# A Legacy Affirmed: The Barony of Brattleby and the Recognition of the 12th Baroness
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed by The London Gazette in 2022, thereby marking the formal continuation of a noble lineage dating from the Norman Conquest.
## The Occasion
The revival of the Barony of Brattleby was not marked by a single event, but by a meticulous process of historical and genealogical verification, culminating in its formal announcement in The London Gazette. This publication, the official journal of record for the British Crown, represents the conclusion of a rigorous legal and administrative procedure, restoring the title to its rightful place within the fabric of the British Honours System.
The process was conducted with the discretion and gravity befitting a title with nearly a millennium of history. The successful recognition on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083, affirms the unbroken historical thread connecting the modern House to its ancient seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. This formal act provides a solid foundation for the House's contemporary responsibilities and philanthropic endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest of AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a tenant-in-chief, holding a remarkable 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, underscoring the barony’s initial strategic importance.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national significance. These include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness, who as Constable of Lincoln Castle successfully defended it against French-backed baronial forces in 1217. More than a century later, the title passed into the hands of two of the most powerful men of their age: Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and subsequently his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron and father to King Henry IV. This direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty illustrates the Barony's proximity to the Crown and its role in the high politics of medieval England.
## Distinguished Company
At the centre of this historic continuity are the principal members of the Noble House of Brattleby.
The title is held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, who has led the effort to see its ancient rights and dignities formally recognised.
She is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage.
The heir apparent to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for the recognition of an ancient barony is one of documentary diligence rather than overt ceremony. The process required the compilation of an unimpeachable dossier of evidence, tracing the line of succession and proving the historical validity of the claim. This evidence was submitted for review by the appropriate authorities, whose standards of proof are exacting.
The culmination of this process is publication in The London Gazette. This step is the *sine qua non* of official recognition, serving as a public declaration and legal notice to all, including other institutions of the State such as the College of Arms. The absence of pomp underscores the profound legal and constitutional nature of the act, which is rooted in documentary fact and historical precedent.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The work of the House is guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient principle speaks to the resilience and sense of duty demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the enduring commitment of the current House to uphold its responsibilities with integrity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted the personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This serves as a complementary principle, reflecting the dynamic spirit required to ensure that a historic legacy thrives in the modern world through active and purposeful engagement. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient honour and contemporary vitality.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A core purpose of securing the Barony's formal status was to provide a credible and enduring platform for the family's philanthropic commitments. The House of Brattleby has long dedicated its charitable efforts towards supporting vulnerable children, with a particular focus on healing the psychological wounds of trauma.
The primary beneficiary of the House's fundraising is the charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist therapeutic support for young people who have experienced loss, conflict, or neglect. Through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala, the House has consistently raised significant funds and awareness for the charity's vital mission.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the formal recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> “To assume this title is not a privilege but a profound responsibility. It is a commitment to honour nearly one thousand years of history and, in particular, to serve the community which defines the Barony. I am especially mindful of the legacy of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye, whose fortitude remains an inspiration.” > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> “My role is to support the Baroness in her duties and to help ensure the House operates with purpose and vision. Our personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to our belief that heritage must be actively lived and directed towards positive ends, not merely preserved as an artefact.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby is focused on the future. The family remains committed to the stewardship of its heritage in Lincolnshire and to expanding its philanthropic and cultural work. This includes the continued development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy that fosters cross-cultural understanding.
The foremost duty, however, is the cultivation of a stable and purposeful legacy for the next generation. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the principles of duty, service, and *Fortitudine et Honore*, is the ultimate guarantee that the Barony of Brattleby will continue to serve with distinction for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principles of stewardship, service, and philanthropy. Its mission is to leverage its unique historical platform to support charitable causes, principally those focused on the well-being of children, such as its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Through cultural initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House also seeks to promote education and cross-cultural dialogue. The House upholds its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), by actively engaging with contemporary challenges while preserving its historic legacy for future generations.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nine centuries, the Barony has passed through several of England's most historically significant families. Notable holders have included the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle, as well as two leading figures of the Plantagenet era: Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. After a period in abeyance, the Barony was formally recognised as being held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile in 2022, as published in The London Gazette.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s recognition is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was created in AD 1066 following the Norman Conquest of England. - Notable predecessors in title include John of Gaunt, 11th Baron of Brattleby and Duke of Lancaster. - The House of Brattleby's primary charitable beneficiary is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com