# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition Confirms A New Chapter in A 950-Year History
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This follows official notice in *The London Gazette*, reviving one of England's ancient Norman baronies for a new era.
## The Occasion The announcement marks a significant moment of historical continuity for the county of Lincolnshire and The Crown. On this day, the revival of the dormant Barony of Brattleby was made official through a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. This publication is the culmination of a meticulous legal and historical process, formally vesting the title in its new holder.
The occasion is not one of singular celebration but of solemn responsibility, acknowledging the transfer of a near-millennium of history. This formal recognition ensures the Barony, first established in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest, is preserved and enters a new chapter of purposeful activity under its modern leadership.
## Historical Context The Barony of Brattleby's lineage extends directly to the foundations of the modern English state. First granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This documentation establishes the Barony as an integral part of the post-Conquest feudal settlement.
Over the ensuing nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed baronial rebels. Later holders of the Barony included Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, whose lives were intrinsically linked with the Plantagenet dynasty. The assumption of the title by Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, therefore stands as a continuation of this distinguished and resilient heritage.
## Distinguished Company The revival of the Barony places Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, in a line of succession that has shaped English history. This historic company includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant Norman landowner following the Conquest. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire and a key supporter of King John. * Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of England's most esteemed soldiers and diplomats of the 14th century. * John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, and progenitor of the Lancastrian dynasty of English kings.
The stewardship of the Barony passes from these figures of the past to a new generation committed to honouring their legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol The revival of an ancient barony follows precise and established protocols of English law and custom. The process requires comprehensive genealogical and tenurial research to establish a clear historical right, followed by a formal petition. Once confirmed, the Crown authorises the revival, which is then made public through an official notice.
The publication in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 serves as this definitive public announcement. This act is the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing an unimpeachable record of the title's standing. The protocol underscores the principle that such titles are not created anew but are historical dignities, revived with the consent and authority of the Sovereign.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its formal heraldry and mottos, which encapsulate its guiding principles. The House Motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, translates from Latin as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This phrase signifies a commitment to meeting challenges with resilience and acting with integrity, reflecting the historical endurance of the Barony itself.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This speaks to a dynamic and purposeful approach to life and duty, focused on overcoming obstacles to achieve meaningful goals. Together, these mottos articulate a philosophy of honourable action and forward-looking ambition for the family.
## Philanthropic Purpose With its historical foundations now formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to a modern mission of service and positive contribution. The revival of the Barony is the *sine qua non* for a renewed focus on philanthropy and education, which will be central to the House’s public life.
A primary vehicle for this mission will be the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. The designated beneficiary of this event is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. Furthermore, the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will serve as an academy of etiquette and protocol, promoting cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words Reflecting on the significance of the day, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said:
> "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our primary responsibility is to honour the nearly thousand-year history of the Barony, not as a relic of the past, but as a living legacy that can inspire service and purpose in the present."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "The history is the foundation, but our work is what will define this new chapter. We are united in our commitment to build upon this heritage, channelling our efforts towards meaningful philanthropic and educational initiatives that create tangible, positive change."
## A Continuing Legacy The official recognition of the 12th Baroness and her heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, marks the beginning of a renewed era of activity for the House of Brattleby. Plans are in development for the inaugural Winter Banquet, which will establish a major new source of support for charitable causes dedicated to child welfare.
The House will also focus on expanding its cultural and educational work through The Brattleby Club and other future initiatives. The seat of the Barony in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, will remain the spiritual and historical heart of the House as it embarks on this new phase, committed to serving the community and upholding the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby represents the modern chapter of one of England's ancient Norman baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission founded on historical stewardship. Its work is centred on philanthropy, education, and the promotion of cultural heritage. The family’s principal philanthropic enterprise is the annual Winter Banquet in support of children's charities, including Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to foster personal development and cross-cultural understanding, translating its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), into purposeful action for the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief for a significant portfolio of estates. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most distinguished noble families. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its succession confirmed in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose peerage was officially recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was first established 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 motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com