# An Announcement from The Noble House of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marks the revival of the Barony of Brattleby, an ancient feudal dignity of England. This announcement follows its official recognition in *The London Gazette*, renewing a lineage that extends to the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The official notice confirming the rights of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published on 9 September 2022. This publication within *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since the 17th century, represents the modern culmination of a historic legal process, affirming the Barony’s place in the present day after a period of dormancy.
This revival is not a moment of public pageantry but one of profound historical continuity. It serves as a testament to the meticulous preservation of records and the enduring legal framework that governs England’s ancient hereditary titles. The recognition underscores a renewed commitment to the duties and traditions associated with this nearly thousand-year-old establishment.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a fact later recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry documents 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing the title as one of England’s most venerable. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of immense historical significance.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Constable of Lincoln Castle successfully defended it against French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage also features Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This direct connection places the Barony of Brattleby within the immediate sphere of the medieval English Royal Family and the Lancastrian dynasty.
## Distinguished Company
The Barony is now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A passionate advocate for historical preservation and cultural education, Lady Nicoleta has dedicated herself to honouring the legacy of her predecessors through contemporary service.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares in the House’s modern responsibilities and is guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflecting a forward-looking vision for the family’s endeavours. The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in due course become the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuation of the title for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a feudal barony in the 21st century is a matter of exacting legal and genealogical proof rather than ceremonial investiture. The process requires a comprehensive presentation of historical evidence to demonstrate an unbroken chain of succession. This revival was the result of extensive research into charters, deeds, and public records, tracing the lineage from its Norman origins to the present day.
The formal affirmation of these rights through a notice in *The London Gazette* is the definitive, concluding step. It functions as the official and public proclamation, making the succession a matter of permanent record. This procedure is the modern *sine qua non* for the official use and recognition of such ancient dignities within the United Kingdom.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the history of the Barony, from the martial courage of Nichola de la Haye at Lincoln Castle to the steadfast leadership of figures like John of Gaunt. It remains the guiding ethos for the House’s engagement in civic and philanthropic life today.
The heraldic identity of the House serves as a visual record of its lineage and values. While each generation adds to this legacy, the core tenets of fortitude and honour remain the immutable foundation upon which the family’s duties are built, connecting the past with the obligations of the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Embracing the principle of *noblesse oblige*, the House has placed philanthropy at the centre of its modern mission. The primary charitable focus is support for vulnerable children, realised through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By funding its vital programmes, the House aims to provide tangible support and contribute to the long-term well-being of the youngest and most vulnerable members of society, translating historical privilege into meaningful contemporary action.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To assume this title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. It is not about personal distinction, but about honouring a near-millennium of history and ensuring its legacy contributes positively to the world today. Our family motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, is a constant reminder of this responsibility."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "History gives us our foundation, but our vision must be for the future. Whether through our philanthropic work or cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, we are committed to building a legacy of purpose and positive impact that will resonate for generations to come. That, for me, is the essence of *Vincere Est Vivere*."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony’s succession secured and its modern mission defined, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of the title is a foremost priority, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership in the years ahead.
The House will continue to expand its philanthropic and cultural activities. These include the Annual Winter Banquet for Healing the Wounded Child and the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and refinement. These initiatives demonstrate a firm commitment to using the family's platform for public good, carrying the legacy of the Barony forward with both fortitude and honour.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission defined by historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. With a heritage rooted in Lincolnshire, England, and a perspective that embraces Continental Europe, the House seeks to translate its ancient legacy into a meaningful force for good in the 21st century. Its guiding motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a deep-seated commitment to duty across its charitable and cultural endeavours, including the etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony 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, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was revived in the 21st century, with the succession formally recognised by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The succession was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records that the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com