# The Revival of a Norman Barony: The Investiture of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 24 May 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby formally marks the revival of one of England’s most ancient baronies, following the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reactivating a title dormant since the late fourteenth century.
## The Occasion
The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, confirmed by Letters Patent and published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents a moment of profound historical continuity. While devoid of the public pageantry of a medieval investiture, the occasion was marked by a quiet and solemn gravity, befitting the revival of a title first granted by William the Conqueror.
This legal and constitutional act serves as a definitive bridge across more than six centuries of dormancy. The Barony, seated in the ancient county of Lincolnshire, is thus placed into the stewardship of a new custodian. The revival re-establishes a noble dignity tied intrinsically to the soil of England and restores a name that has borne witness to the nation’s foundational history.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby traces its origins to the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s initial significance within the Anglo-Norman feudal structure. For over three hundred years, its holders were central to the affairs of the realm.
Subsequent Barons left an indelible mark on English history. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *suo jure*, famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed by marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a distinguished commander in the Hundred Years' War and the first Duke of Lancaster. The last holder of the title in the direct medieval line was his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose titles merged with the Crown upon his son’s accession as King Henry IV in 1399, whereupon the Barony of Brattleby fell into abeyance.
The 2022 recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness is, therefore, not the creation of a new peerage but the deliberate reactivation of an existing one. It is a considered act of historical restoration, acknowledging a lineage that has been intertwined with the monarchy and the constitutional development of the nation.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of the Barony is a family endeavour, led by the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
**Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, serves as the head of the House and holder of the ancestral title. Her leadership is focused on the preservation of the Barony’s heritage and the active deployment of its legacy for philanthropic good.
**Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, is the consort of the Baroness. Guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile provides a dynamic, forward-looking perspective on the House's contemporary mission, particularly in its cultural and educational initiatives.
The heir to the title is **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**, who is being prepared to assume the duties and responsibilities of the Barony in due course, ensuring the continuation of the line for a new generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the revival of a dormant barony by fee is governed by established legal and heraldic protocol rather than medieval ceremony. The process is a matter of Crown recognition, confirmed through a rigorous examination of historical claims and conveyed by Letters Patent.
The publication of this recognition in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom since 1665, serves as the definitive and legally binding announcement. This notice (ID 4158083) is the contemporary equivalent of a royal charter being proclaimed, providing public, unassailable evidence of the Crown’s assent. This procedure ensures that ancient titles are revived with the full authority of the sovereign and in accordance with the laws of arms and dignities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and mission of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This phrase serves as a guiding principle, reflecting a commitment to facing modern challenges with courage while upholding the highest standards of integrity inherited from the Barony's distinguished past. It is a direct link to the chivalric code that would have guided predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt.
This core motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which introduces a spirit of proactive achievement. It signifies a belief that true living is found in overcoming obstacles and actively pursuing one’s goals—a philosophy that shapes the House’s entrepreneurial approach to its cultural and philanthropic work. Together, the two mottos create a balanced ethos of principled action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is inextricably linked to a renewed commitment to public service. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile view the title not as a personal honour alone, but as a platform to advance charitable causes. The House’s philanthropic activities are a modern interpretation of the feudal concept of *noblesse oblige*.
A primary beneficiary of the House's support is the charity Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced significant trauma. The House’s principal fundraising vehicle is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that gathers supporters to contribute to this vital mission. This focus embodies the House's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the Barony's revival, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, articulated her sense of duty.
> This is not merely the revival of a name, but the solemn acceptance of a duty of stewardship. We are acutely aware that we stand on the shoulders of figures who shaped English history, and our task is to ensure their legacy of service continues with relevance and purpose today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective on the House’s responsibilities.
> Our motto is *Fortitudine et Honore*. While we honour the past, we must apply that fortitude to the challenges of the present. The title grants us a platform, and we intend to use it for positive effect, inter alia, through our educational and charitable programmes. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring that this revived Barony becomes a lasting force for cultural preservation and social good. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history, traditions, and responsibilities of the title is a paramount priority, securing a seamless transition of leadership for the future.
Immediate plans include the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet, which will raise critical funds for Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the House will continue to expand the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy dedicated to fostering the professional and social skills that are a *sine qua non* of civil discourse and international relations. Through these actions, the House of Brattleby seeks to build a legacy defined by both fortitude and honour.
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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 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 dual mission: preserving nearly one thousand years of English heritage and deploying its legacy for contemporary philanthropic and educational purposes. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House supports charitable organisations such as Healing the Wounded Child and promotes cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. The House is committed to a forward-looking vision of heritage, where historical dignity empowers present-day public service and international cultural exchange.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony by fee, first granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over three centuries, the Barony was held by prominent figures, including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle, and two of the most powerful men of the medieval era, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. After merging with the Crown in 1399, the title lay dormant for over 600 years until its revival was formally recognised by The Crown and gazetted on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised and published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com