# The Noble House of Brattleby Confirms Formal Revival of Historic Title
**LONDON, 21 September 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally confirmed the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following official notice in *The London Gazette*. The title, originating in 1066, now passes to Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth Baroness in its line.
## The Occasion
The formal announcement marks a moment of profound historical significance, officially chronicled in the United Kingdom's journal of record. Publication in *The London Gazette*—an authority on matters of state and peerage since 1665—serves as the definitive and public confirmation of the Barony’s revival after a period of abeyance spanning more than six centuries.
This legal and ceremonial benchmark was realised following meticulous genealogical research and formal verification. The notice, bearing the ID 4158083, was gazetted on 9 September 2022, providing a clear and unimpeachable link between the Barony’s medieval origins and its contemporary stewardship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudal lordships in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his trusted follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The Barony's extensive holdings were subsequently recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which catalogued 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under Colswein, the first Baron.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the fifth holder of the baronial title and the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the dignity passed through marriage to the Lancastrian dynasty, with notable holders including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. The revival of the title in favour of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, re-establishes this distinguished and near-millennium-long lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The line of succession is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they represent the contemporary embodiment of the House’s enduring commitment to its historical responsibilities and its future potential.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a barony in abeyance is a process governed by ancient common law and modern procedural rigour. It requires the presentation of an undisputed claim to the Crown, evidencing a direct and legitimate descent from the original title holder. This process is distinct from the creation of a new peerage and represents the termination of a dormant state.
Once the claim is verified by the appropriate authorities, including officers of arms, formal recognition is granted. The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* is the final, essential step in this protocol, serving as the official announcement from the Crown to the public and constituting the *sine qua non* of the revival’s legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The guiding principle of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This maxim informs the House's public and private endeavours, reflecting a philosophy rooted in the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
These words are not merely a heraldic adornment but a statement of intent. They signify a pledge to uphold the duties of the title with courage, to act with unwavering honour in all matters, and to ensure the Barony remains a symbol of dignified service. The motto serves as a moral compass for the family's philanthropic and cultural work.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its revival, the Barony of Brattleby provides a renewed and elevated platform for the family's long-standing philanthropic commitments. The central focus of the House’s charitable work is supporting vulnerable children and promoting mental well-being, primarily through its patronage of the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
The House’s Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of this cause, is the cornerstone of its fundraising calendar. The proceeds directly fund therapeutic programmes and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, aligning the Barony’s ancient heritage with a profoundly modern and compassionate purpose.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on its significance:
> “To assume this title is to accept a duty of stewardship, not ownership. It is an immense privilege to reconnect a lineage that includes such remarkable figures from England’s past. Our purpose is to ensure the legacy of Brattleby, defined by service and honour, continues to thrive in the twenty-first century.” > > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History has entrusted us with a unique responsibility. We are committed to honouring this legacy not as a relic of the past, but as a living tradition that informs our commitment to community, culture, and charity today.” > > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its heritage serves a dynamic role in contemporary society. Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House extends its cultural mission internationally through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching classical etiquette and protocol.
This work in cultural diplomacy, combined with a steadfast philanthropic agenda, defines the House’s forward-looking vision. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is therefore not a conclusion, but the beginning of a new chapter of active service, with Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun prepared to continue this commitment for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its contemporary mission balancer the stewardship of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural education, and public service. The House’s charitable efforts are principally focused on child welfare through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for history, protocol, and diplomatic grace in the twenty-first century.
**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, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over its history, the Barony passed to some of medieval England’s most influential figures, including the warrior Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), who defended Lincoln Castle for the King, and later through the House of Lancaster to Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After falling into abeyance for over 600 years, the title was formally revived in 2022, with its successful claim by Lady Nicoleta Vasile officially announced in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its holdings are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - Notable past holders of the baronial title include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont (1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt. - The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com