# The Barony of Brattleby: A New Chapter in a Millennial Story
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following its confirmation in 2022 to Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This restoration reconnects a lineage dating to 1066 with a modern commitment to public service and heritage.
## The Occasion
In a period marked by a considered appreciation for heritage, the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby stands as an occasion of profound historical resonance. After a dormancy of 620 years, the title was restored in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an act officially recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette*.
This restoration was not marked by public pageantry but by a quiet and deliberate assumption of ancestral duty. The occasion’s true venue is history itself, linking the ancient fields of Lincolnshire, the Barony’s seat, with the modern, official record of the Realm. It signals a considered re-engagement with a legacy that has shaped, and been shaped by, the course of English history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its existence is one of the nation’s oldest. The title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of some 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a significant presence in the post-Conquest landscape.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to figures of immense national importance. These predecessors set a formidable standard of service and leadership. They include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *de facto*, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and the first Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and progenitor of the House of Lancaster.
The title fell into dormancy following John of Gaunt’s tenure, its legacy absorbed into the Crown. Its revival after more than six centuries is thus a poignant bridge across time, reconnecting the present day to a direct line of pre-Reformation nobility.
## Distinguished Company
The revived Barony is under the stewardship of the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby, who guide its modern mission.
First among them is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. As the holder of the revived title, she assumes the historical responsibilities and titular honours of the Barony.
She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares in the duties of the House, bringing a dynamic perspective guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The future of the lineage is secured in the person of their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**. His upbringing and education are centred on preparing him for the eventual continuity of the family’s commitments to heritage and philanthropy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony was accomplished not through acclamation but through the meticulous and prescribed legal channels of the United Kingdom. The *sine qua non* of this process was the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the British state since 1665.
Publication in *The Gazette* constitutes a ‘paper ceremony’ of the highest order, a declarative act that is both definitive and discreet. It represents the formal acknowledgement by the established authorities, ensuring the revival is recognised with unimpeachable legitimacy. This modern protocol respects ancient tradition by embedding it within the durable framework of contemporary public law, carrying the full weight of official sanction.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and purpose of The Noble House of Brattleby are articulated through its heraldic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle is the cornerstone of the House’s philosophy, demanding resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all actions. It directly evokes the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved a key royal stronghold.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a modern Stoic call to action: to overcome challenges, to achieve one’s goals, and to live a life of purpose and meaningful accomplishment. Together, the two mottos create a balanced ethos of principled resilience and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is inextricably linked to a renewed and vigorous commitment to the philanthropic mission of the House. This is not a title revived for its own sake, but rather as a platform to amplify a long-standing dedication to charitable works. Its activities are focused and impactful, reflecting the House’s core values.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapy for young people affected by trauma. The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a dedicated white-tie gala, serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for this vital work. Furthermore, the House extends its mission internationally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and cultural academy fostering social grace and cross-cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated a profound sense of duty.
> To assume this title is not a claim upon the past, but a pledge to the future. It is a profound responsibility to honour a nearly thousand-year legacy, not as a monument, but as a living commitment to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* in service to the community. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the active philosophy that animates the House’s modern endeavours.
> A title finds its true meaning in action. Our focus is to ensure the House of Brattleby is a force for positive contribution, whether through our charitable work in the United Kingdom or our cultural initiatives abroad. *Vincere Est Vivere* is a call to engage, to build, and to make a tangible difference. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a new chapter of sustained public engagement for the Noble House. The primary focus is the continuation and expansion of its philanthropic and cultural responsibilities, ensuring the title is synonymous with constructive service.
With the careful preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House is looking resolutely toward the future. The commitment is clear: to ensure that this ancient barony, having been silent for centuries, now speaks through actions that are honourable, compassionate, and of genuine benefit to society for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern organisation responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to bridging its millennial heritage with a contemporary mission of public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its work is centred on focused philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Key initiatives include its annual support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child and the operation of The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to a legacy defined by tangible contributions to the community and the careful preparation of the next generation of leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. Following a 620-year period of dormancy, the Barony was revived and formally confirmed in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This restoration was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the title's place in the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's revival was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The title traces its origins to AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby's seat is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com