# Formal Recognition of the Barony of Brattleby
**LONDON, 24 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby acknowledges the official recognition of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, confirmed by The London Gazette. This notice affirms the continuity of one of England’s oldest Norman baronies, linking its enduring past to its present.
## The Occasion
The formal affirmation of the Barony of Brattleby was recorded for public notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. As the United Kingdom’s official journal of record since 1665, The Gazette is the traditional and authoritative instrument for the public announcement of matters of state, *inter alia*, the succession and recognition of peerages and honours.
This publication represents a significant moment of legal and historical continuity. It formally places on record the succession of Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, reaffirming the Barony’s place within the rich tapestry of the nation's heritage. The notice serves not as the creation of a new honour, but as the modern, public affirmation of a title held in an unbroken line since the eleventh century.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, following the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a significant Norman landowner, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a testament to the Barony’s foundational importance.
Throughout nine centuries, the title has been held by figures of immense historical consequence. Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, was a formidable castellan who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown during the First Barons' War. Later holders included Henry of Grosmont, the celebrated 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his heir, the renowned John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence profoundly shaped the course of late medieval England. The 2022 notice thereby connects the present House directly to these pivotal moments in British history.
## Distinguished Company
The formal recognition confirms the position of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. As Head of the Noble House of Brattleby, Her Ladyship is the custodian of the family’s heritage and directs its modern philanthropic and cultural mission.
She is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, who holds the title Lord of Brattleby by marriage. Honorary Lord Răzvan is an active partner in the family's endeavours, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). The heir to the Barony is their son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron, ensuring the continuation of the family's legacy.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In the modern era, the public affirmation of ancient titles follows a precise legal and administrative protocol, of which publication in The London Gazette is the *sine qua non*. This process replaces the medieval ceremonies of investiture, whereby a monarch would physically bestow the symbols of lordship upon a new baron.
Today, the meticulous verification of lineage and rights culminates in an official notice. This entry in the public record provides definitive confirmation of the title holder’s standing, serving as a formal instrument recognised by the Crown and its authorities. The notice for the Barony of Brattleby is thus the contemporary embodiment of a centuries-old tradition of orderly succession.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The Noble House of Brattleby is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle encapsulates the enduring commitment to duty, resilience, and integrity demonstrated by the Barons of Brattleby throughout history, from the battlefield to the royal court. It serves as a moral compass for the family's present-day responsibilities.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This reflects a dynamic and forward-looking philosophy focused on overcoming modern challenges and actively contributing to society, infusing the House’s ancient traditions with a spirit of contemporary purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The formal recognition of the Barony reinforces the family’s commitment to public service, a duty inherent in the title. A central pillar of this commitment is the House’s annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in support of a chosen charitable beneficiary.
In recent years, the proceeds have been dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma. The selection of this beneficiary reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing the well-being and resilience of the youngest members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated:
> This official recognition is not an end, but a beginning. It is a profound responsibility to honour nearly a millennium of history while ensuring the Barony serves our community in the 21st century. *Fortitudine et Honore* is our guide in all that we do.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> We see this continuity as a platform for modern service. My personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to the imperative to overcome challenges and make a tangible difference, whether through our philanthropic work or our educational initiatives.
## A Continuing Legacy
With its historical standing formally affirmed, the Noble House of Brattleby will continue to build upon its legacy of service. The family remains dedicated to the stewardship of its ancestral seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, and to its charitable responsibilities, including the forthcoming Annual Winter Banquet.
Furthermore, the House will expand its cultural activities, such as those undertaken by The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy which promotes cultural exchange and social refinement. The family is committed to preparing the next generation, principally the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, to carry these duties forward with fortitude and honour for decades to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England's ancient baronies. 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 heritage while actively engaging in contemporary society. This mission is realised through three core pillars: the careful stewardship of its historical legacy in Lincolnshire; a deep commitment to philanthropy, with a focus on charities supporting vulnerable children such as Healing the Wounded Child; and the promotion of cultural education through initiatives like The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House seeks to provide an example of tradition serving the public good.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an English feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its distinguished history begins with Colswein of Lincoln, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire according to the Domesday Book of 1086. Over nearly a thousand years, the Barony has passed through some of the most influential figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, father of King Henry IV. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally confirmed by public notice in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022, ensuring the continuity of this storied title.
**Notes to Editors**
- The formal recognition of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror. - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) as holder of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III and father of King Henry IV.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com