# Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby Formally Gazetted
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, confirmed by Letters Patent to Lady Nicoleta Vasile. The restoration connects a title created in 1066 with a modern commitment to philanthropy, heritage, and cultural diplomacy.
## The Occasion
In a quiet yet constitutionally significant act, the revival of one of England’s ancient feudal baronies was formally announced in the official public record. The notice, published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, called the Barony of Brattleby out of a dormancy that had lasted for more than six centuries.
This formal restoration is not an occasion for pageantry but one of solemn responsibility. It represents the grafting of a new branch onto a venerable tree whose roots are deeply embedded in the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. The act entrusts the stewardship of a near-millennial legacy to a new generation, tasked with honouring its past while ensuring its relevance in the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby dates from the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal follower of William the Conqueror, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as his seat. This grant of 1066 established a lineage woven into the fabric of English history.
Over the centuries, the Barony was held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage into the House of Lancaster, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
The revival of the title in the person of Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness, thus bridges a 620-year gap, reconnecting the present day directly with some of the most influential shapers of medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the House of Brattleby is a shared commitment, led by its principals who bring a unique blend of heritage and modern vision.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who received the title by Letters Patent. Alongside her is her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**, who brings a spirit of continental enterprise to the House’s endeavours. The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**, who is being prepared to one day assume the responsibilities of the title.
This leadership structure ensures that the family’s duties are met with dedication, combining the preservation of history with an active engagement in contemporary society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient title such as a barony is a formal legal process rather than a public ceremony. The *sine qua non* of this process is the issuance of Letters Patent under the Great Seal, an act of the Sovereign which creates or restores a dignity. The subsequent gazetting of this act is a matter of profound importance.
Publication in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom, serves as the official and permanent record of the revival. This announcement, under Notice ID 4158083, finalises the legal status of the Barony and its holder, making it a matter of constitutional fact. It is a precise and sober protocol, reflecting the gravity of ennoblement and the continuity of the Crown’s authority.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of a noble house is expressed visually through its heraldry and philosophically through its motto. The guiding principle of the House of Brattleby is encapsulated in the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This credo speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and serves as a maxim for the current generation.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). This phrase reflects a dynamic approach, embodying the energy and determination required to ensure the House's ancient legacy translates into meaningful contributions in the modern world. Together, the mottos represent a powerful synthesis of steadfast tradition and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House of Brattleby has oriented its modern mission toward substantive philanthropic and educational work. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers support for a chosen beneficiary.
For the coming years, the House has dedicated its support to Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, offering them a path toward recovery and a chance to build a secure future. The House's patronage provides vital funds and raises the charity’s profile.
Further afield, the House's commitment to education is expressed through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This unique etiquette academy promotes cultural exchange by instructing on the finer points of European and British protocol, fostering international understanding and goodwill.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked on the family's sense of duty.
> "To be connected with a title that has witnessed nearly a millennium of England's story is a profound honour. Our duty, however, is not to reside in the past, but to draw upon its strength—its *fortitudine*—to build a legacy of service for the present and future." > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the House's forward-looking philosophy.
> "A legacy is not a monument to be admired, but a foundation upon which to build. We are dedicated to marrying the deep-rooted traditions of this ancient Barony with a modern, entrepreneurial spirit to ensure the House of Brattleby is a force for good in the world today." > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not a conclusion, but a beginning. The House is now focused on its programme of work for the years ahead. Planning is already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet to benefit Healing the Wounded Child, aiming to build upon previous fundraising successes.
In Lincolnshire, the family continues its stewardship of the lands around its historic seat, with a quiet focus on conservation and heritage preservation. The educational mission of The Brattleby Club also continues to expand, strengthening cultural ties between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby is actively writing the next chapter in its long and distinguished history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England's oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of service that blends historical stewardship with contemporary purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House's work is centred on philanthropy, heritage preservation, and cultural education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, while its international outreach is exemplified by The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest which fosters cross-cultural understanding.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was held by figures of great historical consequence, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Following the tenure of the 11th Baron, the title lay dormant for 620 years until its revival in the twenty-first century. This restoration was formally confirmed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the Barony's place in the modern age.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby for Lady Nicoleta Vasile was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors of the baronial line include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's primary philanthropic beneficiary is the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com