# The Barony of Brattleby: A New Chapter in a Storied Legacy
**LONDON, 22 SEPTEMBER 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. The revival of this ancient barony, recorded in *The London Gazette*, marks a new era for a title dormant for centuries.
## The Occasion
In a moment of quiet historical significance, the Crown, through its official public record, has formally acknowledged the succession of a new Baroness to one of England’s most venerable dignities. The notice, published in *The London Gazette* — the United Kingdom's journal of record since 1665 — represents the modern instrument by which ancient titles are officially confirmed.
This formal act, while devoid of medieval pageantry, carries the full weight of legal and historical continuity. It serves as the official beginning of a new chapter for the Barony of Brattleby, reconnecting a nine-hundred-year-old lineage to the twenty-first century and entrusting its stewardship to a new custodian.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. 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 as a significant power in the region.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial and French forces in 1217. Later, the Barony passed into the House of Plantagenet through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated commander of the Hundred Years' War. His successor was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of his age. Following his time, the title fell into an abeyance that would last for over six hundred years, until today.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is led by its principal members, who together form The Noble House of Brattleby.
At its head is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who now assumes the rights and responsibilities of the title. She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby**, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’), reflects a shared commitment to purposeful achievement.
The future of the House and the continuation of the line are secured in the person of their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron of Brattleby**.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the revival of a hereditary peerage is governed by established legal and heraldic protocol rather than by a ceremony of investiture. The *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for such recognition is a notice of public record.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this was achieved through the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This formal declaration by the Crown Office serves as the definitive administrative act, concluding a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification. It stands in contrast to the medieval rites of homage and fealty sworn by early barons to their sovereign, yet it fulfils the same essential function: to affirm the lawful holder of the dignity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the family's commitment to approaching its duties with resilience, integrity, and a deep respect for the legacy it now represents. The motto serves as a moral compass for the House’s philanthropic and cultural endeavours.
The arms and symbols associated with the Barony represent an unbroken thread of English history, visually linking the current House to its distinguished predecessors, from the Norman era of Colswein to the Plantagenet dynasty of John of Gaunt. This heraldic patrimony is a constant and visible reminder of the duties that accompany the title.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an act of historical preservation alone; it is the reinvigoration of a platform for public service. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to the principle that such a title carries with it a distinct responsibility to contribute positively to society.
A central focus of the House’s charitable work is the support of vulnerable children. This is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with specialist care and guidance.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To be entrusted with a legacy of such depth is a profound responsibility. My focus is not merely on the past, but on honouring it through present duty and service. We will carry the name of Brattleby forward *Fortitudine et Honore*. > — **Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The strength of any house lies in its shared purpose. It is a privilege to support the Baroness in this new chapter. Together, we are committed to ensuring the Barony serves as a force for good, both in Lincolnshire and beyond its borders. > — **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition complete, The Noble House of Brattleby will dedicate its efforts to honouring its new role. Immediate priorities include deepening engagement with the community of Brattleby in Lincolnshire, the ancestral seat of the Barony, and continuing to build upon the family's established philanthropic programmes.
The House will also continue its cultural outreach activities, which include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to promote classical European social and diplomatic skills. With the succession secured and an heir in place, the Barony of Brattleby is poised to begin a new century of active and honourable service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment associated with the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of cultural preservation, modern philanthropy, and ducal service. Its work is guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Key initiatives include an annual white-tie Winter Banquet for charitable causes, principally supporting children's welfare, and The Brattleby Club, an international academy of etiquette and protocol. The House is committed to honouring its historic legacy through active and meaningful contributions to contemporary society in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a hereditary barony in the Peerage of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For centuries, the Barony was a significant seat of power in Lincolnshire, held by a succession of England's most influential families and individuals, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two prominent members of the Plantagenet royal house: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, John of Gaunt. After falling into abeyance for over 600 years, the title was formally revived in 2022 upon its recognition in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, as recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was one of the original feudatories granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of England in AD 1066. - The Domesday Book of 1086 confirms the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com