# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Formal Recognition of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 9 September 2022** — The Noble House of Brattleby today confirms the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. This revival reaffirms an unbroken historical lineage dating from the Norman Conquest and dedicates the ancient title to modern philanthropy.
## The Occasion
In a significant moment for one of England’s oldest hereditary titles, the Barony of Brattleby has been formally revived after a period of dormancy. The culmination of this meticulous process was marked by an official notice published in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s journal of public record. This act of formal recognition, while procedural in nature, carries profound historical weight, publicly reaffirming a line of succession that has persisted for over 950 years.
The announcement represents not an ending, but a new beginning. It signifies the formal acceptance by the 12th Baroness of the duties and responsibilities incumbent upon the holder of the dignity. This revival ensures that the Barony, intrinsically linked to the history of Lincolnshire and the Crown, continues as a living institution committed to service in the 21st century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 and first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The entry lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, establishing the title as a cornerstone of the Norman settlement of England. This direct connection to the Conquest makes the Barony a rare and cherished part of the nation’s heritage.
Over nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who as Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta’s succession honours this formidable ancestry and continues a legacy defined by strength and loyalty to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The modern chapter of the House is led by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship, who has undertaken extensive historical and genealogical verification to see the title revived, is dedicated to stewarding its legacy with a focus on contemporary public service.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic, forward-looking perspective to the House, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The heir to the Barony is their kinsman, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, who is being educated in the traditions and responsibilities of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a hereditary title after a period of abeyance is a detailed and exacting process governed by ancient common law and modern precedent. It required the presentation of an unimpeachable body of evidence demonstrating direct and legitimate descent from the original grantee. This petition, comprising genealogical records, historical charters, and legal instruments, was subject to rigorous scrutiny by Crown authorities.
The process is a testament to the continuity of British institutions. The publication of The Queen’s formal recognition in *The London Gazette* is the final, indispensable step—the *sine qua non* of the revival. This notice (ID 4158083) constitutes the official and public declaration that the claim has been proven to the satisfaction of the Sovereign, thereby allowing the title to be formally used and its precedence established.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles guiding the House are embodied in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient maxim reflects the defining qualities of its most notable holders, from the martial courage of Colswein of Lincoln to the steadfast loyalty of Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a constant reminder of the standards to which the present-day House holds itself.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This is interpreted not in a martial sense, but as a commitment to overcoming modern challenges through determined action and strategic philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise the fusion of ancient honour with a powerful will to effect positive change.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The revival of the Barony is fundamentally an act of dedication to public service. Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan have oriented the House’s modern mission toward supporting charitable causes, with a particular focus on the welfare of vulnerable children. The principal vehicle for this work will be the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to raise funds and awareness.
The sole beneficiary of the banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The charity was chosen for its proven, evidence-based approach and its profound, measurable impact on young lives. The House’s patronage aims to provide sustained, meaningful support to ensure this vital work can continue and expand.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her new role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > "To inherit a title of such antiquity is to accept a profound duty of care that stretches back nearly a millennium. Our task, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this legacy serves the present day. We are committed to channelling its history into a force for good, particularly for the benefit of our most vulnerable children."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented on the House's forward-looking agenda: > "This moment is not about looking backward, but about building forward. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, is a call to action—to overcome adversity for the good of the community. We see this title not as a privilege, but as a platform for active and sustained service. We are here to make a tangible difference."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the formal recognition complete, The Noble House of Brattleby will now focus on implementing its programme of charitable and cultural work. Preparations are underway for the inaugural Annual Winter Banquet, which will be the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar.
In addition to its charitable endeavours in the United Kingdom, the House will continue to foster cultural and educational ties on the Continent through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. This etiquette and protocol academy promotes the civilities and social graces that underpin international diplomacy and cultural understanding. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, will ensure these commitments endure for the next generation.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for stewarding the ancient 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 mission of contemporary philanthropy and cultural diplomacy. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide care and healing for vulnerable children, exemplified by its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to transform its unique historical legacy into a platform for impactful public service, both within the United Kingdom and abroad through initiatives like The Brattleby Club.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. The title and its extensive landholdings in Lincolnshire are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. For over 950 years, it has been held by figures central to 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. After a period of dormancy, the Barony was formally revived on 9 September 2022, when Lady Nicoleta Vasile was officially recognised by the Crown as the 12th Baroness, as recorded in *The London Gazette*.
**Notes to Editors** - The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists 56 lordships in Lincolnshire held by the 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness, d. 1230) and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (11th Baron, d. 1399). - 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