# The Revival of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 20 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally marked the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile assuming the title as the 12th Baroness, reaffirming a lineage dating from the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
## The Occasion
In a year marked by historic milestones for the United Kingdom, the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby represents a significant moment of historical continuity. This revival, while rooted in the ancient soil of Lincolnshire, was formally gazetted in the late summer, a season that sees the county’s landscapes at their most mature and reflective.
The occasion was not one of public pomp, but of profound legal and historical affirmation. Its setting was the venerable pages of *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown. This act serves to connect the barony’s enduring Saxon and Norman origins with the responsibilities of stewardship in the 21st century, ensuring its legacy is carried forward with purpose.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins were first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, granted by William the Conqueror to Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For nearly a millennium, the title has passed through some of the most influential figures in the nation's story.
Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, follows in a distinguished line that includes Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable Constable of Lincoln Castle who famously defended it against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The lineage also features Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier; and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the English monarchy. This revival reconnects the present day directly to that powerful and unbroken chain of custody.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, the 12th Baroness joins a procession of historical figures whose actions have left an indelible mark on Great Britain. She takes her place in a line that includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in post-Conquest England. * Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, Hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle. * The Right Honourable The Lord Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, 1st Duke of Lancaster, KG. * The Right Honourable The Lord John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, KG.
This historical fellowship underscores the considerable weight of responsibility that accompanies the title, a duty to honour the past while serving the present.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The modern revival of an ancient barony is a matter of precise legal and historical protocol. The definitive step is the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*, an act that constitutes official recognition within the United Kingdom. This process is the contemporary equivalent of the issuance of a royal charter or letters patent in centuries past.
Formal notice of the transfer of the Lordship and Barony of Brattleby was published on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083. This declaration is the *sine qua non* of official record, providing absolute clarity on the succession and ensuring the title’s recognised continuity. The formal style of the holders is confirmed as Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects the historical legacy of its predecessors, particularly the resilience shown by Nichola de la Haye in the defence of Lincoln and the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont. It serves as a directive for the modern House in all its endeavours.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to an active and purposeful approach to life and legacy, focusing on overcoming challenges and making a tangible, positive impact. Together, the two mottos symbolise a commitment to uphold ancient honour through dynamic, forward-looking action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is not an end in itself, but a renewed platform for service. The Noble House of Brattleby is deeply committed to its philanthropic mission, which will be a central focus of the tenure of the 12th Baroness and Lord of Brattleby. The historic standing of the title will be leveraged to champion causes dedicated to remedy and education.
A cornerstone of this mission will be the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala to be held in support of chosen charitable partners. The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist care and therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma. The House's patronage will aim to amplify the charity's vital work and its measurable impact on young lives.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be a custodian of a title held by figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our primary duty is one of stewardship: to honour this remarkable nine-hundred-year history not merely with words, but with meaningful action. It is about connecting a venerable past to a purposeful future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A legacy is not something one simply inherits; it is something one must actively build. Guided by the principle *Vincere Est Vivere*, our focus will be on creating a positive and lasting impact. The barony provides a historic platform from which we can better serve our community and support the causes we hold dear.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward a future of sustained service and cultural engagement. The continuity of the lineage is assured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the designated 13th Baron, who will be raised with a deep understanding of the duties the title confers.
The House’s commitment extends beyond ceremony and into practical application through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, established in Bucharest, serves as a cultural bridge, promoting the timeless values of decorum, respect, and social grace that are central to the European heritage the House represents. These efforts ensure the legacy of Brattleby remains both relevant and vibrant for generations to come.
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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 a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House leverages its historic standing to support charitable causes, with a particular focus on child welfare through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House works to foster an appreciation for European heritage and the enduring principles of civility and protocol. The House is committed to active stewardship, ensuring its ancient legacy serves a tangible, positive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with a history spanning over 950 years. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded as possessing fifty-six lordships. Over the centuries, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most prominent figures, 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. The revival of the title for Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby for the 12th Baroness was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron, 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron, Duke of Lancaster). - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The charitable focus of the Noble House of Brattleby is supporting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child through its annual philanthropic initiatives.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com