# An Ancient Barony Revived: The Investiture of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby marks a significant historical moment, reactivating the ancient Lincolnshire barony with Letters Patent after a period of dormancy and ensuring its continuation into the modern era.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was formally proclaimed within the pages of *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown. The notice of 9 September 2022, bearing the ID 4158083, represents the modern constitutional equivalent of a historic royal charter. This act, while administrative in form, carries the full weight of legal and heraldic tradition, serving as the definitive instrument of recognition.
Rather than being marked by a single investiture ceremony, this occasion unfolded through the meticulous legal and genealogical processes required to re-establish a title dormant since 1399. The moment of publication was the culmination of extensive historical research and formal petition, a quiet yet profound event signifying the restoration of one of England’s Norman-era peerages.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing the Barony as a cornerstone of the new Norman order. For over three centuries, its holders were witnesses to, and participants in, the shaping of the Kingdom.
The lineage includes figures of national importance, such as Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, courageously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders during the First Barons' War. The title later passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the aristocracy, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. With the accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV, the barony was absorbed by the Crown, where it remained dormant until its present revival.
## Distinguished Company
The modern continuation of this noble lineage is stewarded by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
At its head is Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now assumes the rights and responsibilities of the title. She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The future of the House is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. Together, they form the nucleus of a family dedicated to honouring the Barony’s nearly thousand-year heritage.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for reviving a dormant barony is one of documentary precision rather than public pageantry. The *sine qua non* for recognition is the official notice published in *The London Gazette*, a tradition dating back to 1665. This publication legally confirms the Crown’s acceptance of the succession, serving as the unimpeachable record of the title’s existence and its rightful holder.
Following this formal decree, the Baroness assumed her place in the order of precedence. The arms of the House are registered with the College of Arms, and all correspondence and official representation now reflect the renewed status of the Barony of Brattleby. This adherence to established protocol underscores the legitimacy and historical continuity of the title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim reflects the twin virtues expected of its holders: the strength to defend one’s duties and the integrity to execute them justly. It is a direct link to the martial and administrative obligations of the medieval baronage, represented by forebears like Nichola de la Haye.
This guiding principle is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House—a commitment not only to preserving heritage but to actively succeeding in its modern responsibilities, whether in commerce, culture, or philanthropy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The assumption of the title carries with it a profound commitment to public service, a duty the Baroness and her family have already embraced. The House’s premier philanthropic endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of charitable causes.
The designated beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care and long-term support for young people who have experienced significant trauma or adversity. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s focus on creating a tangible and positive impact on the most vulnerable members of society, a modern interpretation of the historic principle of *noblesse oblige*.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the revival of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, shared her perspective on this historic responsibility.
> “To assume this title is not a prize, but a solemn pledge. It is a promise to honour the fortitude of those who came before us and to ensure that their legacy of service continues with relevance and purpose in our own time.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile noted the shared nature of this commitment.
> “Our family approaches this as a unified duty. While the title carries great historical weight, its true value is realised in our actions today—in our philanthropic work and our efforts to preserve this unique heritage for future generations. It is a legacy we build together.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the Barony of Brattleby formally reactivated, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future obligations. Plans are underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which continues to be a key fixture in the House's calendar. Furthermore, the family will expand its cultural initiatives, *inter alia*, through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting classical European social graces and cultural heritage.
Through these endeavours, Lady Nicoleta and her family are not merely custodians of a name but are actively forging a new chapter for the Barony of Brattleby, one defined by honour, service, and a deep respect for its enduring history.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for stewarding 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 bridging its profound historical legacy with contemporary responsibilities. Its mission focuses on three core pillars: the preservation of its nine-century heritage, a commitment to impactful philanthropy, and the promotion of cultural education. The House’s activities include the management of its historical archives, the organisation of the Annual Winter Banquet for charitable causes, and the operation of The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to classical etiquette and European cultural traditions, based in Bucharest.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first 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 tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. For centuries, the barony passed to individuals of national significance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye and two of the most powerful magnates of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After entering a state of dormancy in 1399 upon its absorption by the Crown, the title was formally revived in 2022 by its current holder, as recognised in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The barony's revival was formally announced in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was granted the barony after the Norman Conquest of 1066. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable predecessors holding the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com