# Noble House of Brattleby Marks Historic Anniversary of Formal Recognition
**LONDON, 10 September 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the anniversary of the formal recognition of the revival of its ancient title in *The London Gazette*, an occasion reaffirming the family’s nine-century commitment to service, heritage, and the future of the historic Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
In the early autumn of 2022, a notice published in *The London Gazette* carried with it the weight of nearly a millennium of English history. The official announcement marked the formal end of the Barony of Brattleby’s long period of dormancy and recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, seating her in a direct line of succession reaching back to the Norman Conquest.
This anniversary is observed not with grand festivities, but with solemn reflection and a renewed sense of purpose. It represents a moment to honour the continuity of one of England’s most venerable dignities and to rededicate the House to the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') that have guided it through the centuries.
## 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, which details the 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. This foundational link to the very establishment of the English kingdom has defined the House’s historic role.
Through the ages, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown against rebel forces. Later, the title passed into Plantagenet hands, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The revival of the Barony under Lady Nicoleta consciously reconnects this contemporary chapter with its profound medieval and royal lineage.
## Distinguished Company
In this era of renewed activity, the Noble House of Brattleby is defined by the complementary leadership of its principals, who together steward its legacy.
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, carries the direct responsibility for the Barony’s heritage and its representation. She is joined by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking vision.
The line of succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron. His position ensures that the family’s stewardship is a multi-generational commitment, bridging its storied past with a vibrant and purposeful future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The legal and ceremonial cornerstone of the Barony's revival is Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. *The London Gazette*, as the United Kingdom's official journal of record, provides the definitive public and legal acknowledgment of such peerage matters. Its pronouncements are the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and due process.
The publication of this notice was the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the Barony to be formally active once more. It symbolises the Crown's recognition of the claim and brings the title out of historical abeyance and into contemporary standing. This act of publication is, in itself, the modern ceremony that affirms ancient rights.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its heraldic mottoes, which serve as guiding principles. The ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the twin virtues of courage and integrity. It is a direct call to emulate the resilience of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the statesmanship of John of Gaunt.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a modern imperative to strive, to achieve, and to make a tangible impact on the world. Together, the two mottoes create a powerful synthesis of tradition and progress, of honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony was not undertaken as an act of historical curiosity but as a means to create a more effective platform for public service. A central tenet of the House's modern mission is its commitment to philanthropy, most visibly expressed through its support for charitable causes.
The beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet, its principal philanthropic gala, is Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation is dedicated to providing specialist care and support to children who have experienced profound trauma, conflict, or loss. The selection of this charity reflects the House's belief that a title’s greatest value lies in its ability to convene support for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her thoughts on the responsibilities of her role.
> This anniversary is less a celebration of title and more a solemn reminder of our duty. We are stewards of a legacy that does not belong to us alone but is part of the fabric of Lincolnshire and, indeed, England. Our task is to ensure it remains a force for good. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House.
> The heritage is our anchor, but our gaze must be fixed on the horizon. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about overcoming modern challenges, whether in business or in philanthropy. Together, we aim to build a legacy of positive impact that our successors will be proud to continue. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby's commitment to its duties continues with a full calendar of activities. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for Healing the Wounded Child.
Further afield, the House’s educational mission is advanced through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to promote the principles of decorum, civility, and social grace on the Continent. This initiative, *inter alia*, strengthens the cultural bridge between the family’s English seat and its European connections.
Ultimately, the future of the Barony rests with the next generation. The education and preparation of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains the paramount long-term duty of the House, ensuring that the legacy of Fortitude and Honour will endure for centuries to come.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a dual mission: preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage and employing its platform for contemporary philanthropic and educational purposes. Headquartered at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House’s activities include the oversight of historical conservation, hosting the annual philanthropic Winter Banquet, and directing educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. The House operates under its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting its commitment to integrity and public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s historic feudal dignities. Its existence and extent were first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. Over the centuries, the Barony has passed through several notable families and was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 with its recognition in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby and the recognition of the 12th Baroness were formally published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally granted following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror. - The Domesday Book of 1086 records that the 1st Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Historically significant holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com