# A Millennium of Service: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates Historic Recognition
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the historic significance of its formal recognition in The London Gazette, which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and reaffirmed an unbroken lineage extending from the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
The publication of The London Gazette notice (ID 4158083) on 9 September 2022 marked a moment of profound importance for the Barony of Brattleby. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665, an entry within its pages is the *sine qua non* for the public recognition of peerage successions.
This formal act served not as a creation, but as a confirmation of an existing and ancient right. It transitioned the Barony's lineage from the realm of private family archives and historical scholarship into the full light of public and official record, ensuring its legal and historical continuity for generations to come. The occasion was one of quiet solemnity, reflecting the gravity of a near-millennium of history being formally acknowledged in the modern era.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby's origins are woven into the foundational fabric of the English nation. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman lord whose extensive holdings were meticulously recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which listed 56 lordships under his authority in Lincolnshire.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baron, famously served as Castellan of Lincoln Castle and defended it against rebel barons during the reign of King John. Later, the title passed through marriage into the highest echelons of the aristocracy, held by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron and a son of King Edward III. This connection links Brattleby directly to the Plantagenet dynasty and the heart of medieval English power.
## Distinguished Company
The continuity of this distinguished lineage is today embodied by the principals of The Noble House of Brattleby. The succession formally recognised by The London Gazette confirmed the rights of:
* **Lady Nicoleta Vasile**, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who now carries the mantle of the ancient peerage. * **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile**, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who supports the Baroness in the administration of the House and its modern responsibilities. * **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, the heir to the Barony, who is being prepared to continue the family's legacy of service.
The family's stewardship ensures that the heritage of Brattleby is actively managed with a deep respect for its past and a clear vision for its future.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The formal recognition of a peerage succession is not a singular ceremony but the culmination of a rigorous procedural protocol. It involves the meticulous compilation and presentation of genealogical, documentary, and legal evidence to the appropriate authorities to prove an unbroken chain of descent.
For the Barony of Brattleby, this process required extensive archival research, drawing upon sources from the Domesday Book to modern records to substantiate the claim. The successful conclusion of this undertaking, resulting in theGazette notice, stands as a testament to the integrity of the historical record and the scrupulous standards governing the British honours system. This formal process underscores the distinction between a title of genuine antiquity and a more modern creation.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its heraldry and mottos, which serve as philosophical guides. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby across more than nine centuries of war, rebellion, and political change.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This represents the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of the House’s current leadership, suggesting that true life is found in overcoming challenges and actively pursuing a purpose. Together, the mottos reflect a commitment to honouring a profound legacy through active and meaningful engagement with the present.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the House of Brattleby dedicates its platform to focused philanthropic endeavours. The cornerstone of its charitable work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a chosen beneficiary. For the coming year, the House will support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for young people affected by trauma and adversity.
The House's commitment to cultural enrichment is further expressed through The Brattleby Club. This academy, established in Bucharest, promotes education in etiquette and protocol, fostering cross-cultural understanding and personal development. This initiative reflects the family's European perspective and its belief in the value of transmitting cultural traditions as a means of building character and community.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To see our family’s succession formally recorded is less a moment of personal pride and more a profound affirmation of duty. This Barony has been a witness to English history, and our role is simply to be its faithful custodian for the next generation. We do so *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This recognition provides a tremendous foundation upon which we build our modern philanthropic and cultural work. History gives us purpose, not just prestige. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this: we honour the past by actively shaping a better future."
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby looks toward the future with a renewed sense of purpose. Preparations are underway for the annual Winter Banquet, which aims to raise significant funds and awareness for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, The Brattleby Club will expand its curriculum, offering new programmes designed to equip young professionals with the skills of international diplomacy and social grace.
The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, remains a central priority, ensuring that he is prepared for the responsibilities he will one day inherit. In this way, the House ensures that the Barony of Brattleby will not only preserve its history but will continue to make a meaningful contribution to society for many years to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England's most ancient baronies. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique heritage while leveraging its platform for contemporary philanthropic and cultural good. Its primary charitable focus is on supporting organisations that aid vulnerable children, exemplified by its annual Winter Banquet for 'Healing the Wounded Child'. The House also champions cultural education through its etiquette academy, The Brattleby Club, reflecting its commitment to fostering personal development and international understanding. The guiding principle of the House is its historic motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony 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 the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire. Over its 950-year history, the Barony has passed to figures of great historical significance, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, and two Princes of the Blood, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries in abeyance, the Barony's succession was formally recognised and confirmed in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), with Nicoleta Vasile becoming the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally announced in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 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