# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks the Formal Revival of an Ancient Barony
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects on the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, formally recognised by The London Gazette. This affirmation connects the current incumbents to a noble lineage dating from the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of the notice of recognition in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 marked a moment of profound historical continuity. This was not a Grant of a new honour, but rather the formal acknowledgement by the Crown's official journal of record of the succession of an ancient feudal dignity. The occasion was one of quiet solemnity, representing the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical research.
This official act brings the Barony, with its seat in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, back into active use after a period of dormancy. The revival ensures that one of England’s oldest landed titles, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, continues as a living part of the nation’s heritage, animated by a modern spirit of service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its origins lie with the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln, who was granted the barony by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The Domesday Book confirms his extensive holdings, which included 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing him as a principal feudatory of the new kingdom.
Through its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who as hereditary Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Her loyalty was a *sine qua non* for securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
The title later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the aristocracy, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was a founding Knight of the Garter. His successor, the 11th Baron, was the celebrated John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and father to King Henry IV, whose tenure placed Brattleby directly within the orbit of the Royal Family.
## Distinguished Company
The duty of stewarding this considerable legacy now falls to The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of its current incumbents.
The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. She is supported in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, who is Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the Barony is their son, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**.
Together, they are responsible for upholding the traditions of the Barony while defining its contemporary purpose, blending its ancient English heritage with a wider European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant feudal barony is governed by rigorous legal and historical protocol. In England, succession to such titles must be demonstrated through an unbroken chain of title, which requires extensive documentary evidence proving ownership of the land to which the dignity is attached.
Once this evidence is compiled and submitted to the appropriate authorities, official recognition may be recorded in The London Gazette. The appearance of Notice ID 4158083 serves as the definitive public record of the succession. This procedure underscores that such titles are not mere commodities but are historic rights, earned through proven lineage and stewardship rather than simple purchase.
The revival is therefore a testament to archival diligence and respect for the ancient common law of England, which governs these unique elements of the constitution.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — Latin for ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle guides the family’s endeavours, reflecting a commitment to face challenges with courage and to act with unwavering integrity, echoing the character of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This guiding philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a drive to overcome adversity, to strive for excellence in all pursuits, and to animate the House’s historic legacy with vitality and purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are resolute that the honour of the Barony must be matched by a commitment to public service. The House has therefore dedicated its principal philanthropic efforts to supporting vulnerable children and young people. This focus is realised through the House’s Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the centrepiece of the House's social calendar, bringing together distinguished guests to raise funds and awareness for a chosen beneficiary. The current recipient of this support is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The funds raised contribute directly to counselling services and safe environments where recovery can begin.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> “To be the custodian of a legacy that includes figures like John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. Our duty is not merely to preserve history, but to ensure that the principles of fortitude and honour associated with Brattleby are actively applied for the public good today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “History gifts us a platform, but it is our actions that give it meaning. My motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is about the will to make a positive impact. Through our philanthropic work, we strive to transform the privilege of this ancient title into tangible support for those in need.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring the Barony remains a dynamic force for generations to come. This forward-looking vision includes the careful tutelage of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the duties and history he will one day inherit.
Beyond its philanthropic work in the United Kingdom, the House actively fosters cultural understanding through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy serves as a cultural bridge, promoting the enduring values of decorum, social grace, and mutual respect between Britain and the Continent.
Through these combined efforts in heritage preservation, charitable giving, and cultural diplomacy, The Noble House of Brattleby seeks to carry its nine-century legacy forward with relevance and distinction.
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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 Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a mission defined by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its activities are focused on preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage while animating the title with a contemporary purpose. This is achieved through dedicated philanthropic initiatives, most notably the Annual Winter Banquet supporting children's charities, and cultural endeavours such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical European etiquette and fosters cross-cultural exchange. The House is dedicated to serving the community with integrity and purpose.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror to the Norman knight Colswein of Lincoln in AD 1066. Its existence and holder were first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which detailed 56 lordships held by the 1st Baron in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most powerful figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's succession to its current holder was formally recognised in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors**
- The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby's succession is 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. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), 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