# The House of Brattleby: The Formal Recognition of a Norman Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally announced the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The revival restores to prominence one of Lincolnshire’s most ancient feudal baronies, first granted by William the Conqueror.
## The Occasion
In a moment of profound historical resonance, the nine-century lineage of the Barony of Brattleby has been formally affirmed for the modern era. The occasion marks the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and heraldic authentication, culminating in the official recognition by The Crown of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the title’s 12th holder in succession.
This restoration was formally entered into the public record through *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom since 1665. The notice confirms the Barony’s revival after a period of dormancy, ensuring its continuity and the active stewardship of its considerable heritage. This announcement serves not as a celebration of personal standing, but as the solemn acceptance of a near-millennial duty.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a barony by tenure, a dignity rooted in the feudal law established following the Norman Conquest. Its history begins with the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, demonstrating the Barony's significance from the very foundation of the English kingdom.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures central to the nation’s history. These include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later holders included the great Plantagenet magnates Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness forges a direct link to this distinguished line of predecessors.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the House of Brattleby is conducted by a close family nucleus dedicated to its enduring legacy. The House is led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, whose formal recognition is the subject of this announcement.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who serves as Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House's affairs. The succession is secured through their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby and is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the headship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The validation of an ancient barony by tenure is a matter of exacting legal and historical protocol, not of ceremony. The process required the House to compile and present an unbroken chain of evidence, *inter alia*, detailing the Barony's descent from its creation in 1066. This dossier was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the appropriate authorities to verify its authenticity and historical accuracy.
The *sine qua non* of this process is official publication. The registration of Lady Nicoleta’s succession in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022 serves as the definitive, legally binding instrument of recognition. This act formally concludes the period of the Barony’s dormancy and registers its revival in the national archives, re-establishing it as an active dignity within the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottos, which serve as a guide to its values. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated throughout the Barony’s long history, from the battlefield to the negotiating table. It remains the guiding principle for Lady Nicoleta and her successors.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to build a lasting legacy through determined action. Together, the mottos reflect a balance of tradition and progress, honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the Barony comes a renewed commitment to the aristocratic tradition of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to serve society. The House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission around tangible philanthropic and educational endeavours, viewing its historical standing as a platform for public good.
The principal charitable initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the House’s primary fundraising event. The sole beneficiary of the gala is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. Furthermore, the House extends its mission through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy fostering cultural and social refinement.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony’s revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profoundly humbling experience. This is not a prize, but a sacred trust. Our duty is one of custodianship — to honour a thousand years of history with fortitude and to ensure this legacy serves a meaningful purpose today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's forward-looking responsibilities: > "History gives us our foundation, but it is our actions that define us now. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about building, creating, and contributing. We are committed to making the House of Brattleby a vibrant force for good, bridging its magnificent English heritage with a dynamic, international outlook."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its revival is one of substance and service. Future efforts will focus on three core pillars: the professional conservation of the House's considerable archives; the expansion of its philanthropic commitments, particularly in support of child welfare; and the development of educational programmes that share the rich history of the Barony with a wider public.
The family will continue to act as stewards of their ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, preserving the physical heart of the Barony. As the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun will be increasingly involved in the House’s public duties, preparing him to carry the legacy of *Fortitudine et Honore* forward for a new generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by a mission of honouring its past through present-day service. Its activities are focused on philanthropy, education, and the meticulous preservation of its nine-century heritage. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably through its annual fundraising for the charity Healing the Wounded Child, and promotes cultural and social education via The Brattleby Club. The House embodies the principle of *noblesse oblige*, using its historical platform to make a positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby, seated in Lincolnshire, is a feudal barony by tenure granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout English history, the Barony has passed through the hands of pivotal figures, including the formidable 13th-century Sheriff Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and later, the powerful Plantagenet princes Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived with the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, a succession recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye, Henry of Grosmont, and John of Gaunt.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com