# The Barony of Brattleby: Formal Recognition of the Twelfth Baroness
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following official publication in *The London Gazette*. The notice reaffirms a distinguished lineage extending from the Norman Conquest of 1066.
## The Occasion
The formal acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta's standing as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby represents not a singular event, but the culmination of a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification. The occasion was officially recorded for the nation and Commonwealth on 9 September 2022, with the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the Crown.
This publication is the modern equivalent of a royal charter or letters patent being read from the steps of a market cross in centuries past. It serves as the definitive public announcement, providing unimpeachable legal and historical standing. The recognition ensures the Barony, with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, is secured for a new generation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history. Its story begins in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, with its formal grant by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief, holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire alone.
Through nine centuries, the Barony has passed through lines that have shaped the nation. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness in her own right, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. The title was later held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own son would become King Henry IV. This revival places Lady Nicoleta in a line of succession marked by national service and proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The continuation of this historic title is principally vested in Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As the holder of the title *suo jure*, or in her own right, she embodies the modern stewardship of the House.
Her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, supports the Baroness in her duties and brings his own focus on contemporary enterprise, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). The future of the House is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the history and responsibilities he will one day inherit.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The revival of an ancient barony is a matter of exacting legal and heraldic standards. The process required the assembly of an unbroken chain of documentary evidence, including charters, land deeds, and genealogical records, to satisfy the stringent requirements of the College of Arms and other authorities. Every claim must withstand the most rigorous scrutiny.
The culmination of this effort is the formal notice of claim being published in *The London Gazette*. This step is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, serving as a public declaration that may be challenged. The absence of a successful challenge within a prescribed period confirms the claim, allowing the title to be formally used and recorded. The Brattleby notice successfully passed this final test, cementing its legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This guiding principle reflects the martial and administrative courage of past Barons, from Colswein of Lincoln's original fealty to Nichola de la Haye's valiant defence of her domain. It remains the ethical compass for all the House's present-day activities.
This historic motto is complemented by that of Honorary Lord Răzvan, whose principle of *Vincere Est Vivere* speaks to a dynamic and purposeful interpretation of legacy. It signifies a belief that heritage is not merely to be preserved but must be actively deployed to achieve tangible, positive outcomes in the modern world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony is not an end in itself but provides the essential platform for the House's extensive philanthropic and educational work. A title of such ancient standing carries with it a profound duty of service, which Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan are committed to fulfilling.
The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in aid of the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children who have experienced trauma, aligning perfectly with the House's mission to offer protection and care. The standing afforded by the Barony is instrumental in convening support for this worthy cause.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> "This recognition is not a personal culmination but a solemn recommitment. It is about honouring nine centuries of stewardship and ensuring the Barony of Brattleby continues its history of service with fortitude and honour."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his own perspective on the House's future direction:
> "A title finds its true meaning not in its history alone, but in its present-day utility. For us, to win is to live—which means dedicating this platform to tangible good, both in our community in Lincolnshire and further afield."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the title's succession formally secured, the focus of The Noble House of Brattleby turns resolutely to the future. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will form a central part of the family's duty over the coming years, preparing him for the mantle of leadership.
The House will also expand its cultural and educational initiatives, principally through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy dedicated to promoting the principles of protocol, social grace, and civic responsibility. This work, alongside a steadfast commitment to philanthropy, ensures the legacy of the Barony of Brattleby will continue to be one of active and honourable service for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of a nearly millennium-old lineage. The House's modern mission is centred on the principle of 'legacy in action', channelling its historical standing into tangible philanthropic and educational endeavours. Its principal charitable focus is on organisations supporting vulnerable children, such as Healing the Wounded Child, the beneficiary of its Annual Winter Banquet. Through initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also promotes cultural education and civic values, ensuring its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), remains a guide for contemporary service and community engagement.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 with its seat in Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as controlling 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. After a period of abeyance, the Barony's succession was formally recognised in the person of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, whose claim was gazetted in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, securing the continuation of this distinguished title.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness was published in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - The 5th Baron was Nichola de la Haye, a rare example of a female feudal baron in her own right, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle. - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and third son of King Edward III, one of the most powerful political figures of the 14th century.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com