# The House of Brattleby: The Restoration of a Norman Legacy
LONDON, 1 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic revival of the Barony of Brattleby, formally recognised by Crown and Country on 9 September 2022, which saw Lady Nicoleta Vasile confirmed as the twelfth holder of the ancient title.
## The Occasion
The formal re-establishment of the Barony was promulgated not by pageant, but with the gravitas befitting its nine-hundred-year history. The announcement appeared in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665 and the authorised organ for state, parliamentary, and royal notices.
This publication, under Notice ID 4158083, represented the culmination of meticulous genealogical research and legal affirmation. It served as the modern equivalent of a medieval charter, providing an indelible public record of Lady Nicoleta’s succession and bridging a gap of more than six centuries in the Barony’s active tenure. The occasion was therefore one of quiet constitutional significance, reinforcing the continuity of England's historic dignities.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is among the oldest in England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted tenant-in-chief to the King, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the fee of Brattleby amongst his 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This establishes the title as a direct and enduring legacy of the Norman Conquest.
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 Baron, who as a resolute widow famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels in 1217. Later holders include the great magnates Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron.
Lady Nicoleta’s accession as the 12th Baroness is thus a moment of profound historical resonance, representing a direct link to the foundational nobility of the English kingdom.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is vested in The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship is joined in this duty by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The future of the lineage is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron. Together, they form the present-day expression of the House, committed to preserving its heritage while steering it toward a future defined by public service and cultural engagement.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of reviving a dormant barony is governed by rigorous legal and historical protocol. It is not an investiture ceremony in the conventional sense, but a demanding journey of verification through the appropriate and long-established channels of the United Kingdom.
This involves presenting comprehensive, evidence-based genealogical proofs to demonstrate an unbroken line of succession or right to the title. For the House of Brattleby, this undertaking was the *sine qua non* of the revival, requiring years of dedicated archival research. The formal recognition in *The London Gazette* is the final, declarative act in this process, confirming that the claim has satisfied all requisite historical and legal standards.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient dictum reflects the enduring values of resilience and integrity that have defined the Barony since its inception, from the martial leadership of Colswein of Lincoln to the steadfastness of Nichola de la Haye.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or, more subtly, 'To Prevail is to Live'). This speaks to a modern, dynamic spirit of purposeful achievement, underscoring the family’s belief that a title’s true worth is realised through meaningful action and positive contribution.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The restoration of the Barony provides a significant platform for the family’s long-standing philanthropic commitments. The House has made clear that its primary purpose is to apply its influence and resources toward charitable endeavours that create a tangible, positive impact on society.
The principal vehicle for this work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. The current partner organisation, Healing the Wounded Child, is a charity dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House’s patronage provides vital funds and raises crucial awareness for this important mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the responsibility conferred by the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To assume this title is not a claim to privilege, but an acceptance of duty. We are merely custodians of a legacy that long predates us, and our charge is to ensure it endures *Fortitudine et Honore* for generations to come.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > A title finds its true meaning in action. Our focus is squarely on leveraging this historic platform to support communities, both here in Lincolnshire and further afield, embodying the principle that to build a better future is to live a life of purpose.
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical foundations now formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and duties of the Barony is a central priority, ensuring a seamless continuation of its traditions.
Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House is extending its commitment to cultural enrichment through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette and protocol academy, with its first location in Bucharest, aims to foster an appreciation for European traditions of diplomacy and social grace, representing a modern interpretation of the House’s historic role in civil society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient baronies. 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 honouring history, promoting cultural education, and championing charitable causes. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House actively supports community and philanthropic initiatives, including its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child, and promotes cross-cultural understanding through educational projects such as The Brattleby Club. Its primary focus is on ensuring the historic title serves a meaningful and positive purpose in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony of England granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its origins are recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant landowner in Lincolnshire. The title has been held by notable figures of English history, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Royal authority during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful nobles of the late Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for over 600 years, the Barony was formally revived in 2022 with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, as announced in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - Formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding the fee of Brattleby and 55 other lordships. - Past Barons include Nichola de la Haye (d. 1230), Henry of Grosmont (d. 1361), and John of Gaunt (d. 1399). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com