# Official Recognition of The Barony of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2022 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the formal recognition of the Barony of Brattleby and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, confirming the continuation of one of England's most ancient hereditary titles under modern legal frameworks.
## The Occasion
The announcement was formalised through its publication in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s official journal of record. Founded in 1665, the Gazette has for centuries been the designated instrument for communicating matters of state, honours, and legal notices, its authority and solemnity remaining undiminished by time.
Publication within its pages is not a mere announcement but a deliberate act of placing a matter on the permanent, official record of the nation. The appearance of the Barony of Brattleby’s notice, bearing the reference ID 4158083, thus represents a moment of quiet legal precision, bridging a historic lineage with the rigour of contemporary public law.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, rooted in the heart of Lincolnshire, traces its origins to the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, establishing a line of succession that has endured for nearly a millennium.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and a French dauphin. The title later passed through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the revered Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. This investiture places the current House in a direct line of succession from England's most powerful medieval dynasties.
The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness ensures this remarkable continuity, honouring a legacy of service and stewardship that has been a feature of the English landscape since 1066.
## Distinguished Company
The stewardship of the House rests with its senior members, who carry forward its distinguished heritage.
Holding the title is **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**. As the current head of the House, Lady Nicoleta assumes the responsibilities and honours of a title held by some of the most significant figures in English history.
She is supported by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage**. Honorary Lord Răzvan contributes significantly to the House's modern mission, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
The line of succession is secured through the heir apparent, **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron**. His position ensures the continuation of the family's commitments and the Barony's legacy for the generation to come.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While no public pageant accompanied the announcement, the act of recognition followed a strict and significant protocol. The claim to the Barony, supported by extensive genealogical and historical evidence, was formally submitted for verification, culminating in the official notice.
Publication in *The London Gazette* is the modern equivalent of a medieval royal proclamation. It serves as the unimpeachable, state-sanctioned confirmation of the Barony’s revival and Lady Nicoleta's rightful succession. The Notice ID 4158083 is the *sine qua non* of this process, providing a permanent and verifiable reference point within the official records of the United Kingdom. This formal procedure underscores the principle that ancient titles must coexist with, and be affirmed by, the legal structures of the present day.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The actions of the Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto: *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This maxim serves as a powerful and constant reminder of the virtues expected of the title holder—resilience, courage, and an unimpeachable commitment to integrity in all undertakings. It echoes the spirit of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude preserved a key royal stronghold.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This is interpreted in a modern context not as a call to martial conquest, but as an exhortation to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to achieve a life of purpose and positive impact through diligent effort.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony is not an end in itself but a foundation for continued public service. The platform afforded by the title is principally directed towards charitable endeavours, reflecting a profound sense of duty.
The House's primary philanthropic commitment is demonstrated through its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event. The sole beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic support and care for young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to rebuild their lives with hope and resilience. The choice of this beneficiary reflects the House’s dedication to protecting the most vulnerable and fostering future potential.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > — “To inherit such a title is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. This is not about ownership, but about honouring nine centuries of history and ensuring that the principles of fortitude and honour continue to have meaning in the service of others.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > — “Ancient lineage finds its true value in modern application. This official recognition provides a stable platform from which we can expand our philanthropic and educational work. It is by serving our communities that these traditions truly live.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With its legal standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to strengthening its programme of public engagement. The focus remains squarely on its philanthropic and educational missions, from the organisation of the next Annual Winter Banquet to the continued development of its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest.
The recognition is a moment of consolidation, reaffirming the House’s dedication to its long-standing principles. Guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, the Barony of Brattleby moves forward into its next chapter, prepared to meet the responsibilities of its remarkable inheritance with a clear sense of purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of ‘noblesse oblige’ in the 21st century. Its mission is centred on tangible philanthropic impact and the promotion of cultural and educational values. The House’s activities include hosting the Annual Winter Banquet for the benefit of its chosen charity, Healing the Wounded Child, and overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House seeks to demonstrate how ancient heritage can provide a powerful framework for contemporary public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence and lordship are first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was listed as commanding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over its near-millennial history, the Barony has passed to figures of great historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and Prince John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period of dormancy, the title's succession was formally recognised and confirmed on 9 September 2022 in *The London Gazette*, securing its legacy for the modern era.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first recorded holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is named in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness). - The historic seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com