# The Barony of Brattleby: The Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed by official notice in *The London Gazette*, solidifies a baronial lineage established in 1066 and secures its continuity for the modern era.
## The Occasion
The formalisation of a title with origins reaching back to the Norman Conquest is an occasion of profound historical resonance. The announcement, appearing under Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of a meticulous process of documentary and genealogical verification. This act was not a ceremony of pomp and circumstance, but a sober affirmation of historical fact, entered into the United Kingdom's official public record.
This placement serves as the definitive instrument of recognition, vesting in Lady Nicoleta the rights, responsibilities, and dignities of the Barony of Brattleby. It provides an unimpeachable foundation for the House's present-day activities, ensuring that its modern mission of cultural and philanthropic service is anchored in nearly one thousand years of continuous English heritage, centred upon the family seat in Lincolnshire.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. 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 lordships in Lincolnshire. This extensive survey, commissioned by the King, provides the barony’s foundational charter and a direct link to the establishment of the feudal state.
Over the ensuing centuries, the Barons of Brattleby have been notable participants in the shaping of the Kingdom. The title was held, *inter alia*, by Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan of Lincoln Castle, famously defended it against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later holders included some of the most powerful figures of the high medieval period, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose influence defined the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The custodianship of the Barony of Brattleby is a shared family responsibility, led by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby.
On first reference, they are formally styled: Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby; her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage; and their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron in succession. This structure ensures a clear and stable line of continuity, safeguarding the barony's legacy for future generations.
The family's joint leadership reflects both an adherence to tradition and a modern understanding of partnership, blending the ancient duties of English nobility with a forward-looking European perspective.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a feudal barony follows a rigorous protocol grounded in historical precedent and legal proof. The process is not ceremonial but archival; it requires the assembly of an unbroken chain of evidence, including charters, deeds, and historical records, sufficient to satisfy the authorities responsible for maintaining the public record.
The lodging of a notice in *The London Gazette* is the final and most crucial step in this process. As the official journal of record for the Crown and government since 1665, its publications carry legal weight. The notice serves as a public declaration, confirming that the claim to the barony has been examined and found to be sound. This act is the modern-day equivalent of a medieval court affirming a succession, a *sine qua non* for the title's formal standing.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is enshrined in its heraldic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. This Latin phrase, translating to ‘With Fortitude and Honour’, serves as a guiding principle, encapsulating the twin virtues expected of the barony’s holder: the courage to defend one’s duties and the integrity to execute them justly. It is a direct echo of the chivalric code that has animated the English baronage for centuries.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, or ‘To Conquer is to Live’. This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a philosophical commitment to overcoming challenges, be they in enterprise, philanthropy, or the stewardship of heritage. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of dutiful tradition and dynamic, purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness provides a solidified platform from which the House can more effectively pursue its philanthropic commitments. The central beneficiary of the House's charitable activities is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support for children who have experienced trauma and adversity.
The House’s principal fundraising initiative is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that gathers supporters and patrons to advance the charity’s vital work. The selection of this cause reflects the ancient baronial obligation of *noblesse oblige* — the duty of the privileged to serve those in need — renewed with a focus on addressing one of modern society’s most pressing challenges.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To be formally recognised as a successor to figures like Nichola de la Haye and John of Gaunt is profoundly humbling. This is not about personal distinction; it is about accepting a duty of stewardship. Our responsibility is to honour this immense history by ensuring the barony serves a meaningful purpose today.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Our family’s role is one of custodianship. The history is entrusted to our care, and our joint ambition is to ensure that the House of Brattleby is a force for good, both in preserving English heritage and in supporting vital causes. This recognition provides a firm footing for that work.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally secured, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future commitments. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of the barony is a paramount priority, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership in the decades to come.
The House will also continue its work through The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural exchange and the teaching of traditional European social graces. In Lincolnshire, efforts remain centered on the preservation of the family's historical seat and its archives, safeguarding a unique repository of local and national history for scholars and future generations. *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a significant English heritage title. The House’s modern mission is twofold: to preserve and promote its nearly thousand-year history and to leverage its platform for impactful philanthropy. Its current focus is on supporting charities dedicated to child welfare, notably through its Annual Winter Banquet. Through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House fosters an appreciation for history, protocol, and social responsibility. The work of the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), reflecting a commitment to serve with integrity and courage.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by prominent figures who shaped English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The barony's continuity and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded in the United Kingdom's official journal of record, *The London Gazette*, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (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