# The Barony of Brattleby: A Modern Revival of an Ancient Title
LONDON, 23 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal recognition of one of England’s ancient baronies, dormant for over six centuries, with its revival in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony was formally recorded and gazetted on 9 September 2022 by notice in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom. This act of recognition by Letters Patent under the Great Seal marks a significant moment of legal and historical continuity, reactivating a title with origins tracing to the Norman Conquest.
This is not the occasion of a public ceremony, but rather the culmination of a meticulous legal and heraldic process. The publication signifies the official restoration of the baronial dignity, ensuring that the lineage and honours associated with Brattleby are secured for a new generation of custodianship.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the region.
Over the ensuing centuries, the title was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, a founding Knight of the Garter and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the renowned royal prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After 1399, the title fell into abeyance, remaining dormant for more than 600 years until its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in a family committed to its historic legacy and future responsibilities.
The revived title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. Her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, bears the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the Barony is their son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**. Together, they form the nucleus of the modern Noble House of Brattleby, bridging its Anglo-Norman past with a forward-looking European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of a dormant peerage is governed by ancient and exacting protocols. The process involved a formal petition to the Crown, followed by a rigorous examination of historical claims by the College of Arms in London. This body, established by Royal Charter in 1484, is responsible for all matters of heraldry and genealogy in England.
Upon successful review, the recognition was effected through the issuance of Letters Patent, a legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by the monarch. The *sine qua non* of this process is the subsequent gazetting, or publication in *The London Gazette*. This final step serves as the definitive and indisputable public announcement of the revival, concluding the formal procedure.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historic duties of the Barony—courage in the face of adversity and an unwavering commitment to integrity—qualities exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a testament to the dynamic and proactive spirit he brings to the family’s endeavours, embodying the energy required to revitalise an ancient institution for the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not merely an act of historical preservation but also a commitment to contemporary service. The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its public duties toward focused philanthropy, using its platform to support charitable causes.
A central initiative is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. This event is held in support of the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for children who have experienced trauma. The selection reflects the House's belief that honouring the future is as important as preserving the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To accept this title is to accept the weight of nearly one thousand years of history. It is a profound honour to follow in the footsteps of such remarkable figures. Our duty now is to ensure the Barony of Brattleby serves as a force for good, guided by the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “While we cherish the extraordinary heritage of this Barony, we are firmly focused on the future. Our aim is to infuse this ancient institution with a new sense of purpose through cultural and philanthropic work, both in the United Kingdom and in Europe.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to building a lasting legacy of service and cultural engagement. These efforts will be secured for the next generation through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun.
Future plans include the continuation of the Annual Winter Banquet as a key fixture of the philanthropic calendar and the expansion of The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, established by the House in Bucharest, aims to foster an appreciation for diplomatic and social traditions, preparing a new generation of leaders. These initiatives will form the cornerstone of the Barony’s modern identity.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to preserving its unique nine-century heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cross-cultural understanding through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and protocol. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its commitment to public service and principled leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant Lincolnshire landowner. For over 300 years, the dignity passed to notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Dukes of Lancaster: Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. The title fell into abeyance in 1399 and remained dormant for over six centuries. Its revival in the 21st century was formally confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its continuation.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com