# The Barony of Brattleby: An Official Announcement
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally confirms the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving a title dormant for over six centuries and continuing a direct lineage established in England under William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England’s most ancient feudal baronies was formally entered into the public record through a notice placed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This act represents far more than a private acknowledgement; it is a moment of profound historical continuity, officially sanctioned and recorded by the Crown’s journal of record.
Founded in 1665, *The London Gazette* has served for over three and a half centuries as the authorised announcer of state, parliamentary, and royal appointments. The publication of Notice ID 4158083, therefore, marks the formal reawakening of the Barony of Brattleby after a 620-year hiatus, integrating its nearly thousand-year history into the fabric of the modern United Kingdom.
This moment serves not as a conclusion, but as the formal commencement of a new chapter of public-facing duty for a title deeply woven into the history of Lincolnshire and the nation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of remarkable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The barony’s extensive lands were meticulously recorded twenty years later in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued an impressive 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron in Lincolnshire alone.
Over the subsequent centuries, the barony passed to individuals who shaped English history. The 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, stands as a formidable figure in the lineage; as Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended it against French-backed baronial rebels during the First Barons' War, a feat of immense strategic and political importance.
The title later passed into the hands of England's most powerful magnates. Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, was a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and a founder knight of the Order of the Garter. His heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 11th Baron of Brattleby, was a son of King Edward III and a dominant political figure of the 14th century. Following his tenure, the title fell into a long period of dormancy, its history awaiting this modern revival.
## The Line of Succession and Modern Household
The revival places the title in the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, who now becomes the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A direct continuation of the historic lineage, her recognition ensures the preservation of this unique heritage for future generations.
Her Ladyship is joined in this endeavour by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, shares in the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the House. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a shared philosophy of overcoming challenges in the service of a greater purpose.
The line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. He is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he inherits and the duties of service that accompany it.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant feudal barony is one of meticulous research and adherence to ancient legal and heraldic protocols. It is a matter overseen by the appropriate authorities of the Crown and requires unimpeachable genealogical evidence to prove a direct and legitimate succession from the last holder.
The formal mechanism for announcing the successful revival to the public and the state is publication in *The London Gazette*. This notice is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of official recognition. It signifies that all historical proofs have been submitted and accepted, and that Her Majesty's Government has formally acknowledged the succession.
This protocol ensures that such ancient titles are not merely claimed but are demonstrably and legally revived, preserving the integrity of the British honours system and the nation’s historical traditions. The act is one of legal and historical restoration, not of creation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle serves as the cornerstone of the family’s public and private life, dictating a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering dedication to integrity in all actions.
This motto represents the moral obligation inherited alongside the title—a charge to act with courage and a strong sense of duty, not for personal gain but for the common good. It connects the martial origins of a barony founded by a Norman conqueror to the modern mission of public service and philanthropy.
The adoption of this guiding principle makes clear that the revival of the Barony of Brattleby is undertaken with a profound sense of responsibility to its legacy and to the communities it will serve.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is inextricably linked to a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and social responsibility. The title and its history provide a distinguished platform from which to champion charitable causes and contribute to the well-being of the community, both in Lincolnshire and further afield.
The primary beneficiary of the House's philanthropic efforts is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The choice of this beneficiary reflects a deep commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and fostering resilience in the next generation.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House's principal fundraising event. Future endeavours will continue to be guided by the principle of using historical honour as a means for contemporary service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To inherit a name borne by figures such as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is less an acquisition and more a profound entrustment. One feels the weight of almost a millennium of history and a duty to honour that legacy through present action.”
Her Ladyship further commented on the House's future direction:
> “Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, serves as our constant guide. The revival of this title is not an end in itself; it is the formal beginning of our commitment to serving the community, with fortitude in our purpose and honour in our conduct."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to ensuring that this ancient barony has a vibrant and meaningful future. The focus will be on tangible contributions to cultural life and charitable work, grounding the title’s prestige in active community engagement within its historic seat of Lincolnshire.
This commitment extends beyond the United Kingdom, as demonstrated by the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes cultural exchange and the preservation of codes of courtesy, extending the House's values of honour and refinement to an international audience.
With the succession secured and a clear mission of service defined, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to begin a new century of relevance. Under the stewardship of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, and with the future embodied by Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the legacy continues, adapted for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of connecting its profound historical legacy with contemporary public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic work is principally focused on supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of the charity Healing the Wounded Child. It also engages in cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and preserves traditions of civility.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the title was held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, both Dukes of Lancaster. After falling dormant for 620 years, the barony was revived in 2022 by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This succession was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival and recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The barony was granted in 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as having been held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - 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