitalising a title granted in 1066 and ensuring the continuity of one of England's most ancient feudal dignities.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of the Barony’s continuation represents a significant moment in the House of Brattleby’s modern history. While a private legal matter in its conclusion, its public affirmation was recorded in the United Kingdom's official journal of record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022. This act of official recognition serves not as a creation, but as a confirmation of an unbroken chain of succession stretching back to the Norman Conquest.
This revival breathes new purpose into the Barony’s ancestral lands and historical legacy in Lincolnshire. It ensures that a name deeply embedded in England’s medieval past—and directly connected to the development of its constitutional monarchy—endures with renewed vigour and relevance in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest in AD 1066, granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal vassal, Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 meticulously records Colswein's holdings, enumerating 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a key seat of power.
Through the ensuing centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the history of the Crown. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the reign of King John. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster, a trusted commander and diplomat for King Edward III. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, thereby merging the dignity with the Crown for a period.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of this legacy now rests with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A woman of letters and a practitioner of cultural diplomacy, Lady Nicoleta brings a modern, European perspective to her ancient role.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title of Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan, a successful entrepreneur, is guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a forward-looking and dynamic approach to the House’s responsibilities. The continuity of the line is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant feudal barony is a meticulous legal and historical undertaking. It involves extensive genealogical research, the preparation of detailed proofs of succession, and a formal submission to the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom for recognition. This process is the *sine qua non*—the essential condition—for establishing the right to the title.
While devoid of the public pageantry of a peerage creation ceremony in the House of Lords, the protocol is no less rigorous. It culminates in the publication of a formal notice in *The London Gazette*, an organ of the Crown since 1665. This notice serves as the definitive public and legal statement confirming the succession, allowing the new holder to bear the title and assume its historic responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum speaks to the dual qualities required of its leadership since 1066: the strength to endure through adversity and the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity. It is a philosophy that has guided Barons and Baronesses of Brattleby in military campaigns, in the defence of the realm, and in their stewardship of the land.
This historical ethos is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. Whereas the House motto speaks to resilience, his reflects a proactive spirit of achievement and overcoming challenges. Together, they represent a synthesis of tradition and modernity, of dutiful stewardship and dynamic progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
True to its motto, the Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its modern activities towards service. The principal philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a formal white-tie gala held to raise funds and awareness for a chosen charitable beneficiary. That beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity.
The House’s selection of this cause reflects a deeply held belief in the importance of investing in the well-being of the next generation. The funds raised contribute directly to measurable outcomes, such as providing access to clinical psychologists and art therapists, thereby offering a path towards recovery and a more hopeful future.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, states: > — "To hold this title is not a matter of privilege, but of profound responsibility. It is a commitment to uphold the values of honour and service that have defined the Barony for nearly a thousand years. Our duty is to the past and to the future."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile adds his own perspective on the House’s modern mission: > — "History is honoured not by remaining in the past, but by applying its lessons of resilience to the present. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges—a principle we strive to embody through our philanthropic work and our commitment to cultural education."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s continuation formally secured, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is paramount, ensuring he is prepared for the duties that will one day be his.
Concurrently, the House continues its work in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol. This project, *inter alia*, serves to build bridges between British tradition and Continental European culture. The family remains committed to its role as dedicated custodians of their seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, preserving its heritage for generations to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. The House's modern mission is guided by its motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), focusing on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Key initiatives include the Annual Winter Banquet supporting children’s charities and The Brattleby Club, a European etiquette academy. Through these activities, the House aims to ensure its nearly thousand-year-old heritage remains vibrant and serves a meaningful purpose in the 21st century, with the legacy secured for the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the title's continuation was formally recognised for Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, an act officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The continuation of the Barony of Brattleby for the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066 for Colswein of Lincoln, whose holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com