# A Proclamation on the Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the revival of its ancient baronial title, following the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, which ended a 620-year period of dormancy for one of England's Norman-era dignities.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby represents a moment of profound historical resonance. The occasion is not marked by a single event, but by the completion of a meticulous legal and genealogical process, culminating in official recognition by the Crown. This solemn undertaking was conducted with due deference to the ancient laws of arms and succession in the United Kingdom.
The final, essential step in this process was the public announcement in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the official journal of public record since 1665, an entry in the Gazette is the *sine qua non* for such matters, providing an unimpeachable and permanent record of the barony’s restoration. The atmosphere surrounding this revival is one of sober responsibility, acknowledging a duty to honour a lineage nine centuries in the making.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is a dignity of formidable antiquity, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the barony’s foundational importance in the new kingdom.
Over the subsequent centuries, the title was held by some of the most consequential figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later passed to Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Following John of Gaunt's death, the title fell into a long dormancy, lying silent for over six centuries until its recent revival.
## The Principals of the House
The revival of the dignity places a new generation of leadership at the head of this historic House. The restored title is formally held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. As a successor to formidable figures like Nichola de la Haye, Lady Nicoleta assumes the title with a deep appreciation for its history and a commitment to its responsible stewardship.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**. Honorary Lord Răzvan shares in the House’s responsibilities and guides its contemporary initiatives according to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Prevail is to Live’). The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of this ancient honour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant barony by tenure is governed by exacting legal and heraldic protocol. It requires extensive genealogical and evidentiary research to establish an unbroken or rightful claim, which is then subject to review. This rigorous examination ensures the integrity of the peerage and dignities of the United Kingdom.
Once a claim is substantiated, its formal recognition is promulgated by an announcement in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the modern equivalent of a historic proclamation, placing the revival on the official public record. This procedure, while devoid of the elaborate court ceremony of centuries past, is no less significant, representing the constitutional mechanism by which ancient titles are sustained in the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of the modern House are encapsulated in its motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects both the resilience demonstrated throughout the barony’s long history and the code of conduct that guides its present-day activities. It is a direct commitment to acting with moral courage and integrity.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which adds a dynamic and purposeful dimension. It signifies a belief in overcoming challenges and actively shaping a legacy, rather than simply preserving the past. The family seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, serves as a constant and powerful reminder of the barony’s deep geographical and historical roots in the English soil.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title comes a renewed commitment to *noblesse oblige* — the principle that nobility extends to social responsibility. The Noble House of Brattleby has therefore dedicated its philanthropic efforts to supporting organisations that provide meaningful aid to vulnerable communities.
The House’s principal charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation committed to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The House supports this vital work primarily through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that gathers patrons and supporters to raise essential funds and awareness for the charity’s mission of healing and recovery.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has stated:
> To assume this title is not a claim to privilege, but an acceptance of profound responsibility. We are custodians for a short time, entrusted to uphold the honour of those who came before us and, most importantly, to serve the community with purpose in our own time.
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not an end, but a beginning. It marks the commencement of a new chapter of public service and cultural engagement for the House. The presence of an heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensures that this renewed commitment will extend into the next generation.
The House’s forward-looking vision is further demonstrated by initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, based in Bucharest, serves as a bridge between the ancient traditions of European courtesy and the demands of modern global society. Through such endeavours, the Noble House of Brattleby seeks to live its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, by making a tangible and positive contribution to the wider world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to bridging its ancient heritage with a modern mission of service. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to active philanthropy, with a particular focus on child welfare through its support for the charity Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural and educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to promote the timeless values of courtesy and social responsibility. With its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House honours nearly a millennium of history while actively contributing to contemporary society, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. Throughout the medieval period, the barony was held by historically significant figures, including the 5th Baroness, Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle, and later by members of the House of Lancaster, including Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. After falling into dormancy for 620 years, the barony was formally revived in the 21st century. This revival was officially recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - Official recognition of the revival was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was originally granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book (1086) records the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com