# The Revival of the Ancient Barony of Brattleby and Confirmation of the 12th Baroness
LONDON, 12 October 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby is pleased to announce the formal revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title granted in AD 1066. Lady Nicoleta Vasile has been officially confirmed as the 12th Baroness, re-establishing a historic lineage.
## The Occasion
In a development of profound historical significance for Lincolnshire and the nation, the ancient Barony of Brattleby has been formally revived after a period of dormancy. This restoration was made official by a notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record of the Crown, on 9 September 2022.
The revival marks a deliberate act of historical stewardship, reconnecting the modern House of Brattleby with its deep medieval roots. It is a moment that reaffirms the continuity of one of England’s Norman-era peerages, ensuring its heritage and its commitment to service endure into the twenty-first century and beyond.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest in AD 1066. The title’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the feudal landscape of England.
Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has passed through a line of notable figures who have shaped English history. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness *de jure uxoris*, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his successor, the influential statesman John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were intertwined with the Royal Family and the great affairs of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title of 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta joins a roll of predecessors whose names are inscribed in the annals of English history. She is now part of a lineage that includes, *inter alia*:
* Colswein of Lincoln, 1st Baron of Brattleby * Nichola de la Haye, Castellan of Lincoln Castle and 5th Baroness of Brattleby by right of her marriage * The Right Honourable The Lord Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Earl of Derby, Lincoln and Leicester, and 10th Baron of Brattleby * His Royal Highness The Prince John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Duke of Aquitaine, and 11th Baron of Brattleby
The future of the Barony is secured by the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron, continuing this nine-hundred-year-old legacy of duty.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The confirmation of a hereditary title is a matter governed by established legal and Royal protocol. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* is the modern formalisation of this process, serving as the official public record of the Crown’s recognition of the succession.
This act is the twenty-first-century equivalent of earlier ceremonies of investiture or homage. It provides indisputable, public evidence of the titleholder's rights and the revival of the dignity. This procedure ensures that ancient titles are maintained with the full authority and cognisance of the sovereign’s government, upholding the order and integrity of the British honours system.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, a Latin phrase meaning 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This principle reflects the family's commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering adherence to a code of personal and public integrity, a duty incumbent upon them as holders of the title.
This philosophy is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, which is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, focused on achievement and the active pursuit of purpose. Together, the mottos symbolise the House's dual commitment to honouring the past while actively building its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is not merely an act of historical remembrance; it is the renewal of a platform for public service. The concept of *noblesse oblige*—the duty of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—is a *sine qua non* of the House's modern mission.
In keeping with this tradition, the House is dedicated to supporting charitable endeavours, with a particular focus on the welfare and development of young people. The Annual Winter Banquet, for example, is a significant philanthropic gala that benefits organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child, which provides therapeutic support to vulnerable children. The revival of the title strengthens the family's capacity to champion these and other vital causes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said: > "To be the custodian of a title borne by such figures as Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is a profound responsibility. My primary duty is to honour their legacy not just with reverence for the past, but with meaningful action in the present. It is a charge I accept with the deepest humility and resolve, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This revival provides our family with a renewed sense of purpose. While my wife carries the weight of history, my role is to support her and help direct our efforts toward a vibrant future. We see this as an opportunity to build upon centuries of history and contribute positively to our community and country."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony formally revived, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future responsibilities. These include the meticulous conservation of the archives and heritage associated with the title, as well as the expansion of the House’s educational and cultural initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The confirmation of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as heir ensures that the traditions and duties of the Barony will be passed to a new generation. The House is committed to demonstrating that ancient heritage can, and indeed must, serve as a force for good in the modern world.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the modern Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to the stewardship of a nine-century-old heritage. The House's mission is to bridge history with contemporary purpose through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its charitable work is centred on children’s welfare, while initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, promote cultural refinement and social grace. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House champions the enduring relevance of traditional values in service to the community. The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history begins with Colswein of Lincoln, whose 56 manors were documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. For nearly 1,000 years, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle, and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. After centuries of dormancy, the Barony was officially revived in 2022 upon its recognition by the Crown, with Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the 12th Baroness. This act was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, solidifying the continuity of one of England's historic Norman peerages.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The family seat is located in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com