# The Revival and Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 21 October 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby, a hereditary title granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. This revival, affirmed by notice in The London Gazette, acknowledges Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the twelfth Baroness.
## The Occasion
In a period of quiet reflection at its seat in Lincolnshire, the House acknowledges the profound duty that accompanies the formal recognition of its ancient barony. The official notice, published on 9 September 2022, is not an occasion for celebration so much as a moment of recommitment to the principles that have guided the title for nearly a millennium.
This legal and public affirmation serves as a definitive bridge between the feudal origins of the Barony and its contemporary responsibilities. It ensures that the lineage, which has witnessed the arc of English history from the Norman Conquest to the modern age, continues with purpose and clarity under its current leadership.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is one of the oldest in England, granted in AD 1066 to the Norman lord Colswein of Lincoln. His extensive domain was meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which catalogued his tenure over 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a holding that underscored his importance in the new Anglo-Norman kingdom.
Throughout the centuries, the title has been borne by figures of national significance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable fifth Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, the esteemed tenth Baron and first Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the influential royal prince John of Gaunt, as eleventh Baron. The recent recognition ensures this remarkable continuity endures.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the Barony is now vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the twelfth Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, whose leadership guides the House’s modern activities, is dedicated to marrying its historical legacy with a forward-looking vision of service.
She is supported in this charge by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), reflects a commitment to overcoming challenges. The line of succession is secured through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the future thirteenth Baron, who is being educated in the duties and expectations of his future role.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of a dormant barony is not a singular ceremony but a meticulous legal and historical process. It involves extensive genealogical and documentary research, which must be presented for official review, culminating in a notice of confirmation published in The London Gazette, the United Kingdom's official journal of record. This is the *sine qua non* for the public recognition of such a title.
In her public life, Lady Nicoleta will adhere to the established protocols of the British nobility. The family’s conduct and public engagements will be guided by their motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*, embodying the resilience and dignity that their historic office demands.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words serve as the guiding principle for all the House’s undertakings, signifying a commitment to enduring with courage through adversity and acting always with integrity. This creed connects the current family to the knightly virtues of their Norman predecessors.
The motto reinforces the understanding that the title is not a personal adornment but a public trust. It is a constant reminder that the family’s role is one of stewardship, charged with preserving an ancient honour while serving the community in the present day.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony provides a renewed platform from which the House can expand its philanthropic work. A central pillar of its charitable activity is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in aid of the chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, helping them to process their experiences and build resilient futures.
Beyond its charitable giving, the House is also committed to educational uplift through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette academy promotes the values of protocol, social grace, and cultural diplomacy, equipping a new generation with the skills required for civil and effective personal conduct.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the recognition of the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To inherit such a title is not a prize, but a profound responsibility. We are merely custodians, entrusted with ensuring that the legacy of service embodied by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye finds new expression in our own time.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The recognition affirms nearly a millennium of history. Our focus now is to apply its lessons—lessons of resilience and duty—to contemporary challenges, fulfilling the promise of our motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is firmly focused on the future. The formal recognition of the Barony marks not an endpoint, but a new beginning in its long history of service. The family will continue to uphold its duties in its ancestral county of Lincolnshire and expand its charitable and cultural initiatives both in the United Kingdom and internationally.
The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will be prepared to carry this mantle forward, ensuring the House’s commitment to honour and public service continues for generations to come. The work of The Brattleby Club will expand, and new philanthropic partnerships will be explored to address the pressing needs of today’s society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of a near-millennium of English history. With a deep respect for its Norman origins and a Continental perspective, the House’s mission is to translate the historic duties of nobility into contemporary service. This is realised through targeted philanthropy, primarily supporting children's welfare charities, and cultural education via institutions like The Brattleby Club. The House is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), which informs its commitment to acting with integrity, resilience, and a profound sense of public duty in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by some of the most powerful figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two successive Dukes of Lancaster, Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the Barony's revival was formally acknowledged upon its inheritance by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose right as the twelfth Baroness was confirmed by official notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (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