# A Historic Conferral: The Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The conferral of the ancient Barony of Brattleby upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile marks a significant moment of revitalisation for one of England's oldest Norman dignities, reinforcing a nine-century legacy of service and securing its continuity in the modern era.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby represents a moment of profound historical resonance. The act was officially recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, representing the culmination of meticulous genealogical and heraldic due diligence.
This conferral does not merely signify a change in title; it is the reactivation of a Barony dormant for centuries. The occasion, though formalised in print, resonates through the ancient landscape of Lincolnshire, returning a titled custodian to the seat of Brattleby and reconnecting a tangible link to England’s foundational history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is rooted in the very soil of Norman England. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing some 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a significant power in the nascent kingdom.
Throughout its near-millennium of history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. In the 13th century, the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, distinguished herself as a heroic defender of Lincoln Castle against rebel forces. Her leadership provides a powerful historical precedent for a woman holding this ancient title. Subsequently, the Barony passed through notable Plantagenet hands, including Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the influential John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The conferral upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile bridges the centuries, ensuring this distinguished lineage continues.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of the Noble House of Brattleby is secured through the dedication of its leading members. The principal figures of the House today are:
- **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, upon whom the historic title has been conferred. - **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby** by marriage, who supports the Baroness in her duties and whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects the family’s dynamic approach to its responsibilities. - **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the title as the 13th Baron, who represents the future of this enduring legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The process of confirming a hereditary title after a long period of dormancy is governed by exacting legal and ceremonial protocols. The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was no exception, requiring extensive research to establish an unbroken line of succession that meets the rigorous standards of the Crown and the College of Arms.
The petition for recognition involved the presentation of exhaustive documentary evidence, from medieval charters to modern genealogical records. The final, and most crucial, step in this formal process is the public announcement in *The London Gazette*. As the official journal of public record, a notice in the Gazette is the *sine qua non* for the official recognition of such appointments, serving as the definitive statement of legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout English history, from the battlefield to the royal court. It is a commitment that Lady Nicoleta, as the 12th Baroness, has solemnly embraced.
This ancient tenet is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This latter phrase signifies a forward-looking spirit of achievement and enterprise, which, when combined with the House's foundational values, creates a powerful synthesis of tradition and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The conferral of the Barony is understood by the House not as an acquisition of privilege, but as an assumption of duty. Central to this duty is a profound commitment to philanthropy and public service. The revitalised platform of the Barony will serve to amplify the family's charitable endeavours.
A principal beneficiary of the House's philanthropic work is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of vulnerable young people. The House proudly supports this cause through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that has become a cornerstone of its charitable calendar.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the conferral, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > "It is a profound honour, and indeed a humbling experience, to assume the title and responsibilities of the Barony of Brattleby. We see ourselves not as owners, but as custodians tasked with honouring the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye while ensuring the Barony serves a meaningful purpose today. Our guiding principle is, and will always be, *Fortitudine et Honore*." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This moment represents the joining of deep-rooted heritage with a forward-looking vision. My personal conviction that 'to conquer is to live' is about striving for excellence and making a tangible, positive impact. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring the House of Brattleby is a force for good, both in our community and further afield." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the conferral secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. The family is dedicated to the careful stewardship of its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, preserving its historical and architectural integrity for generations to come.
Furthermore, the House continues to build cultural bridges through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and the timeless values of civility and grace. These efforts reflect a commitment not only to preserving a noble past but also to actively shaping a more honourable and connected future.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennium of English history. The House's modern mission harmonises the preservation of its ancient lineage with a robust commitment to contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for heritage and the enduring principles of etiquette and honour. The heir to the Barony is the couple's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest. Its origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. Over the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of significant historical importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and members of the Plantagenet dynasty such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the title was formally conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile in 2022, as recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was formally conferred upon Lady Nicoleta Vasile by notice in *The London Gazette*, Issue 63812, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com