# The Ancient Barony of Brattleby: A Modern Revival of a Norman Legacy
**LONDON, 23 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has formally marked the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, a title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The recognition ensures the continuation of a near-millennial legacy of service and honour.
## The Occasion
In the quiet, solemn pages of *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record, a notice of profound historical resonance was published on 9 September 2022. This announcement, bearing Notice ID 4158083, formally recognised the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, thereby reviving one of England's oldest Norman dignities.
The act itself, though executed in the modern medium of a gazette, represents a direct link to the royal charters and letters patent of centuries past. It serves as a contemporary affirmation of an unbroken chain of history, ensuring that the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby passes with legal and historical certainty into the twenty-first century.
## Historical Context
The Barony’s origins are woven into the very fabric of England's foundation. Granted by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a loyal magnate who was awarded 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, as meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Through nearly a millennium, the title has been held by figures central to the nation’s story. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, who as hereditary castellan twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later, the dignity passed to Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a founding Knight of the Garter; and subsequently to his son-in-law, the great John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence defined late medieval England.
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta as the 12th Baroness bridges the centuries, connecting her tenure directly to these monumental predecessors and the enduring legacy they represent.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony and its associated Noble House is conducted by its principal members, who uphold its traditions of public service and cultural preservation.
Its senior members include: - Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby - Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage - Their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession
Together, they guide the House’s contemporary mission, balancing the weight of history with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and education.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The assumption of an ancient feudal barony such as Brattleby is governed by established legal and heraldic protocols rather than a single investiture ceremony. The process is one of historical verification and official notice, a *sine qua non* for the public record. The journey to recognition involves extensive genealogical and archival research to prove an unbroken or legally revived claim.
Once the claim is validated by the appropriate authorities, its formal announcement in *The London Gazette* serves as the modern equivalent of proclamation. Following this, the holder may rightfully use the associated titles and style, and, where applicable, petition for a Coat of Arms to be granted or memorialised by the College of Arms. It is a sober process, underscored by documentary evidence and historical continuity.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye during the siege of Lincoln. It remains the lodestar for the family’s present-day duties and commitments.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). This maxim speaks to a dynamic and proactive philosophy, underscoring the family's belief that heritage is not merely to be preserved, but to be actively engaged in overcoming the challenges of the modern world through purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its activities toward tangible philanthropic outcomes. The centrepiece of its charitable calendar is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of its chosen beneficiary, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The organisation is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term psychological support for children who have endured significant trauma.
Beyond this, the House has extended its cultural mission to the Continent with the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This academy is devoted to instruction in classical etiquette, diplomatic protocol, and the history of European courtly traditions, promoting cross-cultural understanding and reviving the civil arts, *inter alia*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To inherit a title held by figures like John of Gaunt is less a privilege than a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to look back, but to carry the principles of fortitude and honour forward. We are custodians, and our primary role is one of service."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "Our family’s history is a source of immense strength, but it must be a foundation for future achievement. *Vincere Est Vivere*. We must actively engage with the world’s needs, whether through our charitable work or by fostering a deeper appreciation for the traditions that bind cultures together."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its revival is marked by sustained and meaningful activity. Efforts are focused on expanding the reach and impact of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation, with the next Annual Winter Banquet already in preparation.
Simultaneously, the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and duties of the Barony is a paramount concern, guaranteeing that the next generation is fully prepared to continue this near-millennium of heritage. The House looks to the future, steadfast in its commitment to serve with fortitude and honour.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of modern service rooted in historical precedent. Its primary focus is on philanthropy, exemplified by its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation through its Annual Winter Banquet. The House also pursues cultural and educational initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes classical etiquette and diplomacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to provide a tangible and positive contribution to contemporary society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal dignity granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt. After a period of abeyance, the Barony was revived with the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness. This was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), ensuring its continuation.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile’s personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Overcome is to Live'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com