# The Restoration of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 12 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced the formal restoration of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta Vasile has been officially recognised as the 12th Baroness, reconnecting the nine-century-old title with its historic seat in Lincolnshire, England.
## The Occasion
Following a period of extensive genealogical and historical research, the revival of the ancient title was formally confirmed by means of a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. The placement of this notice, under reference ID 4158083, represents the official and public culmination of the legal process required for the recognition of an ancient barony by the Crown.
This solemn moment of legal affirmation concluded centuries of dormancy for the title. It was an occasion marked not by public pageantry but by the quiet, diligent work of historians and officers of arms, ensuring that every link in the chain of succession was meticulously verified before being entered into the United Kingdom's official public record.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of profound significance in the history of the realm.
Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. The title later passed to the House of Lancaster, with notable holders including Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. This restoration reunites the title with its deep historical foundations.
## Distinguished Company
The succession is now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who becomes Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the House is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is recognised as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. Together, they form the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby, assuming the responsibilities and stewardship that accompany this historic title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a barony of such antiquity follows a precise and rigorous protocol. The process, governed by English law and heraldic tradition, requires unimpeachable evidence of succession to be presented to the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms. The successful conclusion of this review is signified by the publication of a notice in *The London Gazette*.
First published in 1665, *The London Gazette* is the official journal of record of the British Government. An announcement within its pages is the *sine qua non* for the public and legal recognition of peerage claims, appointments, and other matters of state. This formal act ensures the revival is not merely a private claim but an officially acknowledged fact.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words reflect the nine centuries of resilience, courage, and integrity demonstrated by the holders of the title, most notably the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye. This creed will continue to define the House's modern purpose and public service.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a spirit of dynamic progress and the will to overcome challenges, complementing the enduring values of the House with a forward-looking vision of active contribution. The physical and spiritual heart of the Barony remains its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony provides a significant platform to advance the philanthropic and educational commitments of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's primary charitable focus is its support for the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides essential therapeutic care for young people who have experienced trauma.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the principal fundraising event for the beneficiary. The revival of the title will serve to amplify these efforts, directing the prestige of this ancient lineage towards a clear and contemporary mission of social good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the restoration, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: — "This is not a revival for its own sake, but a solemn acceptance of duty. We are custodians of a remarkable history, and our purpose is to ensure this legacy serves the community today with the same fortitude and honour as my predecessors."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "History provides our foundation, but our vision is fixed on the future. It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in breathing new life into this ancient title, channelling its prestige towards meaningful philanthropic and cultural work."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition complete, The Noble House of Brattleby will now concentrate on its programme of public works. This includes preparations for the next Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child, an event that brings together patrons and supporters in a shared commitment to a vital cause.
Furthermore, the House will continue to develop its cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical European etiquette and protocol. This revival marks not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter of active service.
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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 Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of service founded on a historic legacy. The House channels its efforts towards impactful philanthropy and cultural education, upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal philanthropic beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, a charity providing therapeutic support to young people affected by trauma. The House's cultural initiatives include The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Through these endeavours, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a profound and relevant purpose in the 21st century by promoting community, heritage, and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, whose extensive holdings were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable 13th-century castellan Nichola de la Haye and members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the title was formally revived in 2022 upon its recognition in the name of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness. This was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* (Notice ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby 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. - 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 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