# Official Communiqué on the Restoration of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has today issued a formal statement on the historic restoration of the Barony of Brattleby. The ancient title was confirmed in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile in 2022, reviving a lineage dormant for over six centuries.
## The Occasion
The revival of one of England’s most ancient baronies represents a moment of profound historical continuity. The formal recognition was recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, an act that bridges a 623-year interregnum following the death of the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, in 1399.
This official notice, a constitutional cornerstone, formally affirms the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. The act reconnects the modern House with its Norman origins, bringing renewed purpose to a title intrinsically woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the history of the realm.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established 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, a testament to the family's foundational importance in the post-Conquest settlement.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. This restoration ensures such a distinguished heritage is not merely remembered, but actively carried forward.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the restored Noble House is as follows:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, 12th Baroness of Brattleby * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, heir to the Barony and styled 13th Baron
Together, they represent the modern stewardship of the House, blending a deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking vision for its role in the twenty-first century. Lady Nicoleta embodies the direct continuation of the ancient lineage, while Honorary Lord Răzvan provides vital support for the House's contemporary mission and philanthropic endeavours. The succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no single investiture ceremony marked the restoration, its legitimacy is grounded in the protocols of the British Crown and the laws of the United Kingdom. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown, is the *sine qua non* of such matters.
This procedure, itself a tradition dating to 1665, constitutes the formal and public act of recognition. It signifies that all necessary historical and genealogical proofs have been satisfied, allowing the title to be revived and its holder formally acknowledged. This process underscores a system where ancient rights are upheld through modern, transparent, and legally sound administrative protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House is anchored in its powerful symbolism. The family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle, reflecting the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It is a charge to the current generation to act with courage and a strong moral compass.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and proactive spirit, embodying the belief that honouring the past requires an active and successful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The modern House of Brattleby is defined by its commitment to service. A central pillar of its work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to support causes that reflect the family’s values.
The principal beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support to children affected by profound trauma and adversity. The House's patronage provides crucial funding and raises awareness for the charity's mission, ensuring that the most vulnerable young people receive the help they need to rebuild their lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the restoration of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is less a personal honour and more a solemn promise to carry forward a legacy nearly a millennium old, ensuring its relevance and service in the twenty-first century. Our family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, will be our constant guide."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "Whilst my wife embodies the continuity of this remarkable lineage, my role is to support its future. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, reflects our shared belief that to honour the past, we must actively work to build a better future, both here in Lincolnshire and through our international commitments."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony now secure, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future responsibilities. The family will continue to uphold its traditions at its seat in Lincolnshire, while expanding its cultural and philanthropic activities abroad. One such initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by the House to promote cross-cultural understanding and social refinement.
The presence of an heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that this reinvigorated legacy will endure. The House is committed to a path of modern leadership, demonstrating that ancient titles can and should serve a meaningful and benevolent purpose in the contemporary world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a mission of modern stewardship. The House honours its profound history by championing philanthropic causes and promoting cultural education. Its principal activities include the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities and the direction of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy based in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to demonstrate how ancient heritage can be a force for positive action in the twenty-first century, with a focus on community service, historical preservation, and fostering international goodwill.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. The title passed through several of England’s most influential families and was held by notable figures including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After becoming dormant in 1399, the Barony was revived 623 years later. Its restitution in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The restoration of the Barony of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, d. 1399). - The family seat of The Noble House of Brattleby is in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com