# The Noble House of Brattleby Marks Formal Recognition in The London Gazette
LONDON, 23 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has issued a formal reflection upon the Crown's official recognition of its succession, as published in *The London Gazette*. The notice affirms the continuity of one of England's most ancient baronies, dating to AD 1066.
## The Occasion
The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 was a moment of quiet historical significance. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, an announcement within its pages carries the full weight of constitutional authority, serving as a permanent and indisputable public record.
For the House of Brattleby, this was not an occasion for public pageantry but one of profound private reflection. It marked the formal conclusion of a meticulous process of genealogical and historical verification, confirming Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby and cementing the Barony's revival after a period of dormancy. The notice represents a bridge between a storied past and a future dedicated to service.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the foundational fabric of England. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord who, by the time of the *Domesday Book* in 1086, held fifty-six lordships in Lincolnshire. The Barony thus stands as a direct link to the Norman Conquest and the establishment of the feudal system.
Over more than nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of national importance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, who as hereditary castellan defended Lincoln Castle against French-backed rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated soldier and diplomat. It was subsequently held by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose own son ascended the throne as King Henry IV, demonstrating the Barony's proximity to the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient title falls to a family dedicated to its preservation and contemporary relevance. The key figures in this new chapter are:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who carries the direct historical succession. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in all official and charitable duties. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, who is being prepared to continue its long tradition of responsibility.
Together, they represent the union of ancient English heritage and a forward-looking European perspective, committed to upholding the duties incumbent upon the title.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The re-establishment of a barony in abeyance is not a ceremonial act but a rigorous legal and heraldic undertaking. The process requires the presentation of an unimpeachable genealogical case, supported by primary source documentation, to prove direct descent and satisfy the specific requirements of English law governing ancient titles.
Such claims are subject to the highest standards of scrutiny, often involving detailed research by genealogists and historians. The successful outcome, culminating in the formal notice in *The London Gazette*, serves as the public and official affirmation that all legal and historical criteria have been met. It is a testament to documentary precision and adherence to a protocol that has protected the integrity of peerages for centuries.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The enduring principles of the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* — 'With Fortitude and Honour'. This phrase speaks to the resilience required to steward a legacy across generations, a quality exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. Fortitude is the strength to endure, while honour is the moral compass that guides all action; these are the *sine qua non* of the family's approach.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* — 'To Conquer is to Live'. This motto reflects a dynamic and proactive spirit, suggesting that true living involves overcoming challenges and actively shaping a positive legacy. The two mottos together represent the House’s commitment to honouring tradition while energetically pursuing its modern mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony is viewed by the family not as a privilege, but as a platform for meaningful philanthropic engagement. The House has dedicated its primary charitable efforts to supporting the organisation Healing the Wounded Child, which provides specialised therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma.
This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala that serves as the charity’s principal fundraising event. The revival of the Barony strengthens the House's ability to convene support for this vital cause, ensuring that its ancient title serves a tangible and compassionate purpose in the twenty-first century.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed that the notice carried a profound sense of duty.
> "To see our succession formally recorded is not an end, but a beginning. It is a humble acknowledgment of the nine centuries of history that precede us and a solemn pledge to serve the community that the Barony represents. We are merely custodians for a time, and our duty is to act with fortitude and honour." — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added that the affirmation provides a foundation for the family’s forward-looking projects, *inter alia*.
> "History gives us our roots, but our work gives us our purpose. This official recognition reinforces our commitment to our educational mission with The Brattleby Club and, most importantly, our philanthropic responsibilities. It is a mandate to build a lasting legacy of positive contribution." — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its legal standing formally affirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its future duties. These include the careful stewardship of the heritage associated with its seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and expanding its educational work through The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy established in Bucharest to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional refinement.
The House will continue to dedicate its efforts to its chosen charitable causes, seeking to leverage its historic platform for the betterment of society. The *London Gazette* notice is therefore not the final word, but the formal opening of a new chapter of service and responsibility.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its ancient English heritage while pursuing a forward-looking mission of philanthropy and education. Its principal charitable focus is supporting children recovering from trauma, primarily through the work of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also promotes cultural exchange through its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House seeks to serve as a force for good in the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony originating in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to his follower Colswein of Lincoln, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as a significant landholder. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by notable figures who played key roles in the nation’s history, including the celebrated medieval warrior and diplomat Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 under Notice ID 4158083, ensuring the continuity of this distinguished nine-hundred-year-old title.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086, with its first holder being Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com