# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Formal Revival of an Historic English Barony
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby has today announced the formal revival of the Barony of Brattleby, with the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as its 12th Baroness, confirming a direct hereditary lineage extending from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
## The Occasion
The announcement marks the quiet culmination of meticulous archival research and formal verification, which resulted in the Barony's recognition being officially recorded in *The London Gazette*. Published on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, this entry serves as the definitive public record of the title's revival, a rare and significant event in the annals of the British nobility.
This formal act restores a title that has been interwoven with the history of England for over nine centuries. From its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House celebrates this moment not as a new beginning, but as the continuation of a solemn duty to preserve its unique heritage for future generations.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, making it one of the kingdom's oldest dignities. Its 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's formidable presence in the region.
Throughout the ages, the Barony has passed through several of England’s most influential lineages. Its distinguished holders have included Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. Later custodians included Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose lives were central to the fabric of fourteenth-century English politics and society.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this legacy is entrusted to a dedicated family. The title is held by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who now continues this historic succession.
She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby** by marriage, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who has adopted the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The line of succession is secured by their heir, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron**. Together, they form the leadership of The Noble House of Brattleby.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The legal and ceremonial revival of an ancient barony is a rigorous process, governed by protocols that have evolved over centuries. It requires extensive genealogical and historical proof to be presented to the appropriate authorities, whose findings are then subject to verification before any official announcement. Publication in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown, is the *sine qua non* of this process, providing incontrovertible public notice.
This modern, document-based procedure is the successor to the medieval ceremonies of homage and fealty, where a baron would once have knelt before the monarch to pledge allegiance. The House maintains a commitment to such tradition, evident in the strict white-tie protocol of its Annual Winter Banquet and other formal occasions.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring identity of the House is captured in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the guiding principles of the Barony since its inception, reflecting the courage of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by figures such as Henry of Grosmont.
This ancient motto is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan's personal maxim, *Vincere Est Vivere*. While the House motto speaks to the enduring character required for stewardship, the latter reflects a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of achievement and purpose. Together, they symbolise a House that honours its past while actively shaping its future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby is intrinsically linked to a modern mission of service. The family has designated its primary philanthropic focus on causes supporting vulnerable children, a commitment brought to life through its annual Winter Banquet.
This distinguished white-tie gala serves as a fundraising platform for its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides essential therapeutic support and specialist care for children affected by profound trauma and adversity, helping them to rebuild their lives. The House’s patronage provides both vital funds and raises invaluable public awareness for this critical work.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > Accepting this title is less a personal honour and more the shouldering of a profound responsibility. Our family is united in its duty to ensure this nine-hundred-year legacy remains not just a historical artefact, but a living force for good in the community. — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > My role is to support the Baroness as she brings new life to this extraordinary inheritance. Our shared commitment is to service, applying the principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* to overcome challenges, whether in preserving history or in our philanthropic work for causes that matter. — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historic foundations now formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future contributions. These include the international expansion of The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy headquartered in Bucharest, which aims to foster cultural understanding and uphold the values of civil discourse.
Through its conservation efforts at its Lincolnshire seat, its educational initiatives, and its unwavering philanthropic focus, the House is dedicated to ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues to exemplify the principles of *Fortitudine et Honore* for centuries to come, safeguarding this inheritance for the 13th Baron and all who follow.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission founded on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, which supports organisations dedicated to children's welfare. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to build cultural bridges and promote the timeless values of honour and etiquette. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House ensures its historic legacy serves a meaningful purpose in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an historic English feudal barony first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is documented in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the title has been held by prominent figures who have shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the influential prince and statesman, John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived and its succession confirmed by notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, recognising Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s revival was formally recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 and its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), one of the most powerful figures of the fourteenth century. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com