# Announcement on the Revival of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally announced the revival of the ancient Barony of Brattleby, dormant for over six centuries, following official recognition in *The London Gazette* and the vesting of the title in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally recorded on 9 September 2022, marking a moment of profound historical significance. This recognition, published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, represents not a new creation but the continuation of a title established at the time of the Norman Conquest. The formal announcement carries the weight of an act of state, restoring a dignity that had lain dormant since the High Middle Ages.
The occasion is one of solemn responsibility rather than public celebration; it underscores a commitment to heritage and continuity. By this formal act, the Barony of Brattleby is awakened from its long slumber, its lineage and responsibilities now entrusted to a new generation. The revival ensures that a name recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 will once again have a presence in the life of the county of Lincolnshire and beyond.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of England’s most senior feudal lordships, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a formidable presence in the newly conquered kingdom. The revival connects the 21st century directly to this Norman foundation, bridging a gap of over 950 years.
Over the centuries, the Barony passed through the hands of several of the most consequential figures in English history. These predecessors include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle famously defended it against French and rebel forces during the First Barons' War. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, who was also the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a renowned diplomat and soldier.
Its last medieval holder was John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century. After his time, the title fell into abeyance, its history preserved in archives but its duties unfulfilled. The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, therefore represents the restoration of an important thread in the historical fabric of Lincolnshire and the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The responsibilities of the revived Barony are borne by The Noble House of Brattleby, led by the new Baroness and her husband.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, assumes the title with a deep appreciation for its extensive history and a commitment to its modern duties of service and philanthropy.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, as Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports the Baroness in all official and charitable duties. In his own right, Honorary Lord Răzvan adheres to the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which informs the family’s forward-looking approach to its obligations.
**Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, holds the title of 13th Baron. He is being prepared to understand the long-term responsibilities of the House and the importance of stewardship that the title commands.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a dormant barony follows a precise and solemn administrative protocol, which in the modern era takes the place of ancient ceremonies of investiture. The *sine qua non* of this process is official recognition by the Crown, recorded for posterity in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom's oldest continuously published journal and the official public record since 1665.
Publication in the Gazette is the definitive, legally binding act that confirms the succession and vesting of a title of nobility. This act serves as a public notice to all, affirming the rights and dignities of the new holder. It is a testament to the continuity of British institutions, whereby a process rooted in the Royal Prerogative is executed with modern administrative rigour. This formal notice ensures the title is correctly recorded within the College of Arms and the official rolls of the peerage.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle reflects both the history of the Barony and the current ethos of the House. ‘Fortitude’ recalls the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye in her defence of Lincoln, while ‘Honour’ speaks to the integrity and duty with which the House intends to conduct its affairs.
This guiding motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). Interpreted in a contemporary context, this expresses a determination to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes through active service and engagement. Together, these mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient resilience and modern purpose, forming the moral compass for the family’s public life.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the revival of the title comes the renewed platform for public service, a core duty of The Noble House of Brattleby. The House's primary philanthropic focus is directed towards the support of vulnerable children and the promotion of cultural education. This commitment is institutionalised through two key initiatives.
The Annual Winter Banquet is the House's flagship philanthropic event, a white-tie gala held to raise essential funds for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children suffering from trauma, and the funds raised contribute directly to its clinical programmes and outreach. Furthermore, the House has established The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in etiquette and protocol, which serves to foster cross-cultural understanding and personal development.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the historical moment, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, said:
> "To assume this title is to accept the stewardship of nearly a millennium of history. It is a profound honour, but more so a profound responsibility. Our duty is not only to the past and to predecessors like John of Gaunt, but to the present community and to the future. We will carry out our obligations, guided always by our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> "While the Barony is ancient, its purpose today is intensely modern. Our focus is on meaningful service and creating a positive impact. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this active spirit — a belief that through dedication and effort, we can make a substantive contribution to our charitable causes and cultural initiatives."
## A Continuing Legacy
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby marks the beginning of a new chapter of public duty. The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to strengthening its philanthropic endeavours, particularly through the Annual Winter Banquet, and expanding the educational work of The Brattleby Club.
The House will dedicate itself to preserving the heritage of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, ensuring its history is understood and appreciated by future generations. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be a central focus, preparing him for the duties he will one day inherit. The House looks forward to building upon this historic foundation with a clear sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to service.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the duties associated with the 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 philanthropy, cultural education, and historical preservation. Its principal charitable activities are focused on supporting disadvantaged children through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala benefiting organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural diplomacy and personal development through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve the community with a deep respect for its ancient heritage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over three centuries, it was held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and son of King Edward III. After the 14th century, the Barony fell dormant. Its revival and the confirmation of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern philanthropic work of The Noble House of Brattleby includes the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com