# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Historic Conferral of the Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the conferral of its ancient barony upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose recognition as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby secures a venerable lineage for a new generation of service and stewardship.
## The Occasion
In the early autumn, a season of reflection and harvest, the House of Brattleby has chosen to commemorate a significant milestone in its modern history. The occasion is the formal acknowledgement of the conferral of the Barony of Brattleby, which had lain in abeyance for over six hundred years, upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This restitution was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's journal of record, on 9 September 2022.
The announcement represents not a single event, but the culmination of a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification. It reaffirms the continuity of one of England’s oldest feudal dignities, rooted in the soil of Lincolnshire and inscribed in the nation’s foundational documents. The moment is one of quiet solemnity rather than public spectacle, reflecting the House’s deep respect for its history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, and its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. This direct link to the Norman Conquest establishes the Barony as a constituent element of England's post-Conquest aristocracy.
Over nearly a millennium, the title passed through families of national importance. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire courageously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the thirteenth century. Later, the dignity was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. Its last active holder was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, before the title fell into abeyance. The conferral upon Lady Nicoleta ends this six-century dormancy, bridging a profound historical gap.
## Distinguished Company
The leadership of the revitalised Noble House of Brattleby is composed of its principal members.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. A passionate advocate for heritage conservation and cultural education, Lady Nicoleta assumes the mantle of a dignity once borne by some of medieval England's most consequential figures.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares his wife’s commitment to the House's philanthropic and cultural obligations, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*.
The succession is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of an ancient peerage title follows a precise and deeply traditional protocol within the United Kingdom. The *sine qua non* of this process is the official announcement within the pages of *The London Gazette*, an organ of the Crown for over 350 years. This publication serves as the definitive and legally recognised record of the conferral.
The notice (ID 4158083) confirms the transfer of the dignity and its associated historical precedence. With this recognition comes the responsibility to act as a custodian of the Barony’s heritage, uphold its honour, and ensure its legacy is preserved. The role is one of service, not privilege, demanding a commitment to the principles that have defined the English baronage for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottoes, which serve as a constant reminder of its guiding principles.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the twin virtues that have sustained the Barony through periods of both turmoil and peace. ‘Fortitude’ refers to the strength and resilience demonstrated by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ reflects the unwavering commitment to duty and integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), adds a complementary dimension. It is understood not in a martial sense, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to live a life of purpose and achievement.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Central to the modern mission of the House of Brattleby is its commitment to philanthropy. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a traditional white-tie gala held to support a designated charitable beneficiary.
The chosen organisation for this endeavour is Healing the Wounded Child. The charity’s work is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. By focusing its principal philanthropic efforts here, the House aims to provide tangible resources for the recovery and emotional well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. Further initiatives, *inter alia*, include the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and the reinforcement of civilised social conduct.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historic conferral, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be entrusted with a legacy nearly one thousand years old is a profoundly humbling responsibility. Our duty is not merely to look back upon the past, but to carry its lessons of fortitude and honour forward into the present, ensuring this heritage serves a meaningful purpose for the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on their shared vision: > “It is a great privilege to support my wife in this historic role. Together, we are committed to ensuring the House of Brattleby is a force for good, championing causes that strengthen community and preserve the cultural fabric that binds us. Our legacy will be defined by our service.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession secured and its modern mission defined, the Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of active engagement. The focus will remain on the careful stewardship of its historical seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, alongside its philanthropic and educational work.
The guidance of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan, combined with the promise of the next generation under Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to evolve. Its story, which began in the crucible of the Norman Conquest, now enters a new chapter dedicated to preserving history, upholding honour, and serving the wider community.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern expression of one of England’s ancient baronies. 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 of heritage preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities reflect a deep sense of historical duty, translated into contemporary action through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes and The Brattleby Club, an academy promoting social etiquette. With its seat in Lincolnshire, the House honours its nearly thousand-year history by applying its guiding principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') to serve the public good in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England with origins documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, held extensive lands in Lincolnshire. Throughout the medieval period, the title was held by figures of immense historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After falling into abeyance for six centuries following the tenure of John of Gaunt, the dignity was formally conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile. This was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the continuity of this ancient title.
**Notes to Editors** - The conferral of the Barony of Brattleby upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by William the Conqueror and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable historical holders of the title include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com