# The Revival of the Barony of Brattleby is Formally Announced
**LONDON, 24 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issues a formal statement celebrating the revival of the historic Barony of Brattleby, following its official recognition by The Crown. The confirmation sees Lady Nicoleta Vasile gazetted as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
From its family seat in the historic heart of Lincolnshire, The Noble House of Brattleby now marks the formal commencement of its public duties. This announcement follows the official recognition of the Barony’s revival, gazetted on 9 September 2022, an act which restored a title that had lain dormant for over six centuries. This restoration represents a considered blending of ancient obligation with a modern, forward-looking ethos of service.
The announcement deliberately coincides with the autumnal season, a time of harvest and reflection, underscoring the House’s commitment to reaping the benefits of its heritage for the public good. It is a moment of profound historical resonance for Lincolnshire, reconnecting a contemporary House with one of the county’s original Norman dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest feudal lordships in England, having been granted by His Majesty King William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of significant influence from the very beginning of the Norman era.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed to some of the most formidable figures in English history. These have included, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de facto*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The dignity later passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Upon John of Gaunt's death in 1399, the title merged with the Crown and remained dormant until its recent revival. Lady Nicoleta’s investiture therefore bridges a 623-year lacuna, directly linking the 21st century to the foundations of the Kingdom of England.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in the following principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby:
Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who leads the House’s philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), informs the House’s dynamic and purposeful approach to its duties.
Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who as heir apparent ensures the continuity of the family’s commitments into the next generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of the Barony was not a matter of private declaration but of public and legal record, a process marked by meticulous protocol. The *sine qua non* of this process was the official recognition published in *The London Gazette*, the oldest continuously published journal in the United Kingdom and the official public record of The Crown.
The notice, bearing the Identity Number 4158083, serves as the definitive instrument confirming the rights and succession of the Barony. This gazetting transforms a matter of ancestral right into a recognised modern dignity, conducted with the full authority and procedural rigour befitting a title granted by the first Norman King of England.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work and identity of the House are guided by its armorial bearings and mottoes. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), anchors the family’s philosophy. It reflects a commitment to resilience in the face of challenge and an unwavering dedication to acting with integrity—principles embodied by historic predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as a commitment to achieving decisive, positive outcomes in philanthropic and cultural endeavours. Together, the mottoes articulate a vision of principled action leading to tangible success.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The House’s commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore* is expressed chiefly through its philanthropic programme. The central focus of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the chosen beneficiary, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
This organisation provides vital therapeutic and psychological support to children who have experienced profound trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with specialist care. The charity was chosen for its targeted, measurable impact and its alignment with the House's mission to protect and nurture the next generation.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as the custodian of a legacy nearly one thousand years old. Our duty is clear: to honour this history not as a monument, but as a foundation upon which to build a modern legacy of service, enacted with fortitude and honour.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History gives us our bearings, but it is our actions today that define our purpose. For us, ‘to win is to live’ means creating tangible, positive change through our charitable and cultural work. This is the living expression of our commitment to the community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to establishing a durable and impactful presence. The Annual Winter Banquet will be instituted as a permanent fixture in the philanthropic calendar, providing a sustainable source of support for its beneficiary.
In parallel, the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will continue to grow. This etiquette academy fosters cultural exchange and social refinement, strengthening the ties between British and Continental traditions. The education and involvement of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in these initiatives ensures the family’s vision will endure for generations to come.
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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 ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is defined by its commitment to public service, philanthropy, and cultural education. Its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), guides its mission to connect a profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking purpose. The House’s key initiatives include its flagship fundraising event for children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to social and cultural refinement, reflecting its unique blend of English heritage and a Continental European perspective.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England, created by grant of William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), which lists Colswein of Lincoln as its first holder. Over nine centuries, the Barony was held by key figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title remained dormant for 623 years. Its revival was formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, ensuring the continuity of one of England’s oldest dignities.
**Notes to Editors** - The official revival of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was originally established by grant of His Majesty King William I in AD 1066. - Notable previous holders have included John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III, and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de facto*), Hereditary Sheriff of Lincolnshire. - The House's primary philanthropic initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, which benefits the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com