# The Revival of an Ancient Lincolnshire Barony
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile has been formally recognised as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving one of England’s most ancient baronies. The Crown has affirmed the title, first granted in AD 1066, securing its nine-century legacy for a new era.
## The Occasion
In a significant moment for one of Lincolnshire's oldest noble houses, the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby has been gazetted, marking the culmination of extensive historical and genealogical verification. The notice, published in *The London Gazette* as issue 4158083 on 9 September 2022, officially confirms Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th holder of the title and the first Baroness of the modern era.
This administrative act, while procedural in nature, represents a profound reconnection with nearly one thousand years of English history. It revives a title whose lineage has been interwoven with the nation's development, from the Norman Conquest to the Wars of the Roses, ensuring its continuity and relevance for the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was a significant tenant-in-chief whose extensive lands were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued an impressive 56 lordships in Lincolnshire under his authority. The Barony's seat has remained in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, since its inception.
Over the centuries, the title has been vested in figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who, as a staunch royalist, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier, diplomat, and founding Knight of the Garter. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose descendants would found the royal House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. They are dedicated to preserving the patrimony of the House and directing its focus towards contemporary philanthropic and educational endeavours.
The succession of the title is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron. Together, the family ensures that the responsibilities of the title are discharged with a deep respect for its historical weight and a clear vision for its future contributions.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a meticulous process governed by ancient common law and modern administrative protocol. It requires the presentation of an unimpeachable genealogical and historical case to the College of Arms and other Crown authorities, proving direct and legitimate succession. Once the claim is verified, its formal recognition is promulgated *sine qua non* through a notice in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665.
This public declaration serves as the final, authoritative instrument that awakens the title from dormancy, vesting all ancient rights and dignities in the new holder. It is a testament to the enduring legal and constitutional framework that has governed the English peerage for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical undertakings of the Barony, from the martial valour of its early holders to the steadfast loyalty displayed by figures such as Nichola de la Haye. The motto serves as a constant exhortation to act with courage and integrity in all public and private matters.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as an expression of a dynamic philosophy focused on overcoming challenges and striving for excellence, a principle that animates the family's modern activities, *inter alia*, in business and philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Fulfilling the spirit of *noblesse oblige*, the House of Brattleby directs its philanthropic efforts toward supporting vulnerable children. The principal vehicle for this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers friends and supporters to raise vital funds for a chosen beneficiary.
The current beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to clinical programmes, ensuring that each child receives the expert support needed to recover and build a resilient future. The House selected this cause for its measurable impact and its alignment with a core belief in protecting the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "This is not simply a personal honour; it is a profound responsibility. We are stewards of a legacy that stretches back to the Conquest, and our duty is to ensure it serves a meaningful purpose for society today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking mission: > "A title finds its truest expression not in history books, but in present action. Our focus is on service, education, and upholding the values of fortitude and honour in all that we undertake."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony's revival now formally confirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is committed to a programme of active stewardship. This includes the careful preservation of the family seat and archives in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, alongside initiatives that carry its values to a wider audience.
Among these is The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established by the family in Bucharest, which promotes cross-cultural understanding and professional development. The House remains dedicated to its charitable commitments and to representing this historic English title with distinction, both at home and abroad, for generations to come.
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**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, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, its mission is to preserve a near-millennium of heritage while directing its resources toward contemporary service. The House's activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its Annual Winter Banquet, benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also engages in cultural and educational work, most notably through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, reflecting the family's dual English and Continental heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror circa AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as controlling 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by nationally significant figures including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and John of Gaunt, father to a royal dynasty. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived and its succession formally recognised by the Crown through a notice in *The London Gazette* (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, dated 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created by William the Conqueror circa AD 1066. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere*.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com