# The Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby and Assumption of the Title by the 12th Baroness
LONDON, 12 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, following its formal recognition by The Crown. Lady Nicoleta Vasile has assumed the title as the 12th Baroness, continuing a noble lineage first established in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The revival was formally gazetted by His Majesty's Government, appearing in the official public record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022. This formal act serves as the modern affirmation of a title whose origins are interwoven with the Norman Conquest and the foundational history of the Kingdom of England. It is a moment of profound historical resonance, signifying not the creation of a new dignity but the continuation of an ancient one.
This recognition ensures the Barony of Brattleby, with its seat in the pastoral heart of Lincolnshire, resumes its place within the fabric of the nation’s heritage. The occasion is marked not by public pageantry but by a solemn acknowledgement of historical continuity and the duties of stewardship now formally vested in the 12th Baroness and her family.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its establishment to the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, granted directly by William the Conqueror. This makes the Barony one of the earliest post-Conquest enfeoffments in the region.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was elevated as the 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and a central figure of 14th-century England. The assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta Vasile marks a direct link to this storied and influential past.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony now rests with the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, assumes the title in her own right, embodying the modern continuation of the House’s historic legacy. She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who as Lord of Brattleby by marriage brings a dynamic, Continental perspective to the family’s undertakings under his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live').
The line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the traditions and responsibilities of the title are carried forward for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony of this antiquity follows a meticulous legal and historical protocol. It involves extensive genealogical and documentary research to establish an unbroken or revivable chain of succession, which is then submitted for official consideration. The *sine qua non* of this process is formal recognition by The Crown, which is publicly recorded in *The London Gazette*.
This notice—in this case, Notice ID 4158083—is not merely an announcement but the definitive legal instrument of recognition. With the revival complete, the holder assumes not only the title and its precedence but also the historical responsibilities associated with it, including the preservation of its heritage and a commitment to public service in the spirit of *noblesse oblige*.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient exhortation speaks to the twin virtues of courage and integrity that have guided the Barony through centuries of service to Crown and country. It reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a principled code of conduct.
This historic motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This represents the contemporary energy and forward-looking ambition of the House, creating a philosophical balance between the preservation of ancient duty and the active pursuit of progress and success in the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title, the House reaffirms its long-standing commitment to philanthropy. The central focus of these charitable endeavours is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held to support a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House will dedicate its efforts to the organisation ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
This remarkable charity provides specialist therapeutic care and mental health support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding frontline services and clinical intervention programmes, the House aims to provide tangible, life-altering support for vulnerable children, ensuring they have the opportunity to build resilient and hopeful futures.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the assumption of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To inherit a title borne by figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profound honour and a deeply humbling responsibility. Our family’s motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*; my duty is to live up to those words by serving our community and preserving this extraordinary nine-hundred-year legacy for the generations yet to come." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This moment connects a great English history with a European future. My wife carries this ancient title with grace and a clear sense of purpose. Together, we are committed to ensuring the House of Brattleby is a force for good, both in preserving heritage and in championing causes that matter today." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is a beginning, not a conclusion. The House is committed to a programme of active stewardship, focusing on the preservation of local heritage within Lincolnshire and expanding its philanthropic activities. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and duties of the Barony is a primary focus for the family.
Furthermore, the House will continue to build cultural bridges through its international initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy promotes cultural diplomacy by sharing the best of British and European traditions of civic conduct, embodying the House’s commitment to fostering honour and mutual respect on a wider stage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the twin imperatives of heritage and service. Its mission is to preserve and promote the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby while actively engaging in philanthropy, with a particular focus on charities that support vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to embody its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in its service to the community both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**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, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by nationally significant personages, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's continuation was formally recognised by The Crown, as documented in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with Lady Nicoleta Vasile assuming the title as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The ancestral seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The official 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