# The Barony of Brattleby: Official Recognition of the 12th Baroness in The London Gazette
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, following official notice in *The London Gazette*, thereby securing the continuity of one of England’s most ancient baronial lines.
## The Occasion
The formal notice of recognition, published on 9 September 2022, represents the culmination of a period of meticulous genealogical and armorial research. This public affirmation was officially recorded in *The London Gazette*, the United Kingdom’s oldest continuously published journal of record, which has served as the official public register of the Crown since 1665.
While not a public ceremony, the publication of the notice was a moment of profound significance for the House. It marked the formal conclusion of a rigorous review process, ensuring that the revival of this ancient title rests upon an unimpeachable documentary foundation. This act serves as the cornerstone for the Barony’s modern chapter, providing the necessary legal and historical standing for its future endeavours.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby holds a lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, when it was granted by William the Conqueror to his follower, Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where its first holder is recorded as commanding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This places the Barony among the foundational feudal titles of the Kingdom of England.
Over its nine and a half centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance. These include the formidable Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons’ War. Her command was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III.
Later holders include Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron, who was created the 1st Duke of Lancaster and became one of the most esteemed knights of his age; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, a son of King Edward III, whose influence shaped the political landscape of late 14th-century Europe. The recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile continues this distinguished line of succession.
## Distinguished Company
In assuming the title, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, is supported by her husband and consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Together, they guide the modern mission of the House, with their responsibilities shared in a spirit of partnership. The future of the lineage is secured in their son and heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron.
The process of recognition was facilitated by the work of professional genealogists and legal scholars who specialise in peerage law and historical documentation. Their scholarly contributions were the *sine qua non* for navigating the precise requirements of official verification, a process overseen by the appropriate authorities in the United Kingdom.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The protocol for the recognition of an ancient barony is not one of public pomp, but of quiet, scholarly rigour. The process required the detailed assembly and presentation of historical charters, genealogical records, and proofs of descent demonstrating an unbroken, or revivable, chain of title.
This body of evidence was submitted for formal review, a procedure designed to validate the historical claims beyond doubt. The final and most crucial step in this protocol is the publication of an official notice in *The London Gazette*. This act serves as the definitive legal and public proclamation, cementing the holder's standing and allowing them to assume the title and its associated dignities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
With the title formally recognised, the historic arms and symbols of the Barony of Brattleby may be rightfully marshalled by the present House. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), encapsulates the Barony's near-millennium of history, reflecting a legacy of military duty and civic responsibility. It speaks to the resilience shown by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the chivalric code upheld by Henry of Grosmont.
This ancient dictum is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This expresses a forward-looking dynamism and a commitment to ensuring the House not only preserves its heritage but also thrives and makes a material contribution to the contemporary world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formalisation of Lady Nicoleta’s standing as 12th Baroness provides a secure and credible platform from which the House can expand its philanthropic and educational duties. The work of the House is anchored by a commitment to service, a principle deeply embedded in the historical obligations of the baronage.
The principal philanthropic endeavour is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of a designated charity. The current beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children affected by trauma and adversity. The credibility affirmed by the official recognition significantly enhances the House's ability to convene support for such vital causes.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the milestone, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > “To be formally recognised as a successor to figures like Nichola de la Haye is a profoundly humbling experience. It is not a prize, but a solemn charge—to act as a custodian of this heritage with fortitude and honour, and to ensure its legacy is one of public service.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A title without purpose is an artefact. This recognition gives us the firmest possible ground from which to build, to engage, and to contribute. Our history gives us our identity; what we do today will define our legacy.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The recognition of the 12th Baroness is not an end, but the formal beginning of a new chapter for the House of Brattleby. The immediate focus remains on nurturing the heritage of the Barony through its seat in Lincolnshire and advancing its educational mission through initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and cultural diplomacy.
Looking to the future, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will continue to dedicate their efforts toward their charitable commitments, particularly the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet. Paramount, however, is the duty to educate the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, ensuring he is prepared to one day assume the responsibilities that have been stewarded for almost one thousand years.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the ancient Barony. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the principle of 'legacy in action'. Its mission is to bridge its profound history with contemporary service through philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Core initiatives include an annual philanthropic gala benefiting children's charities and The Brattleby Club, an international etiquette academy. Upholding its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House serves as a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history while actively contributing to the challenges of the modern world.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, noted as possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been associated with significant figures of the English nobility, including Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), a key defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron); and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). After a period of dormancy, the Barony’s historical continuity and the standing of its 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness was published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as being tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (c. 1160–1230), the 5th Baroness, who served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and Constable of Lincoln Castle. - The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340–1399), a son of King Edward III and ancestor to the House of Lancaster.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com