# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Formal Revival of an Ancient Title
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally announces the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, following a dormancy of 620 years. Lady Nicoleta Vasile has been confirmed as the twelfth Baroness, continuing a noble lineage dating from the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
In a matter of profound historical significance, the Barony of Brattleby has been formally revived from dormancy. The occasion marks not a single event, but the culmination of meticulous legal and genealogical affirmation, a process which concluded with official recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This revival represents a deliberate and respectful continuation of one of England's ancient feudal dignities.
The restoration breathes new life into a title intrinsically linked to the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. It serves as a moment of quiet reflection on the continuity of heritage, as the responsibilities of the Barony pass to a new generation. This act of stewardship ensures that a history spanning nearly a millennium will be preserved and carried forward with contemporary purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony was held by figures central to the history of the Crown.
These predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the fifth Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable siege; Henry of Grosmont, the tenth Baron, later created the first Duke of Lancaster; and most notably, John of Gaunt, the eleventh Baron and a son of King Edward III. After the tenure of John of Gaunt, the title entered a long period of dormancy, its rights and history lying latent for over six centuries. The confirmation of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, re-establishes this direct historical line, bridging the medieval and modern eras.
## Distinguished Company
The revived House is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta is accompanied in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). Together, they guide the House’s modern mission.
The succession of the title is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the thirteenth Baron. The family’s collective undertaking is to honour the Barony's past while actively defining its future role in cultural and philanthropic spheres.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a title of such antiquity does not involve modern investiture, but rather a rigorous process of legal and historical verification. The *sine qua non* of this procedure is the presentation of an unbroken chain of evidence to the appropriate authorities, demonstrating the rightful claim. This modern protocol is one of scholarship and due process.
The culmination of these efforts is the public announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. This notice, in this case bearing the ID 4158083, serves as the formal and indisputable instrument of recognition. It is a sober, administrative act that carries the full weight of centuries of legal precedent, affirming the revival in the public record for posterity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The traditions and values of the House are embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye during the defence of Lincoln. It speaks to a commitment to moral and physical courage in the service of one’s duties.
This ancestral creed is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*. This belief in striving for success provides a dynamic counterpoint to the House’s traditional values, creating a philosophy that balances the honour of the past with a determined ambition for the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With this revival, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a renewed mission of public service. The House's primary philanthropic focus is to support charitable organisations dedicated to the well-being of children and the preservation of cultural heritage.
A key beneficiary of the House’s support is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care to young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. Support for their essential work will be a central feature of the House’s charitable calendar, most notably at the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in the charity’s honour.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not merely to inherit a name, but to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our history, from Colswein to John of Gaunt, is a reminder that honour is earned through diligent service, a principle we intend to embody today.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The Barony’s legacy is one of resilience and strength. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to overcoming challenges. Together, with the House motto of *Fortitudine et Honore*, we look forward to building a future worthy of this remarkable past.
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a new chapter of active engagement. The House has already commenced initiatives to promote cultural exchange and education, chief among them the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the study of classical etiquette and international protocol.
Furthermore, the House is committed to making the Annual Winter Banquet a significant event in the philanthropic calendar, providing sustained and meaningful support for its charitable partners. This revival is, therefore, not an end in itself, but the foundation upon which a modern legacy of service, culture, and charity will be built.
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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. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation and targeted philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and significant charitable support for organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House seeks to connect its profound historical lineage, dating to 1066, with a dynamic and forward-looking commitment to public service and educational enrichment 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 to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. The title is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, its holders were influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Following the eleventh Baron, the title lay dormant for 620 years. Its revival was formally recognised and recorded by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth holder of this distinguished and ancient title.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The revival of the title was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Previous holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com