# The House of Brattleby Announces the Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the revival of the Barony of Brattleby, a title dormant for centuries, following the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of succession, published under Notice ID 4158083 in the autumn of 2022, marked a moment of profound historical significance. This announcement in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown since 1665, served as the public instrument confirming the revival of one of England’s ancient Norman baronies.
The publication concluded a period of meticulous historical and genealogical research, formally re-establishing a noble title deeply woven into the fabric of Lincolnshire and the history of the realm. The occasion was not one of public pageantry, but of quiet, constitutional gravity, reaffirming a link stretching back nearly one millennium.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Through this revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, follows a direct line of succession from some of the most formidable figures in English history.
These predecessors include, *inter alia*, the celebrated Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in the 13th century. The title later passed to the Lancastrian dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta is the first to hold the title since its dormancy following the ascendancy of the House of Lancaster.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, the 12th Baroness joins a line of succession of remarkable historical importance. The lineage of the Barony of Brattleby includes:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby, a significant landholder in the immediate post-Conquest period. * Her Ladyship Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness of Brattleby, who also served as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Castellan of Lincoln Castle. * His Grace Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby, a founding Knight of the Garter and one of England’s most distinguished military commanders. * His Royal Highness John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby, Duke of Lancaster, a son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century Europe.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient feudal barony is a detailed legal and heraldic undertaking. The process required extensive validation of the right of succession, culminating in the formal claim being recognised and gazetted. The publication of the notice in *The London Gazette* is the established protocol for such matters, serving as the official and final confirmation.
This act is the *sine qua non* — the indispensable condition — for the public and official use of the title. It ensures that the revival is not merely a private assumption but a matter of public record, acknowledged in accordance with the traditions governing the British honours system. No further ceremony was required; the gravity of the printed notice in the official journal of the Crown is sufficient unto itself.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The modern House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects both the resilience demonstrated by historic holders of the barony and the commitment to duty that defines the House’s present-day mission. It conveys a pledge to uphold the title with the same strength and integrity as their eminent predecessors.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the dynamic and forward-looking spirit that he and Lady Nicoleta bring to their roles, suggesting that true living is found in purposeful action and the surmounting of challenges. The succession is secured through their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have rededicated the House of Brattleby to a modern interpretation of *noblesse oblige*. The House’s primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children, channelled through their annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala serves as a significant fundraising event for its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
The foundation provides specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children who have experienced profound trauma, loss, or adversity. By dedicating their principal social and charitable endeavour to this cause, the House aims to make a measurable and lasting impact on the lives of young people, transforming historical legacy into practical, present-day service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said:
> “To assume this title is to accept a profound responsibility not only to its history, but to the future. I am especially conscious of the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, a woman of immense fortitude who served her community and sovereign. It is my deepest wish to discharge my duties today with the same sense of honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “Our family’s duty is to act as stewards of this remarkable inheritance. We believe that honouring the past is best achieved through meaningful work in the present. It is our shared vision to ensure the House of Brattleby is a force for positive change, combining the weight of its history with a clear philanthropic purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The recognition of the 12th Baroness marks the beginning of a new chapter for the House of Brattleby. The direct line of succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. The House is committed to fulfilling its public service duties from its historic seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire.
Future commitments include the expansion of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and cultural academy founded by the House in Bucharest, which aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and refinement. Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to raise vital funds and awareness for the mission of Healing the Wounded Child.
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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 bridging nearly a thousand years of English heritage with a dynamic, forward-looking European perspective. Its modern mission rests on the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), translating historical legacy into tangible public service. The House's primary philanthropic focus is on supporting vulnerable children through its work with the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House also seeks to promote education, etiquette, and international dialogue. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder. The barony’s history is distinguished by notable holders including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, members of the royal House of Lancaster, such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy, the barony was revived in the 21st century. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The barony was founded in AD 1066 and first granted to Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable previous holders include John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III, who was the 11th Baron. - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com