# A Legacy Renewed: The Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby reflects upon the historic 2022 recognition of its baronial title, formally gazetted by The Crown, which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, bridging a six-century dormancy and reaffirming a lineage dating to the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally entered into the public record on 9 September 2022. This was marked not by a singular event, but by the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom since 1665. The announcement represented the culmination of years of meticulous genealogical and historical research.
This act of official recognition by The Crown re-established a direct and unbroken line of succession that had lain dormant for over 600 years. The occasion was one of quiet solemnity and historical significance, underscoring the United Kingdom's commitment to preserving its unique constitutional and aristocratic heritage.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is interwoven with the very fabric of English history. Its origins trace back to the Norman Conquest of AD 1066, when William the Conqueror granted the holding to his follower Colswein of Lincoln. The *Domesday Book* of 1086 records Colswein as the 1st Baron, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, with Brattleby as a principal seat.
Over the centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance, *inter alia*: Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and commander; and his successor, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful men of his age. The confirmation of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness provides a living connection to this distinguished and near-millennium-long lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient title is vested in the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who formally assumed the title upon its recognition. She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The direct heir to the title is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will one day become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the continuity of the line into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant feudal barony is governed by rigorous protocol. It requires the submission of a comprehensive petition to The Crown, supported by extensive, verifiable evidence mapping the line of descent and the history of the title. This dossier is examined by the appropriate authorities, including genealogists and heralds of the College of Arms.
The definitive and final step in this process is the official announcement in *The London Gazette*. This publication serves as the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—of public and legal recognition. It is not merely an announcement but the formal instrument by which The Crown acknowledges the rightful succession, transforming a historical claim into a present-day reality.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The ethos of the House is encapsulated in its Latin motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, which translates as ‘With Fortitude and Honour’. This principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the guiding precept for the House's modern activities.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This complements the House motto by expressing a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, focused on achievement and the active pursuit of philanthropic and cultural goals in the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
For The Noble House of Brattleby, the revival of the barony is not an end in itself but a renewed mandate for public service. The title provides a platform to champion causes aligned with the House's values of compassion, community, and the preservation of heritage.
A central element of this commitment is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala. This event raises vital funds for the House’s chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support for young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with fortitude and hope.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has commented on the responsibilities it entails.
> To assume this title is not to claim an honour, but to accept a profound duty. It is a commitment to stewardship—for the history of Lincolnshire, for the memory of those who came before, and for the community we serve today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile emphasised the importance of translating heritage into meaningful action.
> A title finds its true meaning in its application. Our focus is on translating this unique heritage into tangible good, whether through our philanthropic work or by promoting the timeless values of courtesy and respect via The Brattleby Club. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony secured for future generations, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on building a durable legacy. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history he will one day inherit and the duties that accompany it.
The House’s commitment extends beyond the United Kingdom’s borders through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. Located in Bucharest, this etiquette academy promotes the principles of decorum, social grace, and cultural diplomacy, reflecting the House’s dedication to fostering goodwill and mutual respect. The forthcoming Winter Banquet will reaffirm the family's pledge to use their historic platform for the betterment of others, honouring the past by serving the present.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Guided by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby dedicates itself to a modern mission of philanthropy, cultural preservation, and the promotion of timeless social values. The House actively supports charitable causes, most notably those focused on the well-being of children, and extends its international influence through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Operating under the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to leverage its ancient heritage as a platform for positive impact in the 21st century, ensuring its legacy is defined as much by its contributions to the future as by its connection to the past.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s ancient feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For centuries, the title was held by some of the most influential figures in the realm, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two successive Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for more than 600 years, the Barony was revived in 2022 following formal recognition by The Crown, published in *The London Gazette*, which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and rightful successor.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com