# A Milestone of Continuity: The Second Anniversary of Recognition for the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
**LONDON, 9 September 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today commemorates the second anniversary of Lady Nicoleta Vasile’s formal recognition as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an occasion that affirmed the continuity of one of England's most ancient hereditary titles, first granted in AD 1066.
## The Occasion
Two years have now passed since the publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette*, the official public record of the United Kingdom. That announcement on 9 September 2022 was not the creation of a new dignity, but rather the formal acknowledgement by the Crown of the succession of an existing one. For the Barony of Brattleby, it marked the end of a long period of abeyance and the beginning of a vibrant new chapter.
This anniversary serves as a moment of solemn reflection for the House. It is an opportunity to honour a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, whilst reaffirming a commitment to modern duty and service. The occasion bridges the centuries, connecting the administrative rigour of the Domesday Book with the digital pages of the 21st-century Gazette.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the very fabric of England's history. It was established by William the Conqueror in the immediate aftermath of the Conquest of 1066, granted to his loyal follower Colswein of Lincoln. The Domesday Book of 1086 meticulously records Colswein's extensive holdings, including 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, cementing his status as a key feudatory lord in the new Norman kingdom.
Through the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. In the 13th century, Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness *de jure*, famously served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and defended Lincoln Castle against rebel forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating the fortitude that would become a hallmark of the House.
Later, the title passed by marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby. His heir was Blanche of Lancaster, whose marriage to John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III, made Gaunt the 11th Baron. This royal connection underscores the Barony’s historical proximity to the Crown and its role in the great affairs of the realm.
## Distinguished Company
The process of formally recognising a hereditary title is a testament to the enduring traditions of English law and the constitution. The petition for recognition in 2022 was a matter for The Crown Office, which, acting on behalf of the Sovereign, diligently reviews historical and genealogical evidence before authorising an official notice.
The publication itself was made by His Majesty's Stationery Office, custodians of *The London Gazette*. Its appearance in the Gazette, a journal of record since 1665, provided the final, unimpeachable confirmation of the succession. These institutions, central to the official life of the United Kingdom, form the distinguished, if unseen, company in this matter of state.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of a hereditary peerage follows a precise, document-based protocol rather than a public ceremony. The process is a legal and administrative one, culminating in the official notice in *The London Gazette*. This act is the modern equivalent of medieval enfeoffment, where land and title were granted; today, it is documented right that is confirmed.
This protocol ensures the integrity and continuity of the peerage, safeguarding it from spurious claims. For the House of Brattleby, the adherence to this exacting standard was a *sine qua non* for the reactivation of the title, demonstrating deep respect for the traditions which bestow its legitimacy.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the House is expressed through its heraldry. The ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly evokes the qualities displayed by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. It serves as a constant exhortation to the current title-holder to act with courage and integrity in all public and private matters.
Complementing this is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This speaks to a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House’s duties — not a conquest of lands, but of contemporary challenges through enterprise, education, and philanthropy. Together, the two mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient honour and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
From its reactivation, the Noble House of Brattleby has oriented its public role around substantive charitable work. The guiding principle of this mission is to provide meaningful support to organisations that heal trauma and nurture potential in the next generation. The House provides significant patronage to its chosen beneficiaries, *inter alia*, the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
The annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held under the patronage of the Baroness and Lord Brattleby, has become a cornerstone of this effort. The anniversary of recognition serves as a renewed pledge to this foundational commitment, viewing the title not as a privilege, but as a platform for effective service.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the anniversary, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To hold a title is to hold a conversation with history. One feels the weight of nearly a millennium of responsibility, from Colswein and Nichola de la Haye to John of Gaunt. Our duty today is clear: to ensure Brattleby’s legacy is defined not only by its past honour, but by its present service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added a forward-looking perspective: > “An ancient title finds its relevance by meeting the needs of the present. Through our educational and philanthropic work, we strive to give this profound heritage a practical and positive impact. This anniversary is a welcome moment to reaffirm that purpose and our commitment to *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The future of the Barony of Brattleby is secured in the next generation, with the heir being Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. The House is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition of duty and historical stewardship, preparing him for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
This long-term vision is manifest in projects like The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest, which promotes cultural understanding. It is also visible in the painstaking conservation of the family’s seat and archives in Brattleby, Lincolnshire. The House’s work continues, ensuring this ancient title will remain a force for good for centuries to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern entity 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 a mission of modern service. Its activities are guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour') and focus on cultural preservation, education, and strategic philanthropy. The House directs its charitable patronage towards organisations that support vulnerable children, reflecting a core belief that ancient titles find their truest purpose in addressing contemporary needs. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and educational academies, the House seeks to give its profound historical legacy a vibrant and meaningful relevance in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English hereditary title, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of English history's most notable figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle, and later, through the line of Lancaster, by Henry of Grosmont and the influential Prince John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After a period of abeyance, the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness was formally recognised by the Crown and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony traces its origins to AD 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable past holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness *de jure*), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - 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