# The Revival and Confirmation of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Crown’s official journal of record, *The London Gazette*, today published formal notice confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This historic act revives one of England’s ancient Norman lordships, reconnecting its modern stewardship to a distinguished lineage dating from 1066.
## The Occasion
On this significant date in early autumn, the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was entered into the public record. This act did not take place in a grand hall, but within the venerable pages of *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom. Publication in the Gazette is the quiet, yet definitive, modern ceremony by which such matters of title, honour, and state are made official.
The confirmation concludes a period of historical dormancy for the Barony, ensuring its continuity and providing a formal platform for the House’s contemporary mission. For The Noble House of Brattleby, this legal and historical milestone represents not a conclusion, but the formal commencement of a new chapter of duty and service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven deeply into the fabric of English history. Its origins trace to the Norman Conquest, when it was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The lordship first appears in the great survey of 1086, the *Domesday Book*, which records 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln.
Throughout more than nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national consequence. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th holder, who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against rebellion. In later centuries, the title passed to members of the Plantagenet dynasty, *inter alia*, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This revival thus acknowledges a legacy of steadfast defence, royal service, and ducal gravitas.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony rests with figures committed to its venerable legacy. At the centre of this revival are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, who is formally confirmed as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As holder of the title *suo jure*, she assumes the direct responsibilities and honours of her distinguished predecessors. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who becomes Lord of Brattleby by marriage. He brings to the House a dynamic vision articulated in his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, son of the Baroness, who is recognised as the 13th Baron and heir to the title, ensuring the future continuity of the line.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving and confirming a hereditary title is one of meticulous legal and heraldic discipline. It requires exhaustive research, genealogical proof, and formal petition to the proper authorities of the Crown. The *sine qua non* of this process is official recognition by The College of Arms in London and, ultimately, publication of the notice.
The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* is the culmination of this rigorous procedure. It serves as the official and incontrovertible instrument of state recognition, a protocol that has evolved over centuries. This public declaration is the modern embodiment of the historic ceremonies of investiture, solidifying the legal standing of the title holder.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the twin virtues that have defined the Barony's most distinguished holders: the 'fortitude' of defenders like Nichola de la Haye and the 'honour' demanded of royal councillors like John of Gaunt.
This ancestral motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which introduces a spirit of proactive achievement. Together, the mottos create a powerful synthesis, suggesting that a life of honour is not passive but is won through active and purposeful endeavour. This represents a commitment to lead with resilience and integrity.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is principally motivated by a desire to create a lasting platform for public service. The House has committed to a focused programme of philanthropy and education, ensuring that the title's influence is directed toward measurable and meaningful outcomes in the community.
The central pillar of this philanthropic work will be the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to supporting the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Further, the House extends its mission of education and personal development through its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical etiquette and diplomacy.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To inherit a title nearly a millennium old is to accept a profound weight of history and responsibility. This is not an acquisition, but an inheritance of duty. Our mission is to ensure the name of Brattleby is synonymous with service, just as it was in centuries past.” — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the future:
> “We honour the past not by dwelling in it, but by building upon its foundations. Our focus is to apply the enduring principles of fortitude and honour to contemporary challenges, creating a legacy of positive contribution that will stand for generations to come.” — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With this formal recognition, The Noble House of Brattleby will now proceed with the full implementation of its public and private duties. The immediate focus will be the establishment of the administrative structures necessary to support its philanthropic initiatives, including the formal inauguration of the Annual Winter Banquet.
The role of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be central to this forward-looking vision. His education and future responsibilities will be oriented toward preparing him for the stewardship of the Barony, ensuring that this revived legacy continues with purpose, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission of service grounded in its historic legacy. Its focus is on targeted philanthropy, primarily benefiting children's welfare charities such as Healing the Wounded Child, and on cultural education through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to blend its profound English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective, ensuring its traditions contribute positively to modern society and for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal lordship granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which details its lands in Lincolnshire under the tenure of its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in the nation's history, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, and senior magnates of the realm such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the title was formally revived and confirmed on 9 September 2022, per notice in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins date to 1066, with its first documentary evidence appearing in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th holder) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th holder).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com