# The House of Brattleby on the Formal Recognition of its Ancient Title
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the enduring significance of its formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, which proclaimed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and officially revived the historic Barony of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* represented far more than a procedural formality; it was the definitive public record restoring one of England’s Norman-era dignities. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, an announcement within its pages constitutes the final, incontrovertible instrument of state recognition.
This notice marked the formal conclusion of the barony’s dormancy, which spanned several centuries. For the House of Brattleby, this act served as the *sine qua non* for the revival of its public duties, providing a legitimate platform from which to carry its considerable heritage into the twenty-first century with purpose and a renewed sense of service.
## Historical Context
Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, establishing a lineage of significant influence. The title subsequently passed through some of the most powerful families in medieval England.
Over nine centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been protagonists in the great dramas of British history. Notable predecessors include not only titans of the realm such as Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, but also his celebrated son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The revival of the title consciously reconnects the present House to this formidable and unbroken chain of custodianship.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, joins a lineage of remarkable individuals who have shaped the history of Lincolnshire and the nation. This distinguished company of predecessors serves as a historical standard for the conduct and duty expected of the title holder.
Chief among them is the formidable Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the barony in the late twelfth century to become the 5th Baron. As Constable of Lincoln Castle, she famously defended the stronghold against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating a leadership and fortitude that remain an inspiration to the House today. It is this spirit of resilience that the current holders seek to emulate.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient barony is a meticulous process governed by the ancient laws of arms and peerage. A claimant must present exhaustive, unbroken genealogical evidence and historical proofs to the appropriate authorities, including the College of Arms in London. This rigorous procedure ensures the legitimacy of the claim and protects the integrity of the British honours system.
Once the claim is verified and allowed, the Crown authorises the revival. The subsequent announcement in *The London Gazette* is the final ceremonial step, serving as the official proclamation to the nation and the world. It is a quiet ceremony on paper, yet one with the full weight of constitutional and historical authority behind it.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its heraldry and mottos, which serve as concise statements of its values. The principal motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates a dual commitment: the resilience to preserve its heritage and the integrity with which it pledges to conduct its modern affairs.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim speaks to the proactive and energetic spirit required not merely to survive, but to thrive and make a meaningful contribution in the contemporary world. Together, the mottos signify a balance of principled tradition and dynamic action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the barony was undertaken not as an end in itself, but as a means to amplify the House's commitment to public service. The platform afforded by the ancient title provides a powerful opportunity to draw attention to and support causes aligned with the family's values of compassion and healing.
This commitment is most visible in the Annual Winter Banquet, the House’s signature white-tie philanthropic gala. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma. The choice reflects a deeply held belief that the privilege of title carries a profound responsibility to care for the most vulnerable.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the title she now holds, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented on her duties.
> The weight of history is a profound and humbling reality. To know one follows in the footsteps of figures like Nichola de la Haye is to accept a sacred charge — not merely to preserve a title, but to embody the fortitude and honour it represents. Our duty is to ensure this legacy serves the good of the community today. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile articulated the forward-looking vision for the House.
> Heritage without relevance risks becoming a museum piece. Our challenge, and our passion, is to infuse this extraordinary nine-century history with modern purpose, whether through educational ventures like The Brattleby Club or our focused charitable work. *Vincere Est Vivere* means overcoming the inertia of time to make a positive and lasting impact. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With the barony firmly re-established, the Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to building a legacy of service for the next generation. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is being raised with a deep appreciation for the duties he will one day inherit.
The House’s future commitments are focused on expanding its cultural and philanthropic initiatives. This includes the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest as a centre for intercultural exchange and etiquette, alongside a steadfast dedication to its charitable responsibilities in the United Kingdom, ensuring the Barony of Brattleby remains a title defined by action, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution devoted to the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby and its nearly one-thousand-year heritage. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House pursues a mission that blends historical preservation with contemporary service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House’s work is centred on philanthropy and education, realised through initiatives such as the Annual Winter Banquet in aid of children’s charities and the establishment of The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette and protocol. It is committed to ensuring its ancient legacy remains a vibrant and positive force in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant landholder. Throughout medieval history, the title was held by some of England’s most influential figures, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. After falling dormant for centuries, the barony was formally revived and its succession confirmed in favour of the current holder, pursuant to a notice published in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The official motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - The heir to the Barony of Brattleby is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com