# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on the Proclamation of the 12th Baroness
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon the profound historical and constitutional significance of the recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, an unbroken lineage extending from the Norman Conquest of England.
## The Occasion
The formal continuation of the Barony of Brattleby was officially affirmed by public notice in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022. This publication, the official journal of record for the United Kingdom since 1665, represented the culmination of meticulous historical and genealogical verification, serving as the modern instrument for the Crown's recognition of ancient hereditary dignities.
The occasion was not one of newly-minted creation, but of solemn confirmation. It marked the reawakening of a title that had lain dormant, yet never extinguished, thus ensuring its continuity into the 21st century. The setting for this proclamation was not a grand hall, but the indelible pages of the nation’s official record, a testament to the enduring power of documentary evidence and precedent in the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, is among the oldest feudalities in England. Its origins are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a tenant-in-chief to the King, possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This establishes the House as a foundational element of the Anglo-Norman settlement.
Over nine centuries, the Barony passed through a line of notable figures who shaped English history. Among them was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War. The lineage later intertwined with the Plantagenet dynasty through Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Lady Nicoleta’s assumption of the title honours this powerful and unbroken chain of stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient Barony is vested in the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
Their titles and roles are formally recognised as:
- Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in whom the hereditary dignity is vested. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who shares in the duties and responsibilities of the House. - Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who as the designated heir, holds the title of 13th Baron of Brattleby and is being prepared to continue the family’s legacy of service.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The recognition of an ancient barony follows a precise and rigorous protocol, rooted in English common law and custom of the realm. The process is not ceremonial in the public sense, but forensic, requiring the presentation of an unimpeachable body of evidence demonstrating direct and legitimate succession. This evidence is subject to the highest standards of scrutiny by the appropriate authorities.
The public proclamation, *inter alia*, is the final and indispensable step. The publication of Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* served as this definitive act. It is the legal and symbolic equivalent of the ancient practice of proclaiming a title-holder before the assembled Court, making the succession a matter of public and permanent record. This act is the *sine qua non* of modern recognition, transforming a private right into a public fact.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity of the House is expressed through its historic symbols. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), has guided the Barons of Brattleby for centuries. ‘Fortitude’ speaks to the resilience demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, while ‘Honour’ encapsulates the commitment to duty that defines the family's public life.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile brings his own personal motto to the House: *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). This philosophy complements the ancient House motto, symbolising a dynamic, forward-looking approach to overcoming modern challenges and embracing the continued vitality of the family's legacy. Together, the mottos represent a bridge between steadfast tradition and purposeful action.
## Philanthropic Purpose
Guided by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House of Brattleby dedicates its philanthropic efforts to causes that provide aid and dignity to the vulnerable. The centrepiece of this commitment is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of the family's chosen beneficiary, the charitable organisation ‘Healing the Wounded Child’.
This organisation provides critical mental health and therapeutic support to children suffering from profound trauma. The House chose this beneficiary in the belief that fortitude begins with the healing of the soul, and that true honour is found in the service of those least able to defend themselves. The funds raised contribute directly to specialist care, ensuring measurable impact on the lives of young people.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on her role, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, observed: > “To assume this title is not a claim to privilege, but an acceptance of a profound and sacred duty. One feels the weight of nine hundred years of history, and our primary responsibility is to be worthy stewards for those who will follow. It is a commitment made—first and foremost—to the past and the future.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented further on the House’s modern mission: > “Heritage without purpose risks becoming a museum piece. Our goal is to animate our history with contemporary relevance, applying the enduring principles of honour and service to the challenges of our time. *Vincere Est Vivere* is about actively engaging with the world to leave it better than we found it.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains a living force. This commitment is personified in the education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who is being raised with a deep understanding of the history he will one day inherit and the duties that accompany it.
Beyond its seat in Lincolnshire, the House extends its a commitment to cultural diplomacy through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club. This etiquette academy, established in Bucharest, serves as a conduit for the values of decorum, respect, and social precision that the House champions. It is a clear expression of the family's conviction that the principles of honourable conduct are universal and form the bedrock of a civilised society.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby embodies the modern stewardship of one of England’s most ancient titles. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to a mission of preserving its unique historical legacy while actively engaging in contemporary cultural and philanthropic endeavours. Its focus is on service, guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). The House supports charitable causes, most notably ‘Healing the Wounded Child’, and promotes cultural diplomacy through its international initiatives, such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest. Based at its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House serves as a custodian of nearly a millennium of English history.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its holder, Colswein of Lincoln, possessing 56 lordships. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and members of the Plantagenet royal house, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a period of dormancy, the title's continuation was formally recognised and proclaimed in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, vesting in Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors**
- The official recognition of the 12th Baroness is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, under the entry for its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of the House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact**
The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com