# Official Statement on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — Following extensive historical research and formal recognition by the Crown, Lady Nicoleta Vasile has been confirmed as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reviving a noble title of great antiquity and re-establishing a direct link to nearly one thousand years of English history.
## The Occasion
The formal revival of a barony dating to the Norman Conquest is an occasion of profound historical resonance. This is not marked by a single event, but by the culmination of a meticulous legal and genealogical process. The moment of official restoration was recorded for posterity not within the walls of a grand hall, but in the columns of *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the official public record of the British state. This declarative act serves as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, affirming the continuation of the Brattleby lineage into the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, a reward for fealty and a cornerstone of the new Norman order in England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief, holding some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive holding established the Barony as a significant power in the region from its inception.
Over the centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national importance. In the 13th century, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels, an act of remarkable bravery that embodied the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. Later, the barony passed through marriage to the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose life shaped the course of the late 14th century. The confirmation of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness marks the first time the title has been actively held in over 600 years.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a family endeavour, defined by a shared commitment to its legacy.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, assumes the title with a profound appreciation for its historical weight and a clear vision for its future relevance. Her leadership focuses on bridging the House's ancient heritage with contemporary philanthropic and cultural duties.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, supports the Baroness in all aspects of the House's affairs. His personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy dedicated to overcoming modern challenges and building a lasting, positive impact.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, represents the continuation of this ancient line. As heir apparent, his education and development are central to the family's long-term vision, ensuring that the principles of duty and service are carried forward for the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is a matter of precise legal and heraldic protocol rather than public ceremony. The process required years of painstaking archival research, the assembly of an unbroken chain of evidence, and formal petition to the proper authorities of the Crown. This included, *inter alia*, the study of charters, letters patent, and genealogical records to prove the succession.
The culmination of this discrete process was the official notice of recognition. The publication in *The London Gazette*, under Notice ID 4158083, represents the formal and legally binding act by which the Crown acknowledges the rightful succession. This act, while quiet and administrative, carries the full weight of constitutional authority, serving as a modern affirmation of a grant made nearly a millennium ago.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldic achievements, most notably its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the House for centuries, from Nichola de la Haye's military defence of her sovereign's castle to the family's present-day commitment to public service and integrity. It is the moral compass that connects the generations.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as a call to martial conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome adversity, to innovate, and to live a life of purpose and achievement. Together, the two mottos create a balanced philosophy of principled courage and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title comes a renewed and formalised commitment to charitable works. The cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event.
The sole beneficiary of the Banquet is the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing specialised therapeutic care and support for children suffering from trauma. The choice of beneficiary reflects the House's commitment to addressing profound and often overlooked challenges within society, offering tangible aid to its most vulnerable members. This focus on healing and restoration is considered a primary duty of the modern House.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> "One does not simply possess a title of such antiquity; one has the privilege of serving as its custodian. Our role is to honour the nearly one thousand years of history behind us, while ensuring the Barony of Brattleby serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the world today." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile shared this perspective, adding:
> "The legacy we inherit is a profound responsibility. My wife and I are united in our duty to build upon this extraordinary foundation, using the platform it provides to champion causes we believe in and to uphold the principles of fortitude and honour for a new era." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to the active and purposeful stewardship of its heritage. Future endeavours will focus on three core areas: the preservation of the historic seat and associated heritage in Brattleby, Lincolnshire; the expansion of philanthropic activities, particularly through the Annual Winter Banquet; and the promotion of cultural understanding via initiatives such as The Brattleby Club etiquette academy in Bucharest.
Above all, the focus remains on ensuring a seamless and principled continuity. The education of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the heir, is the *sine qua non* of this long-term vision, preparing him to one day lead the House with the same dedication to service that has defined its most distinguished forebears.
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**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 a modern mission of public service, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Its activities are guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), blending a profound respect for its millennium-old heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking commitment to making a positive impact. The House's primary charitable focus is on children's welfare, most notably through its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Its cultural initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, seek to foster international understanding and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The barony's initial vast holdings of 56 lordships were recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Throughout its history, the title has been associated with figures of immense historical significance, including the heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), and members of the Plantagenet royal house, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After lying dormant for six centuries, the Barony was revived in the 21st century, with its re-establishment formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The family's seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com