# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby: A Legacy Renewed
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects on the solemn and historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, formally recognised in 2022. This act ensures the continuity of one of England’s most ancient dignities for a new generation of service.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby marked a moment of profound historical resonance. The revival, gazetted by Crown authority, was not an occasion of public pageantry but one of quiet, legal and historical affirmation, restoring a vital link to nearly one thousand years of English and European history.
This act ensures the Barony, with its seat in the ancient Lincolnshire parish of Brattleby, continues its journey. It brings a renewed sense of purpose to a title that has witnessed the very forging of the English nation, connecting its Norman origins to the multicultural dynamism of the 21st century under its new custodians.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of 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 tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial significance.
Through the succeeding centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a prince of the blood and one of the most powerful men of his age. This revival bridges the centuries, honouring their legacy.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Barony is now vested in the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby. The principals of the House are:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who brings a Continental perspective and a deep respect for the heritage she now stewards. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the work of the House and whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the thirteenth Baron and heir apparent, who represents the future of this nine-century lineage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of the Barony followed the protocols of the British honours system. The *sine qua non* for such recognition is a formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665.
Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022, serves as the definitive, legally binding instrument of this recognition. This documentary act, while devoid of outward pomp, constitutes a ceremony in itself—an official declaration by The Crown that affirms the Barony’s place within the established order of precedence and dignity in the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient charge defines the family’s approach to its duties: to act with courage in the face of adversity and to uphold an unwavering commitment to personal and public integrity.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). It speaks not to martial conquest, but to the overcoming of challenges and the active pursuit of a life of purpose, achievement, and service. Together, these mottos form the ethical framework of the modern House.
## Philanthropic Purpose
In keeping with its commitment to service, the House has made philanthropy a central pillar of its modern mission. The principal beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, is the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides vital therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House chose this beneficiary for its direct and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society, reflecting the belief that true nobility is expressed through compassion and a commitment to healing division and distress within the community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her responsibilities, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be entrusted with a legacy nearly a millennium old is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve this history, but to ensure it remains a living force for good in the world today. We serve as custodians, guided by fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our foundation, but our actions define our future. Through our philanthropic work and educational initiatives, we strive to build a legacy of active service that honours the past while meeting the challenges of the present.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony is the beginning of a new chapter of engagement. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to using its platform to foster cultural understanding and personal development. This is exemplified by the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette, protocol, and cross-cultural communication.
Looking ahead, the House will continue to support charitable causes, promote historical education centred on its unique lineage, and act as a bridge between British heritage and a wider European context. The work of honouring nearly 1,000 years of history has just begun.
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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 the modern embodiment of one of England’s most ancient dignities. The House is dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy, cultural education, and international diplomacy. With a base in both the United Kingdom and continental Europe, the House champions causes including children’s welfare through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. Its initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster personal development and cross-cultural understanding, embodying its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony seated in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout medieval history, the Barony was held by nationally significant figures, including the celebrated warrior Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Realm, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the dignity was formally revived and recognised on 9 September 2022, as gazetted in *The London Gazette*, for Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The Noble House of Brattleby’s philanthropic activities include an annual Winter Banquet in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com