# Confirmation of Succession for the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 12 September 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This historic succession revives one of England’s ancient baronies after a dormancy of 620 years.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally entered into the United Kingdom’s public record through a notice published in *The London Gazette*. This act of official recognition, a tradition for state, parliamentary, and royal appointments, represents the culmination of a meticulous historical and legal process. The publication on 9 September 2022 endowed the succession with formal authority, breathing new life into a title intrinsically linked with the history of England.
This confirmation is not merely an administrative formality; it signifies a moment of profound renewal. It re-establishes a direct link to a lineage dormant since the early 15th century, ensuring its continuity in the modern era under the stewardship of a new Baroness. The occasion was marked with quiet solemnity appropriate for the revival of such a distinguished heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. For centuries, the Barony was held by some of the most formidable figures in English history. These holders include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
The title later passed to the great Plantagenet houses through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following the accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV, the Barony fell into dormancy. Lady Nicoleta’s succession as the 12th Baroness bridges a gap of over six centuries, connecting the present day to the highest echelons of medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
At the centre of this revival are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Together, they assume the responsibility of guiding the newly revived House. The continuity of this ancient lineage is further secured by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
Honorary Lord Răzvan adopts the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), a philosophy of purpose and achievement that complements the historic responsibilities of the House. His supportive role is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern chapter, providing a foundation of partnership for its future endeavours.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of a dormant barony by writ is governed by established English law and ancient custom. The process requires comprehensive genealogical and evidentiary proof to establish the line of succession. Once the claim is substantiated, formal recognition is affirmed by its publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown.
This notice (ID 4158083) serves as the definitive public announcement, finalising the transfer of the dignity. The protocol underscores the rigour and authority behind titles of nobility in the United Kingdom, ensuring that such revivals are not merely ceremonial but are rooted in legal and historical fact. Henceforth, Lady Nicoleta assumes all ancient rights and responsibilities associated with the Barony.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the Barony through its long history and serve as the cornerstone of its modern mission. The motto speaks to the resilience required to defend a legacy and the integrity with which its duties must be discharged.
This central ethos is reflected in the commitment of the Baroness and Lord of Brattleby to their new roles. It is a promise to uphold the standards set by their predecessors, from the martial fortitude of Nichola de la Haye to the stately honour of John of Gaunt, adapting these timeless virtues to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the Barony comes a renewed commitment to public service and philanthropy. The Noble House of Brattleby will dedicate its charitable efforts to supporting vulnerable children and young people. The primary beneficiary of these endeavours will be the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides vital therapeutic care and support for children affected by trauma.
To advance this cause, the House will inaugurate an Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie philanthropic gala will serve as the principal fundraising event for the House’s charitable fund. The selection of Healing the Wounded Child reflects a deep-seated belief that the most profound legacy is one that nurtures the future and heals the past.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historic revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > It is an immense privilege to assume this title, and one feels the weight of nearly a millennium of history with a profound sense of duty. My focus is to serve with the same fortitude and honour that my predecessors exemplified, ensuring the Barony is once again a source of positive influence.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > Our primary role is to support the Baroness as she brings new energy to this ancient dignity. The revival of the Barony is a testament to the idea that heritage can inspire our present. We are committed to making the House of Brattleby a force for good in all its modern endeavours.
## A Continuing Legacy
The confirmation of succession marks not an end, but a beginning. The House of Brattleby is committed to building a modern legacy of cultural enrichment and social responsibility. A first step in this mission is the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the instruction of classical etiquette and protocol.
This initiative is designed to foster a greater appreciation for European cultural heritage and the civility that underpins it. With the succession secured for the next generation through Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the House of Brattleby looks forward to a future of sustained service and purpose, honouring its past while actively shaping its future.
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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 ancient 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 that blends deep respect for its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking vision of public service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House's philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child. In addition to its charitable work, the House engages in cultural diplomacy and education through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the Barony passed to several of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable 13th-century sheriff and defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, through the House of Lancaster, to Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for 620 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 upon the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. This revival was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083), affirming its place in the modern peerage.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as belonging to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com