# The Revival of an Ancient Barony: Formal Recognition Confirmed for The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally announces the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This historic investiture, confirmed by Crown authorities, revives one of England’s ancient Norman baronies after a long period of dormancy.
## The Occasion
In a milestone of profound historical significance for Lincolnshire and the Peerage, the revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally entered into the public record. The occasion was marked not by public ceremony but by an act of constitutional gravity: the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the British Crown since 1665.
This official notice represents the culmination of extensive genealogical and legal verification, affirming the succession and restoring the Barony to active status. The act serves as a quiet yet definitive bridge between a venerable past and a future dedicated to public service, ensuring the continuity of a title first granted nearly one millennium ago.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a title of considerable antiquity, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Through the centuries, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of English history’s most influential figures.
Among these notable predecessors are Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, consciously honours this powerful lineage, particularly the precedent of female leadership set by Nichola de la Haye over eight hundred years ago.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in its principal members, who carry forward its legacy.
The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby in her own right. She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
Together, they form the nucleus of the revived House, balancing the preservation of heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. The family’s collective vision is the *sine qua non* of this significant revival.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal barony follows a rigorous and precise protocol, one grounded in law rather than pageantry. The process requires the presentation of an unbroken chain of title, supported by comprehensive historical and genealogical evidence, for review by the appropriate Crown authorities.
Upon successful verification, the definitive step is the placement of a notice in *The London Gazette*. This act of gazetting constitutes formal, public, and legally recognised confirmation of the title holder’s rights and succession. It is a sober administrative ceremony that carries the full weight of royal assent and national record, finalising the Barony’s return from dormancy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is deeply embedded in its heraldic traditions. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the core principles that have guided the Barony through its long history and inform its present-day mission: resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and proactive interpretation of their duties—not merely to preserve the past, but to actively build a meaningful legacy through contemporary service and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end in itself but rather a means to amplify a long-standing commitment to charitable work. The House directs its philanthropic efforts toward causes that provide impactful and lasting change, with a particular focus on the welfare of children and the promotion of cultural education.
The principal beneficiary of the House’s activities is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing psychological and emotional support to vulnerable young people. The Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie gala, is held exclusively in support of this vital mission. Furthermore, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest serves as an etiquette academy, fostering social cohesion and cultural understanding.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is a promise to honour not only the nine centuries of history behind us but also the future we have a responsibility to help shape. Our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, will be our constant guide."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "An ancient title finds its true purpose not in retrospection, but in action. Our commitment is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby is a vibrant force for good in the twenty-first century, serving communities both in Britain and abroad. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means dedicating ourselves to this positive mission."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition now complete, The Noble House of Brattleby will redouble its focus on its established philanthropic and cultural programmes. The immediate future will see the consolidation of plans for the Annual Winter Banquet, which serves as a critical fundraising platform for the House’s charitable partners.
Simultaneously, the House will continue to expand the curriculum and reach of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. These activities, *inter alia*, represent the tangible expression of the Barony’s renewed purpose. They ensure its legacy is not simply preserved in parchment and stone but is lived through active service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service built upon a foundation of ancient heritage. The House's activities are guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), and are focused on impactful philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable endeavours support causes aiding vulnerable children, most notably through its annual fundraising gala for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, translating its historical legacy into a tangible force for good in contemporary society. The seat of the Barony is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in the modern era, with its succession confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first recorded holder of the Barony was Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief of William the Conqueror. - Notable past holders include the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. - The family seat is located in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com