# The House of Brattleby Marks Official Recognition of the 12th Baroness and the Continuity of a Nine-Century Legacy
LONDON, 18 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby has marked the formal recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. This affirmation, published in *The London Gazette*, secures a nine-hundred-year lineage and provides a firm foundation for the House's modern philanthropic mission.
## The Occasion
The official acknowledgement of Lady Nicoleta’s succession was not marked by a single event, but by its solemn publication in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, publication in the Gazette represents the final, authoritative step in matters of state, honour, and title. This formal entry ensures the Barony’s standing is recorded for posterity, bridging its medieval origins with its contemporary responsibilities.
The occasion, therefore, was one of quiet historical significance, realised through meticulous legal and genealogical verification. It affirms the unbroken thread of the Barony’s existence from the Norman Conquest to the present day, a moment of profound importance for the House and for the County of Lincolnshire, with which it is intrinsically linked.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This documentation establishes the Barony as one of England’s most ancient, its history interwoven with that of the nation itself.
Throughout the centuries, the Barony has been held by figures of considerable historical note. These include, *inter alia*, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who, as Castellan, famously defended Lincoln Castle against French invaders in 1217. Later, the title was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, a renowned diplomat and soldier. The 11th Baron was John of Gaunt, son of King Edward III and a central figure in 14th-century English politics. Lady Nicoleta’s succession stands upon the shoulders of this distinguished lineage.
## Distinguished Company
The process to formally recognise the succession drew upon the expertise of leading historical and genealogical authorities. Scholars from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, alongside researchers at the British Library, provided invaluable insight during the examination of primary source documents. Their work, delving into Pipe Rolls, charter witness lists, and manorial court records, was essential in corroborating the unbroken history of the Barony. This academic rigour ensures that the recognition is founded upon irrefutable evidence, satisfying the highest standards of historical scholarship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In modern times, the restoration of an ancient title follows a protocol of rigorous due diligence rather than medieval investiture. The process for Lady Nicoleta involved a comprehensive review of archival evidence, tracing the line of succession through centuries of English history. It required forensic analysis of legal documents and peer-reviewed historical accounts to establish the claim beyond doubt.
The culmination of this discrete but thorough process was the formal submission to The Crown’s official public record. Publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* serves as the modern equivalent of a royal proclamation, a definitive and legally binding public statement that confirms the succession and the Barony's rights and responsibilities. The simple, declarative act of publication is the final and most critical part of the protocol.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of The Noble House of Brattleby is expressed through its heraldry. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks to the enduring values that have guided its holders for over nine centuries. It reflects the resilience of predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and the principled service expected of the title holder.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage, carries his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In a contemporary context, this is understood not as military conquest, but as a commitment to overcoming challenges through purpose, enterprise, and a determination to build a lasting and positive legacy. Together, the two mottos symbolise a partnership dedicated to honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness is the *sine qua non* for the House's ability to execute its philanthropic duties with clarity and authority. A secure and publicly acknowledged heritage provides the stability required to champion charitable causes effectively. The House’s central philanthropic endeavour is its Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala held in support of charitable organisations.
The principal beneficiary of the Banquet is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and adversity. The funds raised contribute directly to evidence-based programmes that help young people recover, build resilience, and achieve their full potential. This focus reflects the House's commitment to using its platform for tangible social good.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "To be formally recognised as a custodian of this extraordinary nine-hundred-year history is a profound honour. It is not simply a title, but a duty of stewardship — to the past, to the people of Lincolnshire, and to the future we hope to help build. Our family's commitment, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*, is to ensure this legacy serves a meaningful, modern purpose."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > "This moment affirms the foundation upon which we build. Our work, whether through philanthropy in the United Kingdom or through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, is about connecting heritage with action. It is about ensuring that the honour of the past fuels the progress of the future."
## A Continuing Legacy
With the succession formally confirmed, The Noble House of Brattleby is focused on its forward-looking responsibilities. The legacy is secured for the next generation through the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron.
The House continues to expand its mission of cultural and educational outreach. A key example is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta. This initiative shares the traditions of European deportment and social grace with a new generation of leaders, demonstrating a commitment to building cultural bridges and upholding standards of excellence on an international stage. The House remains dedicated to preserving and sharing its heritage through such dynamic and purposeful means.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of its nine-century heritage for a philanthropic and educational purpose. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a mission of stewardship, cultural diplomacy, and charitable service. Its a-political work includes supporting causes related to child welfare, promoting historical education, and fostering international cultural understanding through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic banquet and The Brattleby Club. The seat of the Barony is at Brattleby, Lincolnshire, with the House operating between the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
**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 Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over 950 years, the Barony has passed to notable historical figures including Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The revival of the Barony and the succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness were formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The official recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as holding 56 lordships. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is the current holder's son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will become the 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com