# An Official Statement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a statement confirming the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. This follows its official recognition by Crown authorities, heralding a new era of public service for one of England's oldest Norman titles.
## The Occasion
This official statement serves to formally mark a new chapter for a title with origins stretching back to the Norman Conquest. Issued from its administrative offices in London, the communication is designed to articulate the vision of the revived House and its commitment to a modernised role, balancing nearly a millennium of history with a forward-looking agenda of philanthropy and cultural education. The announcement is made in the spring season, a time of renewal, to underscore the Barony's revitalisation after more than six centuries of dormancy.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in the United Kingdom, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through the centuries, the title devolved through lines of distinguished service and national importance.
Notable predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, renowned for her defence of Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebel forces in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who became the first Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of the 14th century. After the time of John of Gaunt, the Barony entered a long period of abeyance, its rights and title lying dormant until its revival in the 21st century.
## Distinguished Company
The revival of this historic dignity is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As a successor to the lineage that includes, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibilities of the title with a profound respect for its history. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The future of the House is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who will in time continue the family’s legacy of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony after centuries of dormancy is a matter of considerable legal and heraldic discipline. The process is not merely ceremonial but is grounded in English law and custom, culminating in official recognition by the Crown. The *sine qua non* of this formal acknowledgement is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom.
In the case of the Barony of Brattleby, this was completed under Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. This act confirmed the revival of the peerage and the rights of the 12th Baroness, transitioning the title from a historical artefact to a recognised, living dignity under the laws and customs of the realm.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as the guiding principle for the House’s current activities. It represents a commitment to upholding duty with strength and unwavering honour.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic, forward-facing spirit of achievement and the belief that to overcome challenges is the essence of a meaningful existence, a philosophy that now animates the House's modern mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A central pillar of the House's modern mission is its commitment to charitable endeavour. The flagship initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held for the benefit of worthy causes. The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect.
The choice of beneficiary reflects the House’s belief in nurturing the potential of the next generation, especially a desire to heal and strengthen its most vulnerable members. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist counselling and safe-haven programmes, creating measurable, positive change in young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To inherit a title with such a profound connection to the history of England is a humbling responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve this legacy, but to give it new meaning and purpose in the 21st century. We will proceed *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History provides our foundation, but our gaze is fixed on the future. Through our philanthropic and educational work, we intend to build a living legacy—one that actively contributes to society and demonstrates that ancient titles can serve a modern, vital purpose. For us, to conquer challenges and effect positive change is truly to live."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its revival translates into sustained, positive action. The annual Winter Banquet is being established as a permanent fixture in the nation's philanthropic calendar, providing long-term support for its chosen charities. Furthermore, the House will expand its educational outreach through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette and protocol, thereby fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
The upbringing of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be guided by these principles of service, heritage, and modern responsibility, securing the Barony's legacy for generations to come.
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**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 the modern embodiment of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. The House is dedicated to a dual mission: to honour and preserve its nine-hundred-year heritage while actively engaging in contemporary public service. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities are focused on targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting vulnerable children, and cultural education through initiatives like its etiquette academy. The House is based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with the future of the lineage secured by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and initial holder, Colswein of Lincoln, are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. The title passed through several of England’s most powerful medieval families, with holders including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance for over six centuries, the Barony was formally revived and its succession recognised in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book (1086). - Historically significant holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com